Events Calendar

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

Experience quilts made by over 120 artists as inspired by their dreams of the prairie and displayed for one day only along a trail in [...]

The Minnesota Microscopy Society will set up microscopes for visitors to see all kinds of things close up. Meet in the Trail Center. Come and go as you please. Park entrance is free on June 13!

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.

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

Enjoy a one hour presentation at the park amphitheater on the biology of monarch butterflies

Participate in a guided prairie walk to identify and tag monarch butterflies.

Go to Event Page >https://parksandtrails.org/our-events/2026-events/2026-annual-shindig/

The Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park will hold their annual meeting and the public is welcomed to attend to learn about the work of the Friends to improve the state park.

Enjoy a fall luminary walk highlighting the beauty of the fall leaf colors in the park.