Itasca State Park will hold several nature programs from July 1 to July 15. Below is a list of all the fun and educational programs.
TRACKING DRAGONS: THE SCIENCE OF DARNER DRAGON FLY MIGRATION
Date: Monday, July 1, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Biome Center, University of Minnesota Itasca Biological Station (Main Park Drive, watch for signs)
Details: Join Dr. Emily Schilling to learn about North America’s darner dragonflies and their migratory behaviors. Explore dragonfly nymphs and attempt to observe adults in their natural habitat.
CIRCLE TIME UNDER THE PINES
P is for Pond:
Date: Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Time: 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
W is for Walking in the Woods:
Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Time: 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Council ring outside Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds
Details: Nature exploration sessions for children aged 2-5 years featuring stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor activities.
HISTORIC BUILDINGS WALKING TOUR
Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Time: 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Location: Outside Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge)
Details: Explore the history of Itasca’s oldest buildings and the people contributing to the park’s heritage.
OUTDOOR KIDS
Leaf Rubbings:
Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Fish Tales:
Date: Saturday, July 6, 2024
Let’s Get Loonie:
Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Dazzling Dragonflies:
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Time for all sessions: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Swim Beach/Playground (south end of picnic grounds on Lake Itasca)
Details: Hands-on activities for kids focusing on lake life and nature exploration.
OLD TIMER’S CABIN AND THE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS
Dates and Times:
Thursday, July 4, 2024, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 7, 2024, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 11, 2024, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 14, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Old Timer’s Cabin, along the boardwalk of Dr. Roberts Trail, below Douglas Lodge
Details: Learn about the CCC and life in the early park days. Stop by at your leisure.
JR. NATURALIST: GPS NAVIGATION INVESTIGATION
Date: Thursday, July 4, 2024
Time: 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Location: Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center
Details: Learn GPS basics and adventure to find clues and treasures. Bring water and a sense of adventure!
MORNING NATURE WALK
Date: Friday, July 5, 2024
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Outside Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge)
Details: Enjoy a nature walk, explore flora and fauna, and discover the health benefits of nature walking.
FAMILY FISHING FUN
Dates and Times:
Friday, July 5, 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Friday, July 12, 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Lake Itasca Fishing Pier, below Douglas Lodge
Details: Introduction to fishing for kids and adults. Learn species identification and fishing techniques, and catch some fish.
JR NATURALIST: MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES
Date: Friday, July 5, 2024
Time: 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Location: Swim Beach/Playground (south end of picnic grounds on Lake Itasca)
Details: Learn about Minnesota’s moths and butterflies. Take home new knowledge and a craft.
BATS: MINNESOTA’S MAMMAL OF THE SKY!
Date: Saturday, July 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.
Location: Council ring outside Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds
Details: Discover the myths and facts about bats and their unique behaviors.
JR. NATURALIST: FROG CHORUS
Date: Sunday, July 7, 2024
Time: 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Council ring outside Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds
Details: Learn about Itasca’s frogs and their habitats. Suitable for kids accompanied by adults.
TAKE ME FISHING TUESDAY
Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Lake Ozawindib Pier, on Lake Ozawindib
Details: Fishing introduction for kids and adults. Learn fishing basics and enjoy the outdoors.
TREE ID WALK
Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Time: 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Location: Porch at Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center
Details: Explore Itasca’s trees and learn to identify different species.
STORYTIME IN NATURE
Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Time: 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Council ring outside Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds
Details: Outdoor story reading and craft session for children. Adults must accompany children.
JR. NATURALIST: BIRDS FOR BEGINNERS
Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024
Time: 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Location: Council ring outside Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds
Details: Introduction to birdwatching. Suitable for kids accompanied by adults.
ARCHERY IN THE PARK
Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Back lot of Indian Mounds/North Picnic Grounds Parking Area
Details: Archery instruction for beginners aged eight and older. Equipment provided.
JR. NATURALIST: THE LOON
Date: Friday, July 12, 2024
Time: 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Location: Council ring outside Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds
Details: Learn about Minnesota’s state bird, the common loon. Suitable for kids accompanied by adults.
BUSY BEAVERS, CAMPFIRE
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Time: 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Council ring outside Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds
Details: Campfire discussion about beavers and their habitats. Bring s’more fixings!
EYES ON THE SKY: BIRDS AS INDICATORS OF ECOSYSTEM HEALTH
Date: Monday, July 15, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Biome Center, University of Minnesota Itasca Biological Station (Main Park Drive, watch for signs)
Details: Explore how birds reflect ecosystem health and what they can tell about environmental conditions.
