Itasca has plenty of activities to keep busy, warm this winter

For questions or more information, contact Park Naturalists: Connie Cox, or Sandra Lichter, Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470, Voice: (218) 699-7259 or (218) 699-7252 or (218)699-7251 for the front desk.

December

• Circle Time Under the Pines: W is for Winter. Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.

Children 2-5 years old, come explore and have fun at Itasca as we search for signs of winter through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. Adults must accompany children. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying your noon meal at the park after the program.

• 16th Annual Itasca Winter Bird Count, Sunday, Dec. 19, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center by 8 a.m. for assignment of count areas.

This holiday season, take part in the 111th Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Explore Itasca's count area in search of our winter bird residents. Stay a few hours or spend the whole day. Information collected is used to track migration patterns and changes in winter bird species abundance.
Entire program is held outdoors. Dress warmly for outdoor winter conditions. Bring your lunch if staying for the entire day. For questions, call: 218-699-7251.

January

• Circle Time Under the Pines: C is for Chickadee, Wednesday, Jan. 5, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.

Children 2-5 years old, come explore and have fun at Itasca as we check out the Black-capped chickadees through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery.
Adults must accompany children. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying your noon meal at the park after the program.

• Lantern Lit Ski and Snowshoe, Saturday, Jan. 15, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Park and begin at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.

Come out and ski or snowshoe by the light of the moon. Trail follows the Many Lakes Road (South Entrance).
Classic ski, skate ski or snowshoe at your own pace along the kerosene lantern lit route during this drop-in program. Marshmallows will be available for roasting around the fire! For added fun, bring along your s'mores fixings or hot dogs for cooking at the campfire. Dress according to the weather. Program is dependent on snow depth. In case of poor weather, event will be canceled. Itasca State Park does have snowshoes to rent. Sorry, but the park does not rent skis.

• Circle Time Under the Pines: H is for (snowshoe) Hares, Thursday, Jan. 20, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.

Children 2-5 years old, come explore and have fun at Itasca as we discover how snowshoe hares hide in winter  through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery.
Adults must accompany children. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying your noon meal at the park after the program.

February

• Circle Time Under the Pines: G is for Groundhog, Wednesday, Feb. 2, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.

Children 2-5 years old, come explore and have fun at Itasca. Will the groundhog see his shadow today? Come out and learn about groundhogs through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery.
Adults must accompany children. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying your noon meal at the park after the program.

• Lantern Lit Ski and Snowshoe, Saturday, Feb. 12, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Park and begin at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.

Come out and ski or snowshoe by the light of the moon. Trail follows the Many Lakes Road (South Entrance).
Classic ski, skate ski or snowshoe at your own pace along the kerosene lantern lit route during this drop-in program. Marshmallows will be available for roasting around the fire!

For added fun, bring along your s'mores fixings or hot dogs for cooking at the campfire. Dress according to the weather. Program is dependent on snow depth. In case of poor weather, event will be canceled. Itasca State Park does have snowshoes to rent. Sorry, but the park does not rent skis.

• Circle Time Under the Pines: M is for Mitten, Thursday, Feb. 17, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.

Children 2-5 years old, come explore and have fun at Itasca. How do animals and people stay warm in winter? Bring your mittens and find out through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. Adults must accompany children.
March

• Circle Time Under the Pines: S is for Sugarbush, Wednesday, March 2, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.

Children 2-5 years old, come explore and have fun at Itasca. It's maple syrup time. Learn more about this sweet treat from trees through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. Adults must accompany children.

• Circle Time Under the Pines: G is for Green, Thursday, March 17, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.

Children 2-5 years old, come explore and have fun at Itasca. Discover the color green in nature. Don't forget to wear your green as we learn more about this color through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery.