BIGGER River Journey:  A Field Trip for Adults
Sep
24
5:30 PM17:30

BIGGER River Journey: A Field Trip for Adults

  • Padelford Riverboats | Harriet Island Regional Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

For nearly 30 years, Big River Journey has been the flagship field trip of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, bringing more than 2,000 local students onto the river each year to learn, explore, and connect with the Mighty Mississippi. Since 1996, this award-winning program has sparked curiosity and stewardship in thousands of children. 

Now, for the first time, the journey is open to all ages. Welcome to the Bigger River Journey.

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National Public Lands Day
Sep
27
9:00 AM09:00

National Public Lands Day

  • Coldwater Spring (Mni Owe Sni) & Grey Cloud Dunes SNA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands, with this year’s theme being “Together for Tomorrow.” Across the country, volunteers of all ages and abilities will roll up their sleeves and join forces for a common goal—stewarding America’s natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

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Park After Dark
Oct
3
5:30 PM17:30

Park After Dark

Half the park is after dark! Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and Mississippi Park Connection invite you to explore Crosby Farm Regional Park at night. The NPS and partners are hosting activities that engage the natural world through science and culture. Tap in to your nocturnal side to discover the magic in a floodplain forest and along the Mississippi River.

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Riverfront Walking Tour: 11 AM
Sep
21
11:00 AM11:00

Riverfront Walking Tour: 11 AM

Dakota people call the Mississippi River "Haha Wakpa" (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.

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Riverfront Walking Tour: 11 AM
Sep
8
11:00 AM11:00

Riverfront Walking Tour: 11 AM

Dakota people call the Mississippi River "Haha Wakpa" (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.

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Park After Dark
Sep
5
6:30 PM18:30

Park After Dark

Half the park is after dark! Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and Mississippi Park Connection invite you to explore Crosby Farm Regional Park at night. The NPS and partners are hosting activities that engage the natural world through science and culture. Tap in to your nocturnal side to discover the magic in a floodplain forest and along the Mississippi River.

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Riverfront Walking Tour: 11 AM
Aug
31
11:00 AM11:00

Riverfront Walking Tour: 11 AM

Dakota people call the Mississippi River "Haha Wakpa" (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.

View Event →
Riverfront Walking Tour: 11 AM
Aug
29
11:00 AM11:00

Riverfront Walking Tour: 11 AM

Dakota people call the Mississippi River "Haha Wakpa" (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.

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Paddle With A Ranger: Mississippi Gateway with Three Rivers District (shuttle included)
Aug
28
9:30 AM09:30

Paddle With A Ranger: Mississippi Gateway with Three Rivers District (shuttle included)

  • Mississippi Gateway Regional Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This guided tour with National Park Service rangers and Three Rivers Park District staff starts just downstream of the Coon Rapids Dam. Free shuttle service back to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park after your paddle is provided by Three Rivers Park District.

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Riverfront Walking Tour: 11 AM
Aug
22
11:00 AM11:00

Riverfront Walking Tour: 11 AM

Dakota people call the Mississippi River "Haha Wakpa" (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.

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Paddle With A Ranger: Paddle 101 at Pickerel Lake
Aug
21
5:00 PM17:00

Paddle With A Ranger: Paddle 101 at Pickerel Lake

  • Pickerel Lake (Lilydale Regional Park) near the Lilydale Regional Park Picnic Shelter (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Pickerel Lake is an excellent location for beginners to learn about paddling. The program is also great for those who want to brush up on their paddling skills. National Park Service park rangers will be your guide on this outdoor adventure.

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Riverfront Walking Tour: 11 AM & 1 PM
Aug
17
11:00 AM11:00

Riverfront Walking Tour: 11 AM & 1 PM

Dakota people call the Mississippi River "Haha Wakpa" (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.

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Paddle With A Ranger: Paddle 101 at Pickerel Lake
Aug
14
5:00 PM17:00

Paddle With A Ranger: Paddle 101 at Pickerel Lake

  • Pickerel Lake (Lilydale Regional Park) near the Lilydale Regional Park Picnic Shelter (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Pickerel Lake is an excellent location for beginners to learn about paddling. The program is also great for those who want to brush up on their paddling skills. National Park Service park rangers will be your guide on this outdoor adventure.

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Float Fest 2025
Aug
9
10:00 AM10:00

Float Fest 2025

  • North Mississippi Regional Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A celebration of the River, from the River. Grab your paddle and join the party — Float Fest 2025 is the inaugural celebration of our river-loving community! Whether you’re kayaking the Mississippi on Paddle Share, bringing your own boat, or kicking back at Graco Park, the first ever Float Fest is your invitation to experience the river in motion and the joy of gathering riverside. 

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Park After Dark
Aug
8
7:30 PM19:30

Park After Dark

Half the park is after dark! Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and Mississippi Park Connection invite you to explore Crosby Farm Regional Park at night. The NPS and partners are hosting activities that engage the natural world through science and culture. Tap in to your nocturnal side to discover the magic in a floodplain forest and along the Mississippi River.

View Event →