Anishinaabe event
Grand Portage State Park
1-2 p.m. Saturday
Learn about the Grand Portage Anishinaabe's beliefs about relationships between humans and nature from the Grand Portage Band and community members. Anishinaabe refers to a group of tribes that include Ojibwe bands. Meet in the visitor center. (1-218-475-2360, mndnr.gov)
About the rocks
Gooseberry Falls State Park
11 a.m.-noon Saturday
Explore the upper, middle and lower falls while learning the geologic history of the land. Most of the three-quarter-mile hike will involve descending stairs. Meet at the visitor center art column. (1-218-475-2360)
Fall festival
Lake Carlos State Park
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Learn about the history of the park. Also, there will be harvest games and more. (1-320-852-7200, mndnr.gov)
Walks in the parks
Wild River State Park
2-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Learn about what's behind the transformation of leaves in autumn. A naturalist will talk about the science during a walk under a canopy of leaves, through the tall grasses of the prairie and along the scenic St. Croix River. The walk is for all ages. (651-583-2125, ext. 227, mndnr.gov). A walk also is scheduled from 1-2 p.m. Sunday at Fort Snelling Park. Meet at the visitor center. (612-279-3550, mndnr.gov)
Paddle on
Mississippi River
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Join a paddle day trip led by Wilderness Inquiry. The trip will leave from Hidden Falls Regional Park and end at Harriet Island. Cost is $45 for adults, $30 for children. The outing is regarded as an introductory experience. (612-676-9400, wildernessinquiry.org)
Bird language
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Gather on the slopes of the Minnesota River Valley to explore what the birds are "saying" about the surroundings. Bring a notebook, pencils and something to sit on outdoors. The event happens again Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. Register at mntracking.org.
Meteor moon
Silverwood Park
7-8 p.m. Saturday
Explore the park on the night of the Draconid meteor shower. Make a lantern filled with constellations. Reservations required. Call 763-694-7707. Cost is $5. (threeriversparks.org)
Chairlift rides
Hyland Hills Ski Area
4-8 p.m. Saturday
Ride a chairlift to the top of Mount Gilboa and enjoy the view from one of the highest elevations in Hennepin County. Look at the Minneapolis skyline through a spotting scope among other activities. Food and beverages available for purchase. No pets allowed. Cost is $5 (preregistration) and $6 on the day of the event. (threeriversparks.org)