Itasca's birthday Itasca State Park, Friday-Sunday
Established in 1891, Itasca State Park is celebrating its 125th anniversary with special events throughout the weekend. On Friday from 7:30-9 p.m., a campfire program about Mary Gibbs, Minnesota's first female park commissioner; from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, help Charlie Maguire, centennial troubadour for Minnesota state parks, write "The Itasca Birthday Song," which he will perform at an evening concert (7 p.m.); from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday, a retro-themed picnic with music, gunny sack races and other old-time lawn games, and birthday cake with ice cream. (1-218-699-7251, mndnr.gov)
Birds of Brown's Creek Brown's Creek State Trail, 7-8 p.m. Friday
Identify as many species as possible by sight and sound in an hour. Bring binoculars if you have them; a limited number are available. Meet in the parking area by the Neal Avenue crossing. (651-231-6968, mndnr.gov)
Flower walk Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2 p.m. Saturday
Minnesota comes alive with flowers in summer. Join a naturalist for a short walk to identify the beauties blooming at the park. Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)
Monarchs vs. moths William O'Brien State Park, 10-11 a.m. Saturday
Learn about Minnesota's monarch butterflies and how they are similar to and different from moths. Learn how to attract them to your own neighborhood. Meet at the visitor center. (651-433-0500, mndnr.gov)
Scavenger hunt Interstate State Park, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Stop by the visitor center to pick up a bingo card and then set off on a scavenger hunt to find unique items within the park. Claim a prize at the visitor center if you succeed. (651-465-5711, mndnr.gov)
Water science Lowry Nature Center, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday
Learn about the properties of water with experiments and games. See science in action in a pond. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $5. (763-694-7650; threeriversparks.org)
