ITASCA STATE PARK NATURE PROGRAM

Here are the Itasca State Park Nature Program events listed for August 8 to August 13.

Historic Buildings Walking TourTuesday, August 8, 2023, from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Meet outside of Forest Inn (Across from Douglas Lodge) The historic buildings of Itasca tell stories of the people who had enjoyed the park before us and contributed to how we currently experience it. Explore the history of Itasca’s oldest buildings, the people who constructed them, and how they have changed.

Circle Time Under the Pines, B is for Birds, Preschool ProgramTuesday, August 8, 2023, from 11-11:30 a.m.Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)Children 2-5 years old, join a naturalist volunteer and have fun at Itasca as we learn about nature through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. NOTES: Adults must accompany children. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying lunch at the park after the program.

Itasca’s Mysteries in History: The Itasca Biological StationTuesday, August 8, 2023, from 1:30-2:30 p.mMeet at the new Welcome Center at the Itasca Biological Station (along Main Park Drive, watch for signs).1907 the University of Minnesota (U of M) held its first field classes in Itasca State Park. Join us at the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories to tour this historic location. Discover the old and the new! Tour the new Itasca Campus Center before we head out to locate the site of the State Park House, where Mary Gibbs lived in 1903. Learn about current research projects and classes as we visit one of the few 1930s National Youth Administration or NYA constructed buildings in the state. We follow the 1920s-era Jefferson Highway route through the field station.

Wildflower WalkWednesday, August 9, 2023, from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Meet outside Douglas Lodge. Join us for a walk along the shore of the stunning Lake Itasca as we discover the beautiful August blooms and the uses of these plants for both wildlife and people.

Jr. Naturalist: GeocachingWednesday, August 9, 2023, from 2-2:45 p.m. Meet in front of the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds and learn about geocaching as we practice using a GPS correctly. Your newfound skill will then be tested by navigating through waypoints until you find the final cache. Kids will be able to take home a tiny prize afterward.

Five Facts in Five Minutes: Turtles of ItascaThursday, August 10, 2023, from 10:30-Noon Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.) 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.

Archery in the ParkThursday, August 10, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m. Meet in the back lot of the Indian Mounds/North Picnic Grounds Parking Area Archery in the Parks is hands-on instruction shooting a bow and arrow from certified instructors in a safe and supportive environment. Aim for a family adventure with kid-friendly equipment for eight and older beginners. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment is provided. Personal archery equipment is not allowed. Participants will be outside for the program. Be prepared for standing in the sun. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellant, and water. The program is canceled if raining.

Jr. Naturalist: Loons by the LakeFriday, August 11, 2023, from 2-2:30 p.m.Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter). What makes the Common Loon (Minnesota’s State Bird) so unique? Kids are welcome to join a naturalist to learn about this fantastic animal and how it has adapted to life on the water.

Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation CorpsSaturday, August 12, 2023, from 12:30-2 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 and what life was like in the CCC. Feel free to stop by at your leisure.

Jr. Naturalist: Map MastersSaturday, August 12, 2023, from 2-2:45 p.m. Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter). Kids, come and gain some exploration skills as you begin creating maps and learning how to use a compass. Navigation and finding your way without a phone or GPS could be difficult, but not after learning these helpful skills!

Fruits and Seeds of the Forest, Evening WalkSaturday, August 12, 2023, from 7-8 p.m. Meet in front of Douglas Lodge. Join us as we explore the outdoors while learning about the fruits and seeds of plants in the forest.

Five Facts in Five Minutes: The Weasel FamilySunday, August 13, 2023, from 10:30-12 Noon Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.) Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? As you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, stop by the nature cart and learn about some animals in the weasel family.

Outdoor Kids, ButterfliesSunday, August 13, 2023, from 2-3:30 p.m. (come and go at your leisure). Meet by the Swim Beach/ Playground (at the south end of the picnic grounds on Lake Itasca). Kids of all ages come out and explore nature at their leisure. This program series allows kids to connect with nature through hands-on activities that focus on life around the lake. Have fun discovering Itasca while hanging out at the swimming beach or playground.