Program will have you seeing stars

Amateur astronomer Kenny Bahmer will be taking people on a tour of the night sky at a program starting at 9 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at William O'Brien State Park, 16821 O'Brien Trail N., Marine-on-St. Croix.

Bahmer will start indoors with a program on the evening skies and then head outside to view them through a telescope. If it is cloudy, there will still be the indoor program. Meet at the park visitor center.

An antique train ride will depart from the William O'Brien State Park for Osceola and Dresser, Wis., at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 26.

A naturalist and a train conductor will lead visitors on a tour of the history and landscapes of the St. Croix Valley. Learn some of the natural and cultural features of the St. Croix Valley as well as the early history of the train era in the valley.

At Osceola, they can hop off the train to do lunch or antiquing or continue on the train to Dresser. The train turns around at Dresser, makes another brief stop at Osceola, and then will return to the park.

Bring snacks or a lunch if you plan to stay on the train. The train will drop you back at the park around 3:30 p.m.

The cost is $15 for adults, $10 for kids under 16, and children under 4 ride free. For more information, call 651-433-0500.

Participants will meet in downtown Stillwater to board the trolley for an historic tour on the way to the Lift Bridge. There they will meet with the owners and brewmasters, who will give a guided tour of the brewing facilities.

The trolley will return downtown, where Lift Bridge guides will head up a visit to four restaurants for a four-course dinner. Chefs have chosen foods to pair with a specific Lift Bridge beer at each location.

Cost is $69 per person. Advance reservations needed. Learn more at www.foodiesonfootmn.com/tours.

St. Croix Vineyards is offering a chance to sample its newest wine releases, including barrel tasting, from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, at the vineyard, 6428 Manning Av. N. in Stillwater.

New varieties include 2012 Vignoles, 2012 Pinot Gris and Summer Red. The vineyard is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays.

The route now officially runs the entire length of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, and some sections have route options on both sides of the river.

"Designating the entire length of the MRT shows a strong support for bicycling in Minnesota," said Tim Mitchell, Minnesota Department of Transportation bicycle and pedestrian coordinator. "The route is a unique collaboration among many local communities and state authorities. It creates regional connections and shared interests."

This summer MnDOT will begin installing MRT bike route signs for bicyclists to navigate the route. Detailed maps and other information are available to print or access via smartphone at www.mndot.gov/bike/mrt.

"Bald Eagle: On Record!" — a presentation on the small community south of Bald Eagle Lake — will be the topic of a presentation at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 20, at the Ramsey County Library-White Bear Lake, 4698 Clark Av. in White Bear Lake.

Different types of resources that the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society preserves for local communities will be discussed. Bald Eagle is a good example of a community that is "on record" through photos, ledgers, minutes and other documents.

Women's Archery Day, part of the Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) series, is planned for June 2 at Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Av. S. in Hastings.

Participants will join a certified archery instructor for a hands-on shot at archery from 10 a.m. to noon. This activity is suitable for females 8 and older. Girls 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Personal archery equipment is not allowed. Equipment is provided.

For more information, call 651-436-5391.

Preschoolers can join science explorers at Caterpillar Camp offered by the Woodbury Parks & Recreation Department.

The camp is scheduled from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday, May 28-30, at Central Park, Lower Level, ECFE Suite, 8595 Central Park Place in Woodbury.

The cost is $54, and is for ages 3½ to 6. To register, call Woodbury Parks & Recreation at 651-714-3583.

Washington County Parks is offering free outdoor Zumba — a fun exercise program set to Latin music — at Lake Elmo Park Reserve on Saturdays and Tuesdays through the summer.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 25, join certified Zumba instructor Stephen "Kepano" Blythe for a one-hour energy, dance and music workout.

Outdoor Zumba classes are free with a park permit ($5/day or $25 annual). They will be offered from May 25 to Sept. 7 on Saturdays from 9-10 a.m. and on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve swim beach area.

Parking is available, and no registration is required or equipment necessary. All ages are welcome to participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

"Immigrant for a Day!" — a celebration and educational experience about immigrant life — will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 26, at the Gammelgården Museum, 20880 Olinda Trail N. in Scandia.

Visitor's will step back in time to the 1850s with immigrant-inspired family events. The event will include free activities, games and crafts on the museum grounds among the five historic buildings that make up the old small farm.

The 2013 focus is the barn, so many activities will take place there. This is a free event for families.