Jay Cooke State Park

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…

Take an adventure looking for birds spending their winter in Duluth. Depending on snow depths, either walk or snowshoe through Jay Cooke State Park in search of the birds who choose to stick around during the cold season. Binoculars and snowshoes will be available to anyone who needs them. Dress to be outdoors the entire time — winter boots, layers of winter clothing, hats and mittens are recommended. Plan to meet in The River Inn Visitor Center at the park.

Celebrate the end of the year during this first day snowshoe walk. Discover what resolutions forest animals are making for the new year during this one-mile hike through Jay Cooke State Park. Wear clothes that will keep you warm and dry — winter boots, layers of clothes that you can unzip if you are getting too warm, hat, mittens and a scarf. Snowshoeing can make you thirsty, even in winter so a water bottle may also be useful. Child and…

Learn the basics of snowshoeing then head out on the trail to see what awaits in the woods and along the river. Child and adult snowshoes are available and no experience is needed. There is limited capacity and pre-registration is required — more details to come once you pre-register. To pre-register, email [email protected] or call 218-673-7006.