Great blue herons start returning to their rookery on the Mississippi River toward the end of March. Join National Park Service staff and volunteers at Marshall Terrace Park in Minneapolis as we watch them rebuild nests and do a little flirting.
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.
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.
Join us at Crosby Farm Regional Park where nature's beauty reveals itself in its serene, frosty charm. This enchanting stroll will be led by a knowledgeable national park ranger who will guide you through the breathtaking floodplain forest, showcasing the unique ecology and wildlife that thrive in this winter landscape.
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.
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.
Embrace the serene beauty of winter at Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring) for a winter wander and wonder walk. We invite you to explore the enchanting landscape of a restored oak savanna with a knowledgeable national park ranger as your guide.
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.
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.
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.
Once a year, this field trip is open to grown-ups. Welcome to the Bigger River Journey.
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.
Embrace the serene beauty of winter at Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring) for a winter wander and wonder walk. We invite you to explore the enchanting landscape of a restored oak savanna with a knowledgeable national park ranger as your guide.
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.
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.
Minnesota is home to incredible public lands! How do you bring these special places into your classroom? Join the education teams from Voyageurs Conservancy, Wild Rivers Conservancy, and Mississippi Park Connection, for this year’s National Parks Education Retreat, hosted in Voyageurs National Park!
Join us at Crosby Farm Regional Park where nature's beauty reveals itself in its serene, frosty charm. This enchanting stroll will be led by a knowledgeable national park ranger who will guide you through the breathtaking floodplain forest, showcasing the unique ecology and wildlife that thrive in this winter landscape.
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.
Join us in the beautiful prairie at Katharine Ordway Natural History Study Area for an afternoon of service and snowshoeing! In partnership with Macalester College, we need help restoring the rich prairie by removing encroaching woody plants. The afternoon will include an optional naturalist-led hike by Macalester college staff to explore the prairie over different woodland habitats and the river.
Embrace the serene beauty of winter at Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring) for a winter wander and wonder walk. We invite you to explore the enchanting landscape of a restored oak savanna with a knowledgeable national park ranger as your guide.
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.
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.
Soak up the beauty of winter at the second annual Winter Play Day - a Saint Paul Winter Carnival event in partnership with the City of St. Paul, St. Paul Parks Conservancy, the National Park Service, and many others. Join us on Saturday, January 24, at Crosby Farm Regional Park to enjoy a variety of family-friendly outdoor winter activities.
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.
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.
Embrace the serene beauty of winter at Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring) for a winter wander and wonder walk. We invite you to explore the enchanting landscape of a restored oak savanna with a knowledgeable national park ranger as your guide.
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.
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.
Join us at Crosby Farm Regional Park where nature's beauty reveals itself in its serene, frosty charm. This enchanting stroll will be led by a knowledgeable national park ranger who will guide you through the breathtaking floodplain forest, showcasing the unique ecology and wildlife that thrive in this winter landscape.
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.
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.
Embrace the serene beauty of winter at Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring) for a winter wander and wonder walk. We invite you to explore the enchanting landscape of a restored oak savanna with a knowledgeable national park ranger as your guide.
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.
Join us at Crosby Farm Regional Park where nature's beauty reveals itself in its serene, frosty charm. This enchanting stroll will be led by a knowledgeable national park ranger who will guide you through the breathtaking floodplain forest, showcasing the unique ecology and wildlife that thrive in this winter landscape.
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.
Join us on January 30th, 2026, from 10:00 am-12:30 pm to learn how to ID trees in the winter without those all-telling leaves!
We will begin at the entrance of Coldwater/ Mni Owe Sni, and take you on a 1-mile guided hike through the park. We highlight and teach how to ID 5 species along our way.
Minnesota is home to incredible public lands! How do you bring these special places into your classroom? Join the education teams from Voyageurs Conservancy, Wild Rivers Conservancy, and Mississippi Park Connection, for this year’s National Parks Education Retreat, hosted in Voyageurs National Park!
Stop by our table at REI Roseville to write a postcard about your favorite park experience or how you and your connection to this park have been impacted by the shutdown. We’ll provide everything you need—postcards, pens, and mailing addresses for your legislators. You need only bring your stories and your passion for parks.
As the seasons shift and the world feels ever-changing, we invite you to gather by the warmth of a campfire and the steady flow of the Mississippi River. Let’s slow down together—to share laughter, listen to the night, and find simple joy in being outdoors.
Take a walk through time with a National Park Service ranger to hunt for fossils, learn how they came to be here, and discover how the geology of a massive waterfall shaped the Twin Cities.
On Give to the Max Day, your gift to Mississippi Park Connection helps protect this vital river corridor and ensure that everyone—no matter their background—can experience the wonder of the Mississippi. From restoring floodplain forests to connecting youth with nature, your support fuels the work of the National Park Service that keeps this park vibrant, resilient, and welcoming.
![[Canceled] Hike With A Ranger](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ad6b802a9e0287694992efa/1727207408042-48N6YC6JQT3STJ9TA8HM/IMG_1037.JPG)
