The for the Itasca State Park Nature Program from October 7 to October 31 are listed below.
Hike to Bear Paw Point
Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Meet at the Itasca Biological Station campus (along Main Park Drive; watch for signs).
Join us for a rare opportunity to hike to Bear Paw Point and get a spectacular view of Lake Itasca and fall’s splendor. Explore the unique forest and fall colors and some of the scientific research at the University of Minnesota Biological Station and Laboratories.
Wear sturdy shoes, as this hike is a 1 ½ mile round trip on uneven terrain. Once you are at the Itasca Biological Station, watch for signs for parking and the location of the hike.
Towering Pines, Bike/Car Tour
Friday, October 13, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Gather at the north/bike parking lot at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center, and watch for flags.
Itasca is known for its big, towering pines. Visit old-growth forests as we take a short tour along the east arm of Lake Itasca. Learn about these unique stands and their value to wildlife, water, and people. Stops include pine groves near the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center, Preacher’s Grove, and Peace Pipe Vista.
Notes: Bring your bicycle or car to the Trail Head Parking lot (north car parking lot) at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. Watch for a flag at the parking lot entrance. The bike tour will follow the bike trail (some hills, long grades). The car route follows Main Park Drive.
The Beauty of Minnesota’s Old Growth Forests
Friday, October 13, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Meet at the Lake Itasca Amphitheater on the picnic grounds (in between the swimming beach and the picnic shelter). If it is raining, meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.
Old-growth forests are more than just trees. Once covering 51 percent of Minnesota’s forested land, today, only remnants remain of these unique pieces of the state’s natural history. Many are found in our state’s Scientific and Natural Areas. Join Becky Marty, Plant Ecologist with the MN DNR, as she reveals the beauty of these treasured places through photos and stories.
Jr. Naturalist: Animals of the Old Growth Forest Walk
Friday, October 13, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center
Kids explore cool forest animals and discover particular adaptations that help them survive in the old-growth pine forest.
Itasca’s Mystery in History: Hiking Bear Paw Point
Friday, October 13, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Meet at the University of Minnesota Itasca Biological Station (along Main Park Drive; watch for signs)
Did you know the forests of Itasca are one of the main reasons for the park’s creation? Discover the lush beauty of old-growth northern hardwood forests when you join the park naturalist for an exclusive walk along Bear Paw Point. Who was Forester Greene, and what was his connection to the park and Minnesota forestry? We’ll walk to the junction of Lake Itasca’s North and East Arms and discover the answers. Learn about the 115-year connection between Itasca State Park, the forest, and the Itasca Biological Station.
Notes: Long pants and long socks are recommended.
Kid’s Science Discovery: The Mystery Hike
Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center
Kids, explore the trail on the mystery hike. Walking sticks will be provided. Science Discovery programs are geared toward students looking to take the classroom outside. Itasca is a beautiful outdoor learning space to explore the natural world.
What to Bring: This program will include going outdoors if the weather allows, so plan for the weather. Dress in layers and wear appropriate outdoor clothing.
Circle Time Under the Pines: S is for Spiders
Tuesday, October 31, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center (look for the big building under the big pine trees.)
Children 2-5 years old explore Itasca as we learn about nature through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. Bring your outdoor clothes; we will explore nature outside if the weather allows.
Registration: Registration for this program is required. For more information or to register, email Naturalist Sandra at Sandra.d.lichter@state.mn.us or call 218-699-7252.
NOTES: Adults must accompany children. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying your noon meal around the fireplace in the visitor center lobby after the program.
Learn about American Bison in Minnesota with Scott Kudelka
Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Meet at the Lake Itasca Amphitheater (if it rains, inside the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center)
As the largest mammal on the Great Plains, millions of bison once roamed North America and played an integral role in the livelihood of American Indian tribes. The American Plains bison is an animal built to live in harsh conditions but barely survived after being slaughtered to make way for the Euro-American settlement of the 19th Century. Former Minneopa Area Naturalist will talk about how bison numbers have increased since a low of about 350 but still are considered vulnerable and how the MN DNR is playing an essential role in preserving this iconic animal.
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