Paddle with a Ranger: Fall Foliage

Event OverviewExplore the Mississippi River Gorge by kayak on a guided paddle where steep forested bluffs rise around you and the current carries centuries of stories downstream. Led by National Park Service rangers this guided paddle invites participants to experience ......More

Event OverviewExplore the Mississippi River Gorge by kayak on a guided paddle where steep forested bluffs rise around you and the current carries centuries of stories downstream. Led by National Park Service rangers this guided paddle invites participants to experience the only true gorge along the entire Mississippi River—a landscape shaped by powerful geologic forces and sustained by vibrant ecosystems that continue to thrive in the heart of the Twin Cities.Rangers will share the cultural and natural history woven into this stretch of water. You’ll learn how glaciers sculpted the gorge how mussels and migratory birds depend on its habitats and how generations of people—from Indigenous communities to present‑day residents—have forged deep connections with this place. The river becomes a living narrative revealing stories of resilience change and stewardship.Autumn offers its own kind of magic here. The canopy glows with reds and golds framing the skyline of Minneapolis in the soft light of fall. From your seat at the waterline you’ll see the seasonal transition in motion: rustling leaves crisp air and the quiet calm that settles over the gorge as summer fades.By journey’s end you’ll have explored the Mississippi River Gorge not just as a visitor but as part of its ongoing story—connected to the landscape its history and the shared responsibility of caring for this remarkable stretch of the nation's iconic river. TransportationParticipants must manage their own transportation. The paddle begins at Bohemian Flats Park and ends at the Minneapolis Rowing Club north of the Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge. Participants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation from the start and end locations. A public pay lot is located at Bohemian Flats Park and free on street parking is available along West River Parkway near the Minneapolis Rowing Club. Rideshare taxi or public transit may also be used. It's an approximate 3-mile (4.8 km) walk along West River Parkway between the start/end locations. Registration IncludesOne seat in the selected kayak a paddle and a PFD provided by Paddle Share.Tandem kayak spots must be reserved with a partner. A tandem kayak may not be reserved by a single participant. Weather & PreparationPrograms proceed rain/snow or shine unless heavy precipitation lightning or extreme temperatures require cancellation. Decisions are made at least two hours prior to start time. Bring sun protection insect repellent rain gear snacks and water. Binoculars are encouraged. Additional DetailsPersonal boats cannot be accommodated.This program is intended for experienced paddlers comfortable on moving water and is not recommended for beginners. Age RequirementsParticipants must be 18 or older. Youth under 18 may attend only if in a tandem kayak with an adult from the same household.

Start: Bohemian Flats Park, 2150 West River Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55454 / End: Minneapolis Rowing Club, 2965 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Discovery Table

Every day, a National Park Service ranger will set up a table with a special topic about the park. At these fun tables, kids can talk to a park ranger, ask questions, and learn new things. You might discover interesting facts about local animals, plants, or the history ......More

Every day, a National Park Service ranger will set up a table with a special topic about the park. At these fun tables, kids can talk to a park ranger, ask questions, and learn new things. You might discover interesting facts about local animals, plants, or the history of the park. Each table is a great way to connect with nature and explore the amazing Mississippi River!Discovery tables happen almost every day, depending on the staff available. Be sure to call the Mississippi River Visitor Center to check if they are happening before you visit!

Mississippi River Visitor Center, 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102

Discovery Table

Every day, a National Park Service ranger will set up a table with a special topic about the park. At these fun tables, kids can talk to a park ranger, ask questions, and learn new things. You might discover interesting facts about local animals, plants, or the history ......More

Every day, a National Park Service ranger will set up a table with a special topic about the park. At these fun tables, kids can talk to a park ranger, ask questions, and learn new things. You might discover interesting facts about local animals, plants, or the history of the park. Each table is a great way to connect with nature and explore the amazing Mississippi River!Discovery tables happen almost every day, depending on the staff available. Be sure to call the Mississippi River Visitor Center to check if they are happening before you visit!

Mississippi River Visitor Center, 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102

Discovery Table

Every day, a National Park Service ranger will set up a table with a special topic about the park. At these fun tables, kids can talk to a park ranger, ask questions, and learn new things. You might discover interesting facts about local animals, plants, or the history ......More

Every day, a National Park Service ranger will set up a table with a special topic about the park. At these fun tables, kids can talk to a park ranger, ask questions, and learn new things. You might discover interesting facts about local animals, plants, or the history of the park. Each table is a great way to connect with nature and explore the amazing Mississippi River!Discovery tables happen almost every day, depending on the staff available. Be sure to call the Mississippi River Visitor Center to check if they are happening before you visit!

Mississippi River Visitor Center, 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102

Discovery Table

Every day, a National Park Service ranger will set up a table with a special topic about the park. At these fun tables, kids can talk to a park ranger, ask questions, and learn new things. You might discover interesting facts about local animals, plants, or the history ......More

Every day, a National Park Service ranger will set up a table with a special topic about the park. At these fun tables, kids can talk to a park ranger, ask questions, and learn new things. You might discover interesting facts about local animals, plants, or the history of the park. Each table is a great way to connect with nature and explore the amazing Mississippi River!Discovery tables happen almost every day, depending on the staff available. Be sure to call the Mississippi River Visitor Center to check if they are happening before you visit!

Mississippi River Visitor Center, 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102

Minnesota Bat Festival

Park rangers from the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area will bring discovery, inviting visitors to explore nature, learn about local wildlife, and connect with their national park right in the heart of the community.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 3815 American Blvd. E., Bloomington, MN 55425

Discovery Table

Every day, a National Park Service ranger will set up a table with a special topic about the park. At these fun tables, kids can talk to a park ranger, ask questions, and learn new things. You might discover interesting facts about local animals, plants, or the history ......More

Every day, a National Park Service ranger will set up a table with a special topic about the park. At these fun tables, kids can talk to a park ranger, ask questions, and learn new things. You might discover interesting facts about local animals, plants, or the history of the park. Each table is a great way to connect with nature and explore the amazing Mississippi River!Discovery tables happen almost every day, depending on the staff available. Be sure to call the Mississippi River Visitor Center to check if they are happening before you visit!

Mississippi River Visitor Center, 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102

Reading with a Ranger

Get ready for wild discoveries at Reading with a Ranger! Join a real National Park Service ranger for a storytime where animals rivers and big park adventures leap off the page. Kids can dive into our Discovery Table—a hands‑on activity station packed with fun props and......More

Get ready for wild discoveries at Reading with a Ranger! Join a real National Park Service ranger for a storytime where animals rivers and big park adventures leap off the page. Kids can dive into our Discovery Table—a hands‑on activity station packed with fun props and curious objects that invite young explorers to touch wonder and learn.Do you have a 4th grader in your crew? They can earn their Every Kid Outdoors pass—totally free! Just complete the quick online questionnaire and bring the printed voucher and a ranger will help them redeem their pass so your family can start adventuring across America’s parks together: visit everykidoutdoors.gov to learn more!What the EKO pass gets you:• At places that charge per‑vehicle entrance fees the pass covers the 4th grader and everyone riding in the same private non‑commercial car (or up to two motorcycles)—perfect for a car full of explorers.• At places that charge per‑person fees the pass covers the 4th grader plus up to three adults children 15 and under already get in free. Translation: bring the whole crew!• The pass is good at many national parks and other federal public lands and historic sites—your ticket to big views wildlife moments and “we‑were‑there!” memories all year long.

Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center, 200 Monroe St, Prescott, WI 54021

Reading with a Ranger

Get ready for wild discoveries at Reading with a Ranger! Join a real National Park Service ranger for a storytime where animals rivers and big park adventures leap off the page. Kids can dive into our Discovery Table—a hands‑on activity station packed with fun props and......More

Get ready for wild discoveries at Reading with a Ranger! Join a real National Park Service ranger for a storytime where animals rivers and big park adventures leap off the page. Kids can dive into our Discovery Table—a hands‑on activity station packed with fun props and curious objects that invite young explorers to touch wonder and learn.Do you have a 4th grader in your crew? They can earn their Every Kid Outdoors pass—totally free! Just complete the quick online questionnaire and bring the printed voucher and a ranger will help them redeem their pass so your family can start adventuring across America’s parks together: visit everykidoutdoors.gov to learn more!What the EKO pass gets you:• At places that charge per‑vehicle entrance fees the pass covers the 4th grader and everyone riding in the same private non‑commercial car (or up to two motorcycles)—perfect for a car full of explorers.• At places that charge per‑person fees the pass covers the 4th grader plus up to three adults children 15 and under already get in free. Translation: bring the whole crew!• The pass is good at many national parks and other federal public lands and historic sites—your ticket to big views wildlife moments and “we‑were‑there!” memories all year long.

Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center, 200 Monroe St, Prescott, WI 54021