Itasca State Park’s Naturalist Programs – June 8 to 12

As we welcome the warm weekend ahead of us, here’s a list of naturalist programs scheduled at Itasca State Park starting June 8 through 12:

Wednesday, June 8

Mississippi River Facts Walk

Wednesday, June 8, 2016 from 11-11:30 a.m.

Meet at the compass rose under the porch of the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center

Learn about fun facts of the Mississippi Headwaters during this short naturalist-led walk to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. Topics vary.

 

Thursday, June 9

Photo Scavenger Hunt!

Thursday, June 9, 2016, from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Meet down by the lake side Museum/Amphitheater (below the Wegmann Store Ruins).

Have fun with your family while completing our photo scavenger hunt!  Digital cameras will be provided, or you may bring your own.

 

Friday, June 10

Kids’ Fishing Fridays

Friday, June 10, 2016 from 10:30-Noon

Meet at the Itasca Fishing Pier, below Douglas Lodge

Kids, bring an adult with you and learn the new skill of fishing. 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. Artificial bait provided. Non-Minnesota residents will need a fishing license (within the park, purchase at Itasca Sports Rental).

 

Saturday, June 11

Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Tour

Saturday, June 11, 2016 from 10 a.m.–Noon

Tour begins at the Levorsen Building located on the Pioneer Farmer showgrounds.* The showground is located on the north side of Itasca State Park. Go out the North Entrance to Itasca State Park, entrance is on the east side of the North Entrance Road (across from the church and gas station).*Tour begins promptly at 10 a.m.

Get a feel for the early 1900s community of Lake Itasca at the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Showgrounds (LIRPF). See the Itasca Historic Sawmill. Explore various buildings from a country school, dove-tail one-room log house and a logging museum.

 

Itasca State Park Centennial Wagon Train Reunion

Saturday, June 11, 2016

From: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Meet at the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Showgrounds. The showground is located on the north side of Itasca State Park. Go out the North Entrance to Itasca State Park, entrance is on the east side of the North Entrance Road (across from the church and gas station).

Join the reunion of the Itasca State Park Centennial Wagon Train. Everyone, whether you partook in the wagon train or just want to know more about this monumental event, is invited. The Centennial Wagon Train trek from the St. Paul Capitol to Itasca State Park in June, 1991 traveled over 200 miles in two weeks, with over 50 wagons and 150 horseback riders.

Event details:

11 a.m.-Noon: Social Gathering

11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Wagon rides

Noon-1:30 p.m.: Potluck Lunch and socializing (bring a dish to share or bring your own picnic lunch)

1:30 p.m.: Program about the 1991 Itasca State Park Centennial Wagon Train (bring a lawn chair to sit on)

 

Dr. Roberts Trail Hike

Saturday, June 11, 2016 from 10-Noon

Meet at the front porch of Douglas Lodge

Enjoy National Get Outdoors Day with a hike around the Dr. Roberts Trail. We will search for blooming wildflowers as well as other unique plants and animal signs along the trail. This is a two mile hike. Remember to dress for hiking and bring insect repellant, sunscreen, and water.

 

Junior Naturalist: Geocaching Challenge

Saturday, June 11, 2016 from 2-2:45 p.m.

Meet outside Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge)

Join in on our GPS sticker challenge and learn how to use a GPS device to go geocaching!

 

Pie-Iron Cooking, Campfire

Saturday, June 11, 2016 from 7:30-8:15 p.m.

Meet down by the lake side Museum/Amphitheater (below the Wegmann Store Ruins). If rain—campfire cancelled.

Enjoy a warm fire as you learn how to cook using pie-irons. If you have a campfire cooking recipe you want to share, feel free to tell the group. Remember to bring s’more fixings for after the campfire talk!

 

Sunday, June 12

Yoga under the Pines

Sunday, June 12, 2016

11-11:45 a.m.

Meet in the picnic grounds just north of the Lakeside Museum, watch for signs. (lakeside from Wegmann’s Store/cabin)

Relax and unwind with Yoga in the Park, catered to all ages and levels of physical fitness! Begin your day with healthy stretching. Enjoy nature while benefitting from yoga as the calming view of Lake Itasca and the towering pines overhead center you. Participants should bring a mat, blanket, or beach towel and should wear comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely. Led by personal trainer Trista Montgomery. All levels welcome.

NOTES: Please bring your own mat/towel/blanket and some water. A limited number of blocks and straps will be provided. Free to campers as well as members of the community, although a state park vehicle permit is required to enter the park and can be obtained at the contact station. Please allow ample time for parking and walking to the site.

 

Junior Naturalist: Leaf Pounding

Sunday, June 12, 2016, from 2-2:45 p.m.

Meet down by the lake side Museum/Amphitheater (below the Wegmann Store Ruins).

Head down to the Amphitheater to create a piece of unique artwork. Pounding a leaf releases chlorophyll, leaving a distinct image of your chosen leaf on fabric for you to take home.