Fall weekend at parks is full of walks, paddling, birding

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)

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

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)

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

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