Jay Cooke State Park

The purpose of this 2-mile moderate walk is to discover the many beautiful yellow lady's-slippers and other wildflowers in Jay Cooke State Park. 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. 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…

Get to know some of Minnesota's common tree species on this family-friendly scavenger hunt activity, limited to 15 people. 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. All programs require registration due to limited space. Call 218-673-7006 or email carly.hawkinson @ state.mn.us with…

Participants in the "Tour de Jay Cooke State Park" will learn about the history of the park while cycling on the scenic Willard Munger State Trail. The event is limited to 10 people. Participants must bring their own bicycles and helmets. 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…

Discover the pollinators that make Jay Cooke State Park's beautiful blooms possible during this half-mile walk around the visitor center grounds. The group meets at the amphitheater behind the park office. 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. All programs require registration…

This mindfulness-based nature observation bike ride pauses at several locations along the scenic Willard Munger State Trail to focus on the surroundings and learn about the flora and fauna. It's a round-trip ride of about 6 miles. Participants should bring their own bikes and helmets. There is limited capacity and pre-registration is required. 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…

The forests of Jay Cooke State Park are filled with 15 different species of ferns, from delicate oak ferns to 5-foot-tall ostrich ferns. Take a walk with a naturalist to learn why these ancient plants are an important part of the forest. The group will meet at the amphitheater behind the park office. 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…

This naturalist-guided mindfulness walk encourages the use of human senses to observe what beauties nature is revealing. There is limited capacity and pre-registration is required. 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. All programs require registration due to limited space. Call 218-673-7006…

This naturalist-led walk pauses at several locations to read a storybook and do mindfulness activities. There is limited capacity and pre-registration is required. The sign-up deadline is 10:30 a.m. on the day of the event. 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.…

How does a bee be calm? Slow down the buzzing and find out on this naturalist-led story walk. The group will walk down a nature trail, pause at locations along the way to listen to a storybook, and learn yoga stretches. There is limited capacity and pre-registration is required. Sign-up deadline is 10:30 a.m. 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.…

On this naturalist-led story walk, participants will walk a peaceful trail, pause at several locations to read a storybook, and do some mindfulness activities. There is limited capacity and pre-registration is required. Sign-up deadline is 5 p.m. 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…

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…

Participants in this naturalist event will walk along a 1.5-mile paved trail to discover what's making chirps and twitters. The walk is designed for beginning birders. Binoculars are provided. The group will meet at the visitor center 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…

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.…

Discover silent hunters of the night and learn how nature built a better mousetrap during this naturalist program. Participants are encouraged to bring a blanket or camp chair for comfort or social distancing. Bench seating is available. Meet at the amphitheater behind the park office. 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…

Learn about the daily live of wolves in Minnesota and how they work together as a pack for survival. No registration required. Bench seating. Bring a blanket or camp chair for comfort or social distancing. Meet in amphitheater behind park office. 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…

The wonders of the monarch’s life are a natural work of art. Learn about the life cycle, migration and special roles of the monarch, and take home a creative caterpillar made during the program. The group will 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…

Stop in front of the River Inn Interpretive Center at Jay Cooke State Park between 1 and 3 p.m. to hear ongoing mini-talks about the rocks of the park. Discover the many stories left behind in stone that trace the natural and historical events that happened there. 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…

This easy one-mile walk explores lichens of the north woods. Learn what a lichen is, its expert survival capabilities, and the many uses it has had in present and past cultures. No prior knowledge is necessary. The group will meet 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…

Stop by the River Inn Interpretive Center at Jay Cooke State Park between noon and 2 p.m. to hear ongoing mini-talks about animals and plants. 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 price options for disabled veterans, Minnesota Tribal…

Learn techniques to build the perfect campfire. Test your fire-building skills afterward in a campfire skills challenge. The group will meet 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 for a year. There are reduced price options for disabled veterans,…

Stop by the River Inn Interpretive Center at Jay Cooke State Park between noon and 2 p.m. to discover the wild edibles of the north woods. Berries, mushrooms and wild rice are a few of the many native foods that people harvest and eat in Minnesota. Stop by anytime to discover the wild edibles of the north woods. All naturalist programs at Jay Cooke State Park are free, but a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is needed to park a…

Jay Cooke State Park will be closed Dec. 3-7 to all visitors outside of the campground, office area, River Inn area and the Munger Trail during a special muzzleloader hunt to prevent overpopulation of deer and protect resources. The swinging bridge will remain accessible to visitors but they should not access any areas south of the bridge. All hiking trails will be closed. Visitors are advised to wear blaze orange or brightly colored clothing if they will be in the…