Parks programs go deep into rivers, stars, and owls' nighttime world

Lake Maria State Park

8:30-10 p.m. Friday

• This outreach program is run by the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics. Telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after a presentation. (763-878-2325; mndnr.gov/lakemaria)

Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park

7:30-8:30 p.m. Friday

• A program with the park interpreter, featuring stories, skits and songs around a campfire. Dress for the weather and bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Meet outside by the Armstrong Bay day-use area, or in the picnic shelter if it rains. (1-218-300-7000; mndnr.gov/soudan)

Minneopa State Park

• Celebrate the year's longest day at Seppman Mill on the campground. Get there by driving through the bison range. Bonfire and live music. (1-507-384-8890; mndnr.gov/minneopa)

Whitewater State Park

8-9:30 p.m. Saturday

• Following a presentation, visitors can "prowl" the park for owls using new owling skills. For all ages. (1-507-312-2300; mndnr.gov/whitewater)

William O'Brien State Park

• Touch, hold and feed snakes while learning what makes them unique. This program is guaranteed to debunk snake myths. (651-433-0500; mndnr.gov/obrien)

Interstate State Park

2:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday

• The St. Croix River is filled with unusual inhabitants: one produces a million eggs per year, and one is large enough to knock you from a boat. Stop by the station near the visitor center. (651-465-5711; mndnr.gov/interstate)

Fish Lake Regional Park