Minnesota state parks offer Mother’s Day wildflower walks and more

As the air warms and the landscape turns green, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages people to visit one of the state’s 76 state parks and recreation areas. On Mother’s Day weekend, state parks will host guided wildflower walks, birding and stargazing workshops, a bluebell flower festival and more. These programs are free with a valid state park vehicle permit ($5/one-day or $25/year-round):

The schedule:

Saturday, May 11

“Birding at Bear Head Lake,” Bear Head Lake State Park (Ely), 8-10 a.m.

“Bird Watching Walk,” Sibley State Park (New London), 8:30-10 a.m.

“Birding for Beginners,” all ages, Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls), 8:30-9:30 a.m.

“Big Woods Natural History and Ecology Hike,” Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park (near Northfield),10-11 a.m.

"Bluebell Festival,” Carley State Park (Altura), 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

“Morels and Wildflowers,” Whitewater State Park (Altura), 10-11 a.m.

“Is This Poisonous? A Plant Walk for the Curious,” Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls), 2-3 p.m.

“Astronomy and Stargazing,” Glacial Lakes State Park (Starbuck), sundown.

Sunday, May 12 (Mother’s Day)

“Intro to Mushrooms,” Great River Bluffs at Great River Bluffs State Park (Winona), 10-11 a.m.

“Wildflower Walk,” Wild River State Park (Center City), noon-1:30 p.m.

“Bird-banding Demonstrations,” Whitewater State Park (Altura), 12:30-1:30 p.m.

“Wildflower Walk,” Great River Bluffs State Park (Winona), 2-3 p.m.

“Spring Wildflower Stroll,” at Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls), 2-3 p.m.

“Fishing for Fun,” Fort Snelling State Park (St. Paul), 1-3 p.m.

For more information, including directions to the parks, visit www.mndnr.gov or call the DNR Information Center 651-296-6517 or toll-free at 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Can’t get to a program on Mother’s Day weekend because of the fishing opener or some other conflict? Consider giving mom a Minnesota state parks gift card. Gift cards can be redeemed for camping, overnight getaways at camper cabins or modern suites, vehicle permits and to rent equipment such as canoes and kayaks. They also can be redeemed for apparel, outdoor-related books and other gear sold at Minnesota state parks.

Gift cards can be purchased any of three ways:
• By phone (651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 toll-free).
• Online (www.mndnr.gov/reservations).
• In person at Minnesota state parks or at the DNR Information Center, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul.