Join the Outdoor Recreation School to explore the park on a Scandinavian-style kicksled and enjoy the wonders of winter around you. Kicksledding is an activity enjoyed by all ages. If snow/ice conditions don’t allow for kicksledding, we will go on a winter hike instead. Equipment provided.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors and experience the thrill of riding a modified hand cycle mountain bike in early spring conditions. This program is entirely outdoors. Bikes provided; participants encouraged to provide their own helmet and bring a family member or friend to accompany them on foot while they bike. We ask that all participants wear a helmet, eye protection and hand protection. If you would like to bring your own, please do. If not, we will provide it.

Explore some of the best activities in the parks with the Outdoor Recreation School. Try stand-up paddleboarding, archery, log rolling, geocaching, canoeing and more. Enjoy new adventures while making new friends. Equipment provided.

Curious about backpacking but not sure where to begin? Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School for this beginner-friendly workshop designed to help new backpackers build confidence in planning their first trip. Explore a gear list, learn how to pick and plan routes, stay safe and prepare for your first overnight adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of scenic weekend trips or long-distance journeys packed with miles, this session will help get you started. This is a classroom-based, indoor experience.

In Extreme Fishing Camp, participants will learn to fish different bodies of water in search of various species like: panfish, bass, northern pike, walleye, catfish, redhorse sucker and more! Try different techniques and hone skills while learning from experienced Outdoor Recreation School instructors and professionals in the fishing industry. Try angling from a watercraft and from a riverbank. Equipment provided. Each day, campers will meet at one of four parks: French Regional Park, Fish Lake Regional Park, Silverwood Park and Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. Parents are responsible for drop-off and pick-up on each day of camp at one of the locations listed above. These locations will be communicated in the pre-camp email. Transportation to specific fishing locations will be provided by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours.

Join a naturalist for a walk along the trails. Observe seasonal changes happening across the habitats and landscapes. Bring binoculars if you have them or some will be available to borrow at the park. Drop-ins welcome. Hike departs shortly after 2 p.m. from in front of the visitor center.

Spend four active days exploring the park and crafting unique and useful projects from natural materials responsibly gathered along the way. Campers will learn how to safely cut and carve using hand tools like knives and handsaws, and experiment with different processes including weaving with natural fibers and colors.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School for a geocaching adventure full of leprechaun surprises. Use GPS technology to explore the park and find fun things left behind by the tricky leprechauns.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School to explore the park on a scandinavian-style kicksled under the full moon while enjoying the wonders of winter around you. If snow/ice conditions don’t allow for kicksledding, we will go on a winter hike instead.

Join an Outdoor Recreation School instructor to learn the fundamentals of reading and understanding topo maps, using a compass and combining those skills to navigate outdoors. This hands-on class is great for beginners and those looking to refresh their navigation skills. Equipment provided.

Explore the natural world and what is happening outdoors at the park. Learn about flowers and spring ephemerals in Minnesota. Then, try your hand at using a punch needle to create your own fiber embroidered floral design. $8/person. Ages: 7–12 plus adult.

Join art instructors from Silverwood Park at French Regional Park for three mornings to explore the creative arts and natural world. Cozy up for a story or song, observe the wild surroundings and create an art project inspired by your discoveries. $66 per person. Ages 2-5 with an adult, siblings under age 2 are free but must register.

Join Silverwood Park art instructors at French Regional Park for a quarterly program exploring the creative arts and natural world. Cozy up for a story or song, observe the wild surroundings and create an art project inspired by your discoveries. $6/person Ages: 0-6 plus adult, under age 2 free but must register.

Join us for the opening reception of "deep mapping wildness" by Anna E. Orbovich on Thursday, February 26 from 6-8 pm at French Park. The exhibition is on view February 19 - June 30, 2026. Drop in anytime.

Learn map and compass skills from the experts with the Minnesota Orienteering Club through classroom instruction, skill stations geared for beginners, guided practice courses, and an official “sprint” course with electronic punching. Equipment provided. Beginners can arrive for either Noon or 1 p.m. classroom sessions. Participants with previous orienteering experience, who are not interested in attending a classroom session, may arrive between 12:15-2 p.m. to run the courses. Courses close at 3 p.m. Preregistration at a rate of $13/person is encouraged. Day-of registration is also available at a rate of $18/person.

Join an Outdoor Recreation School instructor to learn the fundamentals of setting up tarps for camping and backpacking. This hands-on class is great for beginners and those looking to refresh or expand their skills. Equipment provided.

Learn about the science and heritage behind the production of maple sugar and syrup. We will be inspired by what we learn and create nature-themed plates out of clay through pressing textures into the soft surface and decorating with colorful underglaze paints. Reservations required by two days prior. Participants will be contacted once their ceramic projects have been fired and are ready for pickup in the park within three weeks after the date of our program.

Voices in Fishing series, hosted by the Outdoor Recreation School, provides a platform for anglers from various communities. Each session will be held in the cozy Oakwood Room at the French Visitor Center, with a fire crackling to spark your interest in spring fishing opportunities and happenings. This week, Melissa Wagner from Women Anglers of Minnesota will share about chasing fish in the southeast corner of our region, known as the “Driftless Area.” Her presentation will cover some background information on the unique geography and sport, suggestions on techniques and gear and delve into how you can take the next steps to chase stream trout this spring. This is a free program directed to ages 10 and older, though all ages are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is preferred, but day-of drop-ins are also welcome to join. Participants ages 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Voices in Fishing series, hosted by your Outdoor Recreation School, provides a platform for anglers from various communities. Each session will be held in the cozy Oakwood room of French Visitor Center, with a fire crackling to spark your interest in spring fishing opportunities and happenings. This week, Kiki will share about spring fishing and Native rights, while reading her children’s book: Fishing by Torchlight. Learn about gear and technique while Kiki shares her story. This is a free program for all ages. Participants ages 18 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is preferred, but drop-ins are also welcome.