Calling all Junior Rangers who love to explore, learn, and protect their national parks: join us in celebrating Junior Ranger Day on April 26th!
Would you like to earn your Junior Ranger badge? Then this is the event for you! You'll earn your badge by finishing three simple and fun activities. The activities focus on a part of the greater Mississippi River ecosystems. You'll experience the river's birds, flowers, pollinators, and more.
Create your own river ecosystem with your favorite animals, bugs, fish, and activities. At this station, you'll find out how they'll all connected.
Build your own wildflower that stands out on the banks of the Mississippi River. Make sure to use your favorite colors to attract pollinators! Could the busy bee be your flower’s soulmate? Or is it the graceful butterfly? Even the humble bat may find your flower appeasing, so make sure to add a splash of style!
The outdoors call to you (or at least the birds do). Follow the call to discover special skills that help birds survive in their habitats. What bird will you create? What birds will you recognize from this activity?
Junior Ranger Day focuses on building connections to our Mississippi River. Activities are suitable for children of all ages. They encourage growth and exploration as they learn about the river's ecosystems.
To take part, show up to our visitor center located in the Science Museum of Minnesota between 10 am and 3 pm. Once here, ask the ranger at the front desk for your stamp sheet. Then, visit the three stations to complete their activities. Fill out your stamp sheet and return it to the ranger at the desk for your badge!
Families can also take part in the seasonal re-opening of Family Tree Walks where you'll learn to identify up to five specific tree types that can be found in your neighborhood. This self-guided activity is designed to help participants learn about and interact with our woody neighbors. Participants can pick up a field guide from staff at the visitor center, located inside the Science Museum of Minnesota. Participants will then head outside to the nearby Upper Landing Park and walk along the paved paths to find up to five tree species while engaging in fun field guide activities.
Accessibility
The Mississippi River Visitor Center and Science Museum of Minnesota are fully accessible. If you need additional support for this program, contact the park at miss_info@nps.gov or the Mississippi River Visitor Center at 651-293-0200. We require a minimum one week notice for requests.
Mississippi River Visitor Center:
Located in downtown St. Paul, just off the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Mississippi River Visitor Center serves as a gateway to adventure along the mighty Mississippi. The visitor center has free admission, but the Science Museum of Minnesota charges an admission fee to visit their exbibit areas and the theater. More info here
The Mississippi River Visitor Center is accessible via Metro Transit. Parking is available for a fee at the Science Museum of Minnesota's parking garage and other nearby parking garages. Paid (metered) street parking is available nearby. Bike racks are available at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Program coordinated by Mississippi Park Connection and the National Park Service, with support from the National Park Foundation.