August 2026

Butterfly Talk

Butterfly Talk

Saturday, August 22, 2026    
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Enjoy a one hour presentation at the park amphitheater on the biology of monarch butterflies
Butterfly Walk and tagging

Butterfly Walk and tagging

Saturday, August 29, 2026    
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Participate in a guided prairie walk to identify and tag monarch butterflies.

September 2026

Parks & Trails Council's Annual Shindig 2026

Parks & Trails Council's Annual Shindig 2026

Thursday, September 17, 2026    
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Go to Event Page >https://parksandtrails.org/our-events/2026-events/2026-annual-shindig/

October 2026

03 Oct

Annual Meeting of the Friends of Nerstrand

Saturday, October 3, 2026    
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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.
Fall luminary walk

Fall luminary walk

Saturday, October 3, 2026    
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Enjoy a fall luminary walk highlighting the beauty of the fall leaf colors in the park.
Otter Trotter 5K Run

Otter Trotter 5K Run

Saturday, October 10, 2026    
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
5K Trail Run on Walter Mondale Memorial Trail along the St. Croix River. This is a timed competitive run/casual fun run for all ages. 5K Trail Run on Walter Mondale Memorial Trail along the St. Croix River. This is a timed competitive run/casual fun run for all ages. This event is hosted by the Friends of Wild River State Park. Registration opens July 2026 here:  https://friendsofwildriver.org/5Krun.php 

November 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
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