Itasca State Park will hold several nature programs from June 1 to 15. Below is a list of all the fun and educational programs.
June 1-15, Nature Programs
Jr. Naturalist: Spring Wildflowers
Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 2-2:45 p.m.
Meet outside Douglas Lodge
Spring is a great time to see flowers bloom and all living things come back to – well – life! Join us outside of Douglas Lodge for a short hike to work on our ID skills for flowering spring plants. We will use our senses to figure out what flowers are around the park.
NOTES: Please be prepared for stairs and uneven terrain during the hike.
Trees of Itasca, Evening Walk
Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 7-8 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum in the picnic grounds
Interested in learning about the trees of Itasca? Join the naturalist for a talk and short walk as we discover some of trees and how to identify them.
Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps-
-Tuesday, June 4, 2024, from 12:30-2 p.m. (come and go at your leisure)
-Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 12-1 p.m. (come and go at your leisure)
Held at the Old Timer’s Cabin, located along the boardwalk of Dr. Roberts Trail, below Douglas Lodge
Only 4 (massive) logs tall, learn more about this Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed building as well as what life was like in the CCC. Feel free to stop by at your leisure.
Take Me Fishing Tuesday
-Tuesday, June 4, 2024, from 6:30-8 p.m.
-Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 6:30-8 p.m.
Meet at the Lake Ozawindib Pier, on Lake Ozawindib
Kids and adults, are you a ‘first time’ fisher person wanting to try the new skill of fishing? Learn to identify the common fish species in Minnesota, how to tie a knot, bait your hook and possibly catch some fish. Suitable for ages 6-12.
NOTES: An adult must accompany children. Bring your own fishing pole or use one provided (limited number). Poles are available on first come first serve basis. Bait provided. Non-Minnesota residents will need a fishing license.
Wildflower Walk
Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Meet outside Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge)
Enjoy a short walk through Itasca’s forest in search of spring wildflowers! We will search for large-flowered trillium, yellow lady slipper orchids, large flowered bellwort and much more. What we find will depend on the weather. Bring your camera!
Family Fishing Fun
Friday, June 7, 2024, from 10-11:30 a.m.
Meet at the Lake Itasca Fishing Pier, below Douglas Lodge
Kids and adults, are you a ‘first time’ fisher person wanting to try the new skill of fishing? Learn to identify common fish species in Minnesota, do a craft, and have the chance to catch some fish. Suitable for ages 6-12.
NOTES: An adult must accompany children. Bring your own fishing pole or use one provided (limited number). Poles are available on first come first serve basis. Bait provided. Non-Minnesota residents will need a fishing license.
Jr. Naturalist: Geocaching
Friday, June 7, 2024, from 2-2:45 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum in the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)
Come learn about geocaching as we practice how to correctly use a GPS. Your newfound skill will then be tested by navigating your way through waypoints until you find the final cache. Kids will be able to take home a small prize afterwards.
Outdoor Kids
-Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 2-3:30 p.m.— Walleye, Northerns, Bass, Oh My!
-Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 2-3:30 p.m. — Nets, Buckets, Bugs, and More!
Meet by the Swim Beach/ Playground (at the south end of the picnic grounds on Lake Itasca) Kids of all ages come out and connect with nature through hands-on activities that focus on life around the lake. Stop by for a few moments and have fun discovering Itasca while hanging out at the swimming beach and playground area. Come-and-go at your leisure for this program.
Busy Beavers, Campfire
Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 7-7:30 p.m.
Meet in Bear Paw Campground (the grassy area near the tiny log pump house and campsite #70 near the bike trail)
Bring your blanket or chair and sit around the campfire exploring what makes a beaver perfect for living in the water. Remember to bring s’more fixings for after the campfire talk!
Jr. Naturalist: Animal Tracks
Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum in the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)
Kids, join us to learn about the animals in Itasca State Park and how we can identify them and the tracks they leave behind. How many toes does a wolf have? Come to find out!
Historic Buildings Walking Tour
Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 1:30-2:15 p.m.
Meet outside of Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge)
The historic buildings of Itasca tell stories of the people who have enjoyed the park before us and contributed to the way we currently experience it. Come explore the history of Itasca’s oldest buildings, the people who constructed them, and how the buildings have changed over the years.
NOTES: Dress appropriately for weather conditions, as tour will be mostly outside.
Storytime in Nature
Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 11-11:30 a.m.
Meet by the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum in the picnic grounds (In between Lake Itasca and the picnic shelter)
Kids, do you like to read stories about nature and the outdoors? Join a naturalist volunteer as we enjoy reading stories outside. After the story, have fun making a craft together that you get to take home. NOTES: Adults must accompany children.
Minnesota’s Native Orchids: Where to find them and why they grow here, Nature of Science Series
Friday, June 14, 2024, from 11 a.m.-Noon
Meet at Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge)
Are you curious about how nature functions? Tag along with a scientist! Minnesota has several native orchid species, and you probably know at least one of them (hint – it’s the state flower). Orchids grow all over the state. We’ll talk about some of the fascinating biology of this interesting plant and where orchids live. We’ll even take a quick hike outside to see some that will likely be blooming. Today’s guest is David Remucal, Curator of Endangered Plants with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This program is coordinated by the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station and Itasca State Park.
June 1-15, Five Facts in Five Minutes Program Series
Five Facts in Five Minutes Series
Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the porch of the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center if rain.)
Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? Check out a unique feature at the naturalist station as you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.
Topics for the first half of June include:
Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 10:30 a.m.-Noon — Parenting in Nature
Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 10:30 a.m.-Noon — Itasca’s Fish
Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 10:30 a.m.-Noon — Loons
Monday, June 10, 2024, from 10:30 a.m.-Noon — Hummingbirds
Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 1:30-3 p.m. — Itasca Biological Station
Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 1:30-3 p.m. — Itasca Biological Station
Learn about what takes place at the University of Minnesota’s biological field station located in the state park. We will share information about research and education that takes place at this iconic and historic field station.
