Kate Havelin
In a state famous for epic winters, summer is always special. Minnesotans relish our season in the sun and at the lake.
Sometimes it's easy to get in a groove of the same hikes, rides and swims. This summer, mix it up and check out some varied parks and pursuits. Here are a few options to spice up your calendar.
And of course, your very own Sierra Club outings are a great way to get outside and connect with fellow nature lovers. You can find upcoming Sierra Club outings and sign up at sc.org/mn-outings
Community Bat Count
FORESTVILLE MYSTERY CAVE STATE PARK, July 11 and July 25, 7-9:30pm
Gather near historic Forestville to count bats as they emerge from caves for their nightly hunt.
Drop-in Free Canoeing
LORING LAKE, Loring Park, Wed June 17-Aug 26, 5-7pm
POWDERHORN LAKE, Powderhorn Park, Tues June 16-Aug 25, 5-7pm
Evening Paddle under the Moon
WILD RIVER STATE PARK, Fri, July 24, 3-9pm, (Ages 8-adult, $10 shuttle fee)
Enjoy a relaxed nine-mile canoe trip with park naturalists, as the sun sets and moon rises.
Fantastic Fireflies
LEBANON HILLS VISITOR CENTER, Fri Aug 7, 6-7:30pm
These flying creatures are beetles, not flies. Their glow is part of what makes summer sparkle.
Forest Bathing
COTTAGE GROVE RAVINE REGIONAL PARK Sat July 11, 9-11am, $45
Forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku as it's known in Japan, is a guided practice that helps people reconnect with nature and feel rejuvenated.
Knitting in Nature
ELOISE BUTLER WILDFLOWER GARDEN & BIRD SANCTUARY
Knitting in Nature, second & fourth Thurs, May 14-Aug 27, 6-7:30pm
Music in the Trees
BELWIN CONSERVANCY Sat Aug 15 and Sun Aug 16, 11am-3pm $10-$35 per car
Dozens of artists perform from 16-foot-high treestands while listeners walk, sit, or enjoy picnics below. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind concert in nature!
Paddle the Mississippi
NPS PADDLE SHARE, May 22-Oct 31, single kayaks $20-$40; double kayaks $35-$50
Kayaking, looking up at the only gorge along the Mighty Mississippi, lets you see wildlife, from muskrats to eagles, and appreciate the natural world in the heart of the Twin Cities. Rent one or more kayaks and explore the river on your own or sign up to paddle with a National Park Service ranger in a small tour.