The Minnesota River has stories to tell! Celebrate the Big Year of Rivers by joining a historical interpreter on a leisurely walk along The Landing's scenic River Trail. Discover 100 years of little known, but fascinating history between 1844 to 1944. From fur traders to ship builders, learn about the people and industries that relied on the river to meet their needs. $6/person.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for an exhilarating week of precision, skill and camaraderie. Shoot long, recurve and compound bows. Develop and refine proper technique by learning the National Training System’s 11 steps to shooting. Get tips to shoot proficiently from varying distances while exploring a walk-around course and shooting from an elevated platform. Discover primitive hunting techniques and challenge yourself with shooting games. Equipment provided.

Step down from the bank and into the water of rambling Rush Creek. Investigate sandbars, forest birds, puddle creatures and oxbow formations. Splash, climb, bend and leap as you explore the shallow water channel and its connection to the big river. Naturalists will lead this unique hiking experience with an eye toward water quality and wildlife. $6/person.

The Coon Rapids Dam has been considered for removal several times since its construction in 1914. Discover the pros and cons of dam removal and factors that affect the fate of dams in our area. Then take a short walk to explore features of the Coon Rapids Dam and learn about the dam’s current role and how it has changed over the years.

Join a historical interpreter for a guided walk along the river as we explore Henry David Thoreau’s 1861 journey to Minnesota. A renowned 19th-century naturalist, author and philosopher, Thoreau championed self-reliance and simple living. During his 300-mile steamboat trip on the Minnesota River, he recorded vivid observations of the region’s landscapes, its diverse flora and fauna, and the cultural interactions among the communities calling Minnesota home. Discover how his reflections on nature and society continue to resonate today.

Watch some kooky animal puppets as they stop Trasher the Trash Can from trashing nature. Performance begins promptly at 1 p.m. After the show, try your hand at making an art project related to the show until 3 p.m. Join the Walk with a Naturalist at 2 p.m. for a longer nature hike or stay and make art throughout the afternoon. All ages welcome. Free.

Stroll along the Mississippi River and read "What Is A River?" by Monika Vaicenaviciene. Contribute to an ephemeral community art project by letting us know what a river is to you. All ages welcome. Free.

Step into the quiet embrace of the forest and let the spring birdsong wash over you. Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” is more than a walk—it’s an immersion of the senses, a return to the wisdom of the trees.  Join ANFT-certified guide David Motzenbecker in this therapeutic guided practice during peak spring songbird season. You’ll be invited to slow down and engage deeply with your surroundings, touching bark textured as time, watching sunlight dance through shifting canopies, tasting the crispness of the air itself. Through gentle prompts and mindful reflection, you’ll rediscover the innate connection between yourself and the living world.

Watch some kooky animal puppets as they stop Trasher the Trash Can from trashing nature. Performance begins promptly at 1 p.m. After the show, try your hand at making an art project related to the show until 3 p.m. or join a naturalist led exploration from 1:30–2 p.m. Join Walk with a Naturalist at 2 p.m. for a longer nature hike or stay and make art throughout the afternoon.

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. All ages welcome. Free.

Experience the whole-body benefits that pole hiking provides while also experiencing the social benefits of the club. Outdoor Recreation School instructors provide direction about Nordic walking and lead a weekly hike. Explore trails, meet new friends and feel the health benefits of exercising in nature. Most of the hikes will be on unpaved dirt trails. Park locations will vary each week of club. You will be emailed a schedule from your Lead Instructor prior to the first week of club. $60/person.

Explore trails, meet new friends and feel the health and wellness benefits of exercising in nature. Instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School provide instruction and technique for using Nordic walking poles and will lead a weekly hike. Most of the hikes will be on unpaved dirt trails of Three Rivers parks within the South Metro. Experience the whole-body benefits that Nordic pole hiking provides while also experiencing the social benefits of the club. Nordic walking poles are provided for use during the program. Be sure to have sturdy shoes or lightweight hiking boots to hike on unpaved, possibly muddy trails with hilly terrain. Meets every Monday from April 27th to June 8th at 5:45pm-7pm. Class does not meet May 25th.

Step into the quiet embrace of the forest and let nature wash over you. Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing”, is more than a walk—it’s an immersion of the senses, a return to the wisdom of the trees. Feel the cool whisper of the breeze against your skin. Breathe in the earthy scent of moss and pine, and the sweetness of damp leaves. Hear the rhythmic rustle of branches, the distant call of a bird, the gentle trickle of water over smooth stone. With each step, the weight of the world softens, your mind quiets, your body unwinds. Guided by a certified Forest Bathing practitioner, you’ll be invited to slow down and engage deeply with your surroundings—touching bark craggy as time, watching sunlight dance through shifting canopies, tasting the crispness of the air itself. Through gentle prompts and mindful reflection, you’ll rediscover the innate connection between yourself and the living world. This is not a hike, nor a destination—it is an experience of presence, a practice of simply being. Benefits of Shinrin-Yoku: Reduces stress and anxiety, boosts mood and mental clarity, supports immune function, enhances mindfulness and connection. Come, step into the forest. Let it restore you. $32/person.

A fun, yoga-inspired fitness class set to some familiar upbeat tunes to keep you motivated and moving. Feel free to sing along as you flow, stretch and move your body—no pressure, just feel-good movement with some great tunes. Bring a yoga mat or towel and be ready to have some fun! We will meet at the Cleary Lake visitor center and walk 1/2 mile to Cleary Point, a beautiful spot with water all around, perfect for energizing your body and spirit. $15/person.

What does nature do when the sun begins to go down? Walk the trails in search of spring migrant birds and insects, trilling toads and singing frogs, mammal signs at the edge of a marsh and more. Come prepared to be outdoors for this lesson.

Walk in the bootsteps of a farmer to experience caring for the animals. Learn how we raise healthy livestock while you assist with chores and participate in hands-on activities to discover what each animal gives back to us.

Celebrate spring and Earth Day with fun and educational experiences for the whole family. Help with a restoration project near the nature center. See wild songbirds safely banded with numbered rings and hear about what scientists learn from these birds. Visit the enchanted trail to explore five magical nature kingdoms in search of hidden creatures both realistic and mythical. Walk the challenge trail to find the hidden numbers to solve a riddle. Join a Lowry naturalist on a guided walk looking and listening for frogs, spring plants and returning birds, spy on an osprey nest through a spotting scope, watch a raptor presentation and plant a seed to take home.

Start your Monday mornings with fresh air, movement and good company! Developed in partnership with Club Prior, Morning Stretch and Stroll is a casual, quick walking club for adults ages 55+ looking to boost their health by walking outdoors on a peaceful paved path at a distance of a little over a mile. Halfway through, we stop to focus on activities to enhance balance and agility. These 45-minute guided walking sessions will help you maintain your mobility and cardiovascular health. Nordic walking poles are available upon request. Free

Start your Monday mornings with fresh air, movement and good company! Developed in partnership with Club Prior, Morning Stretch and Stroll is a casual, quick walking club for adults ages 55+ looking to boost their health by walking outdoors on a peaceful paved path at a distance of a little over a mile. Halfway through, we stop to focus on activities to enhance balance and agility. These 45-minute guided walking sessions will help you maintain your mobility and cardiovascular health. Nordic walking poles are available upon request. NOTE: We will start at 8:45 a.m. this month to ensure participants can also attend Yoga & Yogurt at 9:30 a.m. Free.

Discover the history of the Noerenberg family on a guided walk through the property. From their home "Wilkommen" to the eye-catching boat house to the historic barn, learn about the family connections to the lake and the land during the Gilded Age. $9/person.

Join us in celebrating the Big Year of Rivers! Walk to a nearby pond to scoop in the water and look for aquatic insects, tadpoles, frogs and turtles. Observe these critters up close and learn how pond habitats connect to rivers in a watershed. Meet one of Richardson's resident pond-dwelling animal ambassadors.

Discover the animals that swim, walk and slither in the park. Meet reptile and amphibian ambassadors and learn about them through games, play, art and hikes. Search for food to feed them and learn fascinating facts about their life cycles. Sign up for Go Buggy camp for four days of fun.

These guided 2-2.5 mile walks feature wetlands burbling with spring peepers, bird migration hot spots and prairies abuzz with spring sounds. Each walk will feature a brief wellness activity at the midpoint. Join for one or join for all. This program meets on the following dates and locations: 4/15 at Spring Lake Regional Park, South Entrance; 4/22 at Doyle Kennefick Regional Park; 4/29 at Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve - Minnregs Lake Trailhead.

Join a naturalist for a 40-minute stroll on the Oak Trail to see what's blooming in the maple-basswood forest. Learn about spring wildflowers, and bring a camera to get a few photos along the way. Great for children and adults.

The forest is calling. Are you ready to explore? Create the perfect walking stick, hike meandering paths, and build forts for you and your friends. Try stick-based projectiles of the past, light a fire to cook a tasty treat and enjoy the summer woodland at its finest. Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. and pick-up ends at 5 p.m.

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day along the Great Mississippi Flyway! Learn what makes this spot on the river so captivating for migratory birds. Check out the live raptors, attend a family-friendly bird walk or an indoor talk about bird conservation. Visit the new Gateway Center, Treetop Trail or walk across the dam. Food trucks with lunch fare will be on site. Event is organized in partnership with American Bird Conservancy, St Paul Bird Alliance, MN Bird Coalition, Land of Lakes Bird Alliance, Minneapolis Parks & Rec, FWS, MN DNR, Hennepin County, NPS

Discover the creatures of the night on a walk to look for fireflies, moths and other animals active at night. $6/person.

Join us for a low impact guided trail walk that engages the whole person (physical, mental, emotional). Each session includes a low impact physical activity and wellness practice such as meditation, breathing exercise or nature reading. Wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing. Meets snow or shine. Nordic poles and instruction are provided. Drop-ins welcome.

Join us for this gentle and rejuvenating yoga series designed for adults ages 55+ looking to enhance flexibility, balance and relaxation. Each session includes a 45-minute guided outdoor yoga practice. After class, replenish with yogurt and toppings while connecting with fellow participants. As a collaborative endeavor with Club Prior, this series is the perfect blend of movement, mindfulness, community and nutrition! No prior yoga experience needed. Modifications and chair options available. Bring comfortable clothing, a yoga mat or towel and an appetite for relaxation and good company. Reservations required. Make a morning out of it and join us for Stretch & Stroll 55+ Walking Club from 8:45–9:30 a.m. at the Cleary Lake visitor center. $15/person.