May 2026

Whitewater State Park ALP (Advanced Learning Program) Formerly HOP

Whitewater State Park ALP (Advanced Learning Program) Formerly HOP

Wednesday, May 13, 2026    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Enhancing Wellbeing through Nature-based Mindfulness Spending time in nature benefits the body and mind in countless ways. When we practice mindfulness in nature, the wellbeing [...]
Wild Flower Ambassadors

Wild Flower Ambassadors

Saturday, May 16, 2026    
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park welcome park visitors to an information stand on the park boardwalk to identify and learn more about spring ephemeral flowers--especially the rare dwarf trout lily on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-April to mid-May.
Wild Flower Ambassadors

Wild Flower Ambassadors

Sunday, May 17, 2026    
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park welcome park visitors to an information stand on the park boardwalk to identify and learn more about spring ephemeral flowers--especially the rare dwarf trout lily on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-April to mid-May.
Who-Cooks-For-You? Owl Pellet Dissection (all ages)

Who-Cooks-For-You? Owl Pellet Dissection (all ages)

Saturday, May 23, 2026    
6:30 pm - 7:15 pm
What does an owl cook for dinner? Find out firsthand by dissecting owl pellets and learn how they are such incredible nighttime hunters. Meet in [...]
SPECIAL PROGRAM: Kathio Under the Stars

SPECIAL PROGRAM: Kathio Under the Stars

Saturday, May 23, 2026    
9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Professor, David Kobilka, from Central Lakes College will share his telescope and knowledge of the night sky. After a 30-minute indoor astronomy talk we will [...]
Annual Memorial Weekend Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park Pancake Break

Annual Memorial Weekend Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park Pancake Break

Sunday, May 24, 2026    
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Meet at the Dining Hall. Indulge in a morning of delicious generosity at our Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser! Join us for a stack of fluffy pancakes, [...]
Summer Concert: Sarah Kelley

Summer Concert: Sarah Kelley

Sunday, May 24, 2026    
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Meet at the Amphitheater. The Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park and the North Country Snowmobile Club present our annual Music Under the Pines summer [...]

June 2026

Free Park Day

Free Park Day

On four days each year, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone - no vehicle permits needed! Free park days in 2026 Monday, January 19 Saturday, April 25 Saturday, June 13 Friday, November 27

July 2026

Bike ride through history and prairie

Bike ride through history and prairie

Saturday, July 18, 2026    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join a guided bike ride along the Casey Jones State Trail in Currie. We'll explore the fascinating history and prairie landscapes of the Lake Shetek area. This family-friendly ride combines fun, fitness, and storytelling with stops to learn more.
Art In the Park

Art In the Park

Saturday, July 18, 2026    
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Come enjoy art activities, including painting your impression of the park and nature led by a local art teacher. Art materials provided by Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
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