Jay Cooke State Park

The purpose of this 2-mile moderate walk is to discover the many beautiful flowers of Jay Cooke State Park and how they survive the varied weather of spring. The majority of the walk is flat. There are rocks and hills to climb in the beginning to access the trail, but the group will take it slow. Meet at the River Inn Interpretive Center. All naturalist programs at Jay Cooke State Park are free, but a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit…

This 2-mile, moderate hike across the St. Louis River leads to a scenic hillside of yellow lady’s-slipper flowers. Along the way, participants will discover other spring flowers in bloom. The group meets at the River Inn Interpretive Center. All naturalist programs at Jay Cooke State Park are free, but a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is needed to park a vehicle in the park. Permits can be purchased upon arrival. The cost is $7 for a single day or $35…

This children’s program covers the adaptations of beavers, otters, insects and other river critters. Participants take home a fish printing craft made during the program. Meet behind the River Inn Interpretive Center. All naturalist programs at Jay Cooke State Park are free, but a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is needed to park a vehicle in the park. Permits can be purchased upon arrival. The cost is $7 for a single day or $35 for a year. There are reduced…

Although people rarely see them at the park, black bears are one of the most asked about animals. This campfire program invites participants to discover the world of the Minnesota black bear and how to make outdoor adventures more "bearable." Participants meet at the amphitheater behind the park office. There is bench seating. Attendees can bring a blanket or camp chair for comfort or social distancing. All naturalist programs at Jay Cooke State Park are free, but a Minnesota State…

The tilted rocks on the St. Louis River have caused people to wonder and marvel at them for centuries. Join this naturalist program geology walk near the river to discover what powerful forces from the past shaped the tilted rocks. The event involves a 1/4-mile walk on a level, grassy surface.  All naturalist programs at Jay Cooke State Park are free, but a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is needed to park a vehicle in the park. Permits can be…

Learn about the history of the people buried at Thomson Pioneer Cemetery on the northwest edge of Jay Cooke State Park on Highway 210 near Carlton. The group will meet at the cemetery parking lot. All naturalist programs at Jay Cooke State Park are free, but a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is needed to park a vehicle in the park. Permits can be purchased upon arrival. The cost is $7 for a single day or $35 for a year.…