National Park Week 2022: sPark Connections

Spend National Park Week (April 16-24) learning about all six national park sites in Minnesota and start planning your warm-weather adventures.

parkconnectionApril 14, 2022

Ranger Sharon (aka Birdchick)'s Farewell

Ranger Sharon sends a note to park volunteers as she departs for a new job with Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska as their Public Affairs Officer.

parkconnectionApril 4, 2022

A farewell note from Mary Hammes

Mary Hammes was the driving force behind several major environmental initiatives over the course of her six years with Mississippi Park Connection. She shares some of her favorite memories before moving on to a new role with The Nature Conservancy.

staff, volunteersparkconnectionMarch 29, 2022

Women of the Mississippi: Abby Olson

Though her connection to nature developed at an early age, Park Ranger Abby Olson only discovered the National Park Service with a bit of luck. Learn why she loves her job.

parkconnectionMarch 28, 2022

Women of the Mississippi: Allie Holdhusen

Learn how Allie Holdhusen went from a seasonal biotech in their first year with the park to becoming a fulltime Program Dive Officer for the Great Lakes Big Rivers Dive Program!

parkconnectionMarch 17, 2022

Women of the Mississippi: Linda Valois

To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting a few amazing staff members at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area!

parkconnectionMarch 14, 2022

Meet a Mississippi River Educator, Jean Buckley!

“I believe the future of this planet is now in the hands of our youth. Helping kids learn about our earth will create the possibility they will grow up to appreciate and care for it. I want to help them find joy in discovering the open spaces I have always treasured.”

parkconnectionMarch 1, 2022youth education

Barbers, hairdressers, and Black liberation in 19th-century Minnesota

Barbershops and hair salons allowed Black community leaders to build networks, steer local organizations, and advocate for equality. Many of their businesses were located right next to the Mississippi.

parkconnectionFebruary 25, 2022

Design team selected for River Learning Center

W Architecture & Landscape Architecture, along with team of local firms, selected to design River Learning Center and National Park Service Headquarters at Crosby Farm Regional Park on the banks of the Mississippi River.

parkconnectionJanuary 25, 2022