Dates:
Mississippi Park Connection and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in collaboration with Fearless Comedy Productions, brings an immersive murder mystery theatrical experience to life. Murder on the Mississippi combines performance art, education, history, entertainment, drinks and boating to create a unique, social experience out on the river in a national park. We bet there isn't anything quite like it in the country! Cruise down the Mississippi River while enjoying a beverage, taking in gorgeous scenery, and helping to solve a murder mystery on this historical Jonathan Padelford riverboat experience.

Cost: $35 - $1,000
Dates: July 17 or September 11
This gift is a double feature with a pay-it-forward component. When you buy a Mississippi Park Connection membership for your dad, not only will you be treating him to year-long discounts to fun events and activities on the Mississippi River, but he can also take pride in knowing that his gift helps fund youth education programs and environmental stewardship projects in a national park. Members of Mississippi Park Connection are also entitled to a free pontoon tour for them + 1 guest, guided by a National Park Service Ranger who will talk about the history, culture and environment of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.
More information: Membership | Pontoon Tours

Cost: Saint Paul Route - $10; Minneapolis - Free (Registration Required); Hastings - Free (Registration Not Required)
Dates:
- Saint Paul: August 3
- Minneapolis: July 12 | August 1 | September 7
- Hastings: July 23 | September 24
Each Bike with a Ranger route is lead by a knowledgeable National Park Service Ranger who will regale you with historical and relevant stories of various sites as you bike along the Mississippi River. The Minneapolis route covers the history of Nicollet Island, Boom Island, Bohemian Flats, and the only waterfall on the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls. The St. Paul route explores the history, geology, watersheds, and parks that connect us all to natural and culturally significant sites such as: Harriet Island, Lilydale Regional Park, Bdote at Fort Snelling, and the Sibley House Historic Site.
More information: see date links above

Cost: $35 ($30 for Mississippi Park Connection Members)
Dates:
- Minneapolis: July 9
- Saint Paul: July 22 | August 6
This gift is perfect for anyone who enjoys being in nature, learning about history, and recreating outdoors. Everyone from novices to experts will find value in this program, whether it’s learning about the history and ecology of the national park in the Twin Cities, or the security of having an experienced park ranger on hand as they navigate the Mississippi River on a kayak. Cost includes a Paddle Share kayak rental.
More information: see date links above

Cost: Free
Dates: Anytime
Location: Anywhere in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
In this fast-paced world, the most precious gift you can give is your time. Curate an experience and create new memories with your dad by exploring the national park in your own backyard together. Pack a picnic and go bird watching at the oak savanna in Mississippi Gorge Regional Park. Take a self-guided tour with the help of Ranger on Call to learn about the downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul riverfronts, or the history and restoration of Coldwater Spring. Bike the 3+ miles of nature trails winding through Spring Lake Park Reserve and stop for a moment to gaze at the river from atop the tall bluffs in the area. There are so many things to do and places to go in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, making it the perfect backdrop for a day out with dad.

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