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Do This Now: Weekend events at parks tie into fall

Lake and river paddles; archery; Big Woods history and more.

October 1, 2015 at 5:16PM

Hiking trail at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. (Robert Timmons/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Fall by water

Cleary Lake Regional Park

1-4 p.m. Saturday

Fall colors and wildlife by kayak. Previous paddling experience required. Equipment provided. Cost is $45 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 and reference activity number 424512-01. Must be 14 or older. (threeriversparks.org)

Family archery

Cleary Lake Regional Park

9-11 a.m. Saturday

Learn the basics. Cost is $7. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number 424501-11. Must be 8 or older; children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. (threeriversparks.org)

Pike Island paddle

Hidden Falls Regional Park

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Timed for fall foliage along riverbanks, this Wilderness Inquiry paddle will head to the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. Then participants can get out and hike among the huge cottonwood trees on Pike Island.

Cost is $45 for adults; $30 for 17 and younger. Registration is online only. Go to bit.ly/stwil.

Trees of the Big Woods

Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park

10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday

Learn the history and identification of the signature trees on this easy hike. (1-507-333-4840, mndnr.gov)

Photo scavenger hunt

Interstate State Park

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

Bring a camera and collect fall photos on a scavenger hunt. Along the way, you will discover how and why leaves change color. Start at the visitor center anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (651-465-5711, mndnr.gov)

Fall festival

Lake Carlos State Park

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Learn about the history of the park. Ongoing activities will include harvest games (such as apple on a string and tug of war), Dutch oven-cooking demonstrations, archery, butter-making, and arts and crafts. (1-320-852-7200, mndnr.gov)

Pothole exploration

Interstate State Park

Noon- 1 p.m. Sunday

Explore the glacial pothole area. Meet at the visitor center. (651-465-5711, mndnr.gov)

Sunset yoga

Silverwood Park

7-8:15 p.m. Tuesday

Head to St. Anthony to practice yoga with instructor Laura Craig. Link breath with movement through a series of poses. Build awareness, concentration and strength by deepening the connection of mind and body. Cost is $12 and reservations are required. Call 763-694-7707 and reference activity number 437811-37. Ages 14 and older. (threeriversparks.org)