1 Live Raptor Shows
DNR Garden Stage, Minnesota State Fair, through Sept. 2, 11 a.m.,
2 and 4 p.m. Check out various birds of prey. Feel the wind generated by a hawk's flapping wings. Look into an owl's spooky eyes. See an eagle up close. The event also includes flying demonstrations, with a hawk swooping down from a pine tree. 651-296-6157 or www.mndnr.gov.
2 Autumn Harvest Day Wild River State Park, Aug. 31, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Choose from a menu of activities: help researchers tag monarchs (noon), brush up on mushroom foraging (1 p.m.) or simply thresh and pocket seeds, including wild bergamot, bush clover, hoary vervain and sunflower varieties. (10:30 a.m.) 651-583-2125 or www.mndnr.gov.
3 Antique Train Ride William O'Brien State Park, Sept. 1, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. A day of activities starts with a one-mile hike from the park visitor center to the train. Once the train departs, a naturalist and a train conductor will rove the cars and interpret the local history and landscapes. The event includes a stop in Osceola, Wis. for lunch. $15 adults, $10 kids ages 5-15, free for tots. 651-433-0500 or www.mndnr.gov.
4 Bike Ride
Gateway State Trail, Sept. 1, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Take a 12-mile tour of this old railroad corridor-turned-metro bikeway with a naturalist, who will help you make wild and scenic discoveries along the way. Registration required; 651-231-6968 or www.mndnr.gov.
5 Women's Camping Baker Park Reserve, Sept. 7, 3 p.m.-Sept. 8, noon
Perfect for nature- and art-lovers alike, this women's-only camping primer includes inspiring activities such as a forest hike and a fireside poetry reading. Camping equipment and food provided. $90. Reservations due by Aug. 31. 763-559-6700 or www.threeriversparks.org.
