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.
We ask participants to embrace the dark through the use of redlights or moonlight. Moonrise begins at approximately 8:32 pm with the sun setting at 8:28 pm. If you must use a flashlight, please limit its use at the event. Upon arrival, stop by the information table to learn where to go!
Drop-in and scheduled activities do not require an advance reservation. However, we recommend attendees register for the event to receive email updates such as event cancellations. All NPS events are rain or shine. We may postpone, delay, or cancel if the conditions become unsafe (e.g., lightning, strong winds, heavy rain). Registered attendees will be notified of event cancellations or other important updates via email from miss_info@nps.gov. Cancellations are sent a minimum of two hours before the event's scheduled time. Be sure to check your spam inbox.
Special thanks to Mississippi Park Connection, our nonprofit friends group, for their support in making this event possible.
Drop-in Activities (6:30 - 9 pm)
Insect Finding with an Entomologist
Join entomologist Jessica Miller from Dragons Wynd as she uses lights to attract insects and shares her knowledge about the world of moths, fireflies, crickets, and everything with six legs.
Bat Detecting with Saint Paul Parks & Recreation Department
Saint Paul Parks educator Mary Henke-Haney will use an ultrasonic detector to do an informal bat survey. We’ll talk a little bit about Minnesota’s bats and what we can do to support them for the health of our ecosystem.
Dakota Moon Journaling with Blue Hummingbird Woman
Blue Hummingbird Woman, Tanáǧidaŋ Tó Wíŋ (Tara Perron), will share her "moon journal" and images from the journals of some of her Dakota relatives. Tara will talk about Dakota relationships to the moon, plants, and seasons. Visitors can take a "moon journal" handout to start their own journal.
Indigenous Tea Tasting with Flores De Miel Indigenous Tea Co.
Jose Garcia Jr. and Jennifer Lopez from Flores De Miel Indgenous Tea Co. will serve and sample homemade Indigenous tea made from local plants. They'll talk about the tea making process and uses of plants. Attendees can view examples of some of the loa plants that go into their teas.
Beach Fire and S'mores with National Park Service and Mississippi Park Connection
Bring a date and immerse yourself in the soundscape on the banks of the Mississippi River. Bring a chair or blanket while you enjoy a fireside s'more as the Moon rises. Supplies for s'mores and a limited number of blankets are provided by MPC to borrow for public use in the area. Thank you to our friends at Wilderness Inquiry for supplying the fire pit.
Scheduled Activities (6:30 - 10:30 pm)
Junior Ranger Campfire with National Park Service
7:00 - 7:45 pm
8:15 - 9:00 pm
What goes bump in the night? Come find out at the Junior Ranger campfire to earn your Junior Ranger badge. Come play games, test your wildlife identification skills, and hear stories to learn that nighttime noises might not be so scary after all!
Twilight Walk with National Park Service
6:30 - 7:15 pm
7:45 - 8:30 pm
Join us for a ranger-led twilight walk through a floodplain forest along the Mississippi River! As the sun sets, you'll discover this vibrant ecosystem while learning about the important role floodplains play in our environment. Experience the sights and sounds of nature as you explore this serene landscape and enjoy the beauty of the river at dusk.
Dakota Moon Talk with Blue Hummingbird Woman
7:15 - 7:30 pm
8:30 - 8:45 pm
Hear from Tanáǧidaŋ Tó Wíŋ about her "moon journal," sharing knowledge passed down from her Dakota relatives. This enriching experience invites everyone to connect with the natural world and understand the deep-rooted traditions that honor the moon’s role in our environment.
Scope Viewing and Full Moon Talk with National Park Service
9:30 - 10:30 pm
Join us for a ranger-led talk under the full moon near the Mississippi River! Discover the cultural significance of the full moon, its phases, and its impact on the natural world, as our ranger shares stories and insights. This is a perfect opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the wonders of the night sky in a beautiful outdoor setting. During or after the talk, peek through our scopes to view the Moon up-close! Standing room is available--bring a blanket or chair if you'd like to relax in the prairie.
Park After Dark is a partnership project of the City of Saint Paul, National Park Service and Mississippi Park Connection.
