I will be updating this post throughout the month as new events are announced - usually an additional 5-8 as the month goes on - so feel free to stop back for updated info.
Late May Events
- Saturday, May 30 11:00am - 2:00 pm
- Chatfield Center for the Arts, 405 Main St South, Chatfield MN
Join us for Trail Days — a celebration of community, nature, and the growing vision for the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail! Come explore a recently designated section of the proposed trail with a self-guided or interpretive hike, enjoy outdoor crafts and activities, and enter to win raffle prizes from local and outdoor brands. It’s a fun, easygoing day for hikers, families, and anyone who loves the Driftless Area. Trail Days is also a great chance to learn more about the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail project, share your ideas, and connect with the volunteers and partners helping bring this new long-distance trail to life. We'll host our first ever annual meeting in the middle of trail days - at 12:45 PM - for those who are interested in learning more directly from those involved in building this trail!What to Expect:
- Self-guided hikes on recently designated MDHT route
- Interpretive hike with Paint & Hike
- Raffle prizes from outdoor + local companies
- Outdoor crafts + activities for all ages
- Opportunities to share feedback and learn about the trail project
June Events
- Monday, June 1 10:00am (repeats weekly on Thursdays-Mondays until October 31)
- Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA
Join us for a free ranger-guided hike to Fire Point overlook starting at 10:00 a.m. This hike is a 2-mile roundtrip that will take about 2 hours total. There is a 350ft elevation gain going up 5 switchbacks on the woodchipped trail. There will be frequent stops on this hike as the ranger will be providing information about the resources of the park. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear. Bringing bug spray is recommended. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National MonumentBee House Workshop: Paving the Way for Pollinators with Heidi Bacon
- Thursday, June 4 6:00pm
- Thursday, June 4 6:00pm
- Houston Public Library, 202 E. Cedar St, Houston MN
Heidi will showcase her artwork pairing native Minnesota pollinators with the native plants they rely on, while discussing the importance of supporting pollinators in home landscapes. Participants will receive native Minnesota wildflower seeds and create bee houses using recycled materials. This event is geared to adults, but all ages are welcome. Kids might need some help from an adult. Sponsor: Houston Public Library
Nature Knowledge - Bountiful Butterflies
- Thursday, June 11 10:00-11:00 am
- Windom Park, 260 Harriet St, Winona, MN
Heidi will showcase her artwork pairing native Minnesota pollinators with the native plants they rely on, while discussing the importance of supporting pollinators in home landscapes. Participants will receive native Minnesota wildflower seeds and create bee houses using recycled materials. This event is geared to adults, but all ages are welcome. Kids might need some help from an adult. Sponsor: Houston Public Library
- Friday, June 5 1:00pm (repeats weekly on Fridays-Sundays until October 31)
- Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA
Join us for a free ranger-guided hike along the Yellow River Boardwalk trail. This hike is a 1-mile roundtrip that will take about 1 hour total. This is a wheelchair accessible trail along a recycled-plastic boardwalk to the Yellow River bridge. There will be frequent stops on this hike as the ranger will be providing information about the resources of the park. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear. Bringing bug spray is recommended. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument- Friday, June 5 2:30pm (repeats weekly on Fridays-Sundays until October 31)
- Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA
Free “Pop-Up” programs are ranger-led activities or talks. These programs can be focused on a variety of topics and are ranger’s choice. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument - Saturday, June 6 9:30-11:30am
- The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
Join us for a free family event at The Nature Place on the first Saturday of each month. Each event provides a unique seasonal opportunity to learn about the critters and nature patterns found within our region's ecosystem. If you have a question about the event, please reach out to our Community Programs Manager, Steph Hanna at Steph.Hanna@natureplacelacrosse.org **Weather notices or immediate updates regarding one of these events will be shared on our FB stories the day of the event. Sponsor: The Nature Place
- Saturday, June 6 9:30am-11:30 am
- Holzinger Trails, 25 W. Lake BLVD, Winona MN
There are many different aspects to consider when analyzing survival scenarios such as food sources, shelter, first aid, navigation, and more. Bring your family out to the Holzinger Trails to learn about the basics of survival and enjoy the start of summer! This program is designed to be kid-friendly as we discuss the basic needs of survival and do some fun interactive activities to go along with each newly learned skill. Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders. Free to Attend! Registration Required. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative - Saturday, June 6 1:00-2:00 pm
- Whitewater State Park Visitor Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Can you find hidden creatures? How do animals "hide," and why is it important for their survival? Use your senses on an easy outdoor walk to discover why and how camouflage is an important adaptation for animals at Whitewater! This program is suitable for kids and adults of all ages. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park |
| Image - Whitewater State Park |
- Saturday, June 6 3:00-5:00 pm
- Whitewater State Park beach, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Whitewater State Park is home to a variety of mammals, both large and small, all of which have amazing creature features and contribute to our ecosystem in different ways. Check out pelts, skulls, and learn more about these animals firsthand with a park ranger. Drop in to our learning station anytime 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. near the Whitewater Beach restroom shelter. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park - Saturday, June 6 7-8:00pm
- Wildcat Mountain State Park amphitheater, E13660 Hwy 33, Ontario, WI 54651
Join Abbey Krumrie, from River Valley Raptors, for a free interactive program about raptors. Meet some live raptors and learn about the differences between their adaptations. Please, no pets, because they may scare the raptors. Meet at the Amphitheater. This event is weather-dependent. Event Contact: Emily Alf, emily.alf@wisconsin.gov, 608-337-4775. Sponsor: Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park
- Monday, June 8 11:00am
- meet outside Holmen Public Library, 121 W. Legion St, Homen WI
Enjoy a nature walk, stroies and activities designed to foster eco-literacy and fun for youth and their grown-ups. Explore a local trail as summer marches along at this free, approximately 45 minute program. Weather permitting. For more information, call (608) 526-4198. Sponsor: La Crosse County Holmen Library
Tom the Creature Teacher
- Wednesday, June 10 10:00 am
- Houston Public Library, 210 West Spruce St, Houston MN
- Wednesday, June 10 10:00 am
- Houston Public Library, 210 West Spruce St, Houston MN
Here’s your chance to meet several types of frogs, lizards, turtles, and snakes from around the world! You will even be allowed to touch many of the critters while they are being presented. Stick around for lunch with the Meet Up and Eat Up crew following the program! Sponsor: Houston Public Library
- Wedneday June 10
- 12:30-1:15 pm Holmen Public Library, 121 W. Legion St, Holmen WI
- 3:30-4:30 pm Campbell Library, 2548 Lakeshore Drive (French Island), La Crosse WI
- 6:30-7:30 pm West Salem Library, 702 Industrial Dr, West Salem WI
A musician and naturalist from Minnesota, Will performs original music for kids with a focus on positivity, humor, and learning through curiousity. His environmentally-themed music is guaranteed to get kids moving, grooving, laughing and singing! No registration required. All ages welcome. Sponsor: La Crosse County Library- Thursday, June 11 10:00-11:00 am
- Windom Park, 260 Harriet St, Winona, MN
Come learn about our amazing butterflies. We will take a short walk to catch butterflies so we can observe them up close. Bring your own net if you have one or use one of the park’s. We will also do a fun butterfly craft. Join Winona Public Library and naturalists from Whitewater State Park at Windom Park to interactively learn about the plants & animals in our beautiful driftless area. We’ll start with a brief nature education piece, followed by activities and crafts related to the topic. This is great for ages 6 and up. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsor: Winona Public Library
- Thursday, June 11 11:00am
- meet at Great River Landing, 101 Irvin St, Onalaska WI
Enjoy a nature walk, stroies and activities designed to foster eco-literacy and fun for youth and their grown-ups. Explore a local trail as summer marches along at this free, approximately 45 minute program. Weather permitting. For more information, call (608) 781-9568. Sponsor: La Crosse County Onalaska Library
- Thursday, June 11 3:00pm
- La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent MN
Join us to meet a live animal ambassador and learn about wildlife with an Eagle Bluff professional educator! This interactive learning experience will spark curiosity, build environmental awareness, and inspire a meaningful connection with wildlife. Free and open to all ages. This program is sponsored by a Legacy grant through the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund, made possible through SELCO. Find more library events in the SELCO region at legacy.selco.info/calendar. Sponsors:La Crescent Public Library
- Saturday, June 13
Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new - or visit an old favorite at a new time of year! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping, rentals, or special tours. The goal is to encourage families and friends to spend time together in nature. Research shows many health and wellness benefits to spending time in nature. According to ParkRx, contact with nature improves one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. Getting outdoors makes exercise more fun and can boost mood and immunity. The American Psychological Association shares that exposure to nature is linked to benefits including improved attention, lower stress, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even increases in empathy and cooperation. Additional date for free park days in 2026: Friday, November 27, 2025. Sponsor: MN DNRBats of Whitewater - Bat Count
- Saturday, June 13 8:30-9:30 am
Whitewater State Park North Picnic Pavilion, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Learn about Minnesota's bat population and the dreaded White Nose Syndrome that threatens their world. We will separate fact from fiction about these fascinating little animals. Program participants will aid in ongoing scientific research at the park by counting bats emerging from their daytime slumber. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
Prairie Dreams - A Trail of Quilts
Intro to Camping
- Saturday, June 13 11-:00am - noon
- Prairie Island Nature Trails Winona, MN
Growing Sprouts: Nature-Based Early Literacy
Water Exploration with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
- Thursday, June 18 10:00-11:00am
- Lake Lodge at Lake Winona, 113 Lake Park Dr, Winona, MN
Eagle Bluff educators will bring all the gear needed to look for macroinvertebrates, amphibians and other possible animals at Lake Winona on the beach behind Lake Lodge. Adults are required to be with children at all times and are responsible for any children attending with them.This program series from Winona Public Library for ages 3-6 and a caregiver is focused on using natural spaces to practice building blocks of early literacy: talk, write, read, and play! We’ll be outdoors for the whole program, so dress for the weather. Sturdy shoes are important, as we’ll spend part of the time on Holzinger Trail. Adults are required to be with children at all times. No pre-registration required. Sponsor: Winona Public Library
- Saturday, June 13 10am - 5:00pm
- Frontenac (MN) State Park, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Experience the quilts of over 125 artists as inspired by their dreams of the prairie and displayed along a trail in Frontenac State Park. Incorporating a prairie’s elemental aspects of earth, wind, and fire, see quilts based on stories passed down through generations, evoking hope for the future, and representing daydreams of clouds scudding across the sky while listening to songbirds nearby.- Come and talk to quilters about their designs and inspirations.
- Learn about how select quilts reveal facts or flights of fancy about the prairie environment that Frontenac State Park preserves for present and future generations.
- Enjoy refreshments, vote for your favorite quilt, and enter a drawing for a free Minnesota State Park Pass.
- Saturday, June 13 10 am -11:30 am
- Forestville Mystery Cave (MN) Park, William Morris’s Visitor Center
Caves, disappearing streams and sinkholes make up a landscape called karst. Cherry Grove Blind Valley Scientific and Natural Area is a hidden gem in the story of karst topography. Master Naturalist volunteer, Ann will reveal these unique geologic features up close on this 1 mile hike. Come prepared to cross over a shallow stream on stepping stones by wearing sturdy shoes. Bug spray is recommended too. Meet at the William Morrissey Visitor Center at Mystery Cave for a brief introduction and follow Ann in your own car about 6 miles to the Cherry Grove SNA. From State Hwy. 16, go 4 miles south on Co. Hwy. 5, then follow the signs to Mystery Cave. More Information: Call 507-352-5111. Sponsor: MN DNR
- Saturday, June 13 11-:00am - noon
- Prairie Island Nature Trails Winona, MN
Join us for a fun intro to camping event where we will have various stations set up to learn about all of the camping basics! We will discuss how to set up a tent, the process of starting (and keeping) a fire going, how to cook over an open fire, hiking tips, and more! If you are new to camping or looking to connect with others in the community who are passionate about camping and getting outdoors then this is the event for you! This is a great event to attend alone or bring the whole family — all are welcome to join in the fun. Free to Attend! Registration required. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative
- Saturday, June 13 6:00-7:00 pm
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Chimney Rock Trailhead, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
On this hike, we will travel through time to learn about the geologic processes that formed the beautiful Whitewater River Valley. Find out how oceans, glaciers and raging rivers have shaped this landscape. Distance - 0.7 Miles, Elevation Gain 200 ft. Uneven surfaces. Sponsor: Whitewater State ParkWater Exploration with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
- Thursday, June 18 10:00-11:00am
- Lake Lodge at Lake Winona, 113 Lake Park Dr, Winona, MN
Eagle Bluff educators will bring all the gear needed to look for macroinvertebrates, amphibians and other possible animals at Lake Winona on the beach behind Lake Lodge. Adults are required to be with children at all times and are responsible for any children attending with them.This program series from Winona Public Library for ages 3-6 and a caregiver is focused on using natural spaces to practice building blocks of early literacy: talk, write, read, and play! We’ll be outdoors for the whole program, so dress for the weather. Sturdy shoes are important, as we’ll spend part of the time on Holzinger Trail. Adults are required to be with children at all times. No pre-registration required. Sponsor: Winona Public Library
-Thursday, June 18 4:00 pm
- La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent MN
Buzz, flutter, and fly along with Happy Dancing Turtle as we explore the amazing world of pollinators. Discover why pollinators are so important and go on a pollinator hunt in your local park! Sponsor:La Crescent Public Library
Owls Around Us
- Saturday, June 20 8:00-9:00pm
What is Blooming at Kellogg Weaver Dunes
- Friday June 19 9:00 - 11:3 am
Join Wildcat Mountain staff members as we learn all about nature journaling. What is nature journaling? Why do it? How do we journal nature? Get creative and make your own homemade journal. Take a short walk and find a place to make your first journal entry! Meet at the upper picnic shelter. This event will be held rain or shine. Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park
- Friday June 19 9:00 - 11:3 am
- The Nature Conservancy’s Cox Unit, Kellogg MN
We will meet at the Kellogg MN Kwik Trip and caravan to this site on the Lower Sand Prairie.This will be an easy hike, no sand dunes, or hills, but the terrain may have long grass and other obstacles. We will stay away from the poison ivy area. We will focus on Milkweeds and their importance, Goat’s Rue, Puccoon, Thimbleweed, Spiderwort, Prairie Larkspur, White Wild Indigo, Blue-Eyed Grass, and Hoary Frost Weed. The public is welcome at this free event; registration is limited to ten participants. To register contact Nancy Falkum at 651-764-5605 or email guthrie55981@gmail.com
We will meet at the Kellogg MN Kwik Trip and caravan to this site on the Lower Sand Prairie.This will be an easy hike, no sand dunes, or hills, but the terrain may have long grass and other obstacles. We will stay away from the poison ivy area. We will focus on Milkweeds and their importance, Goat’s Rue, Puccoon, Thimbleweed, Spiderwort, Prairie Larkspur, White Wild Indigo, Blue-Eyed Grass, and Hoary Frost Weed. The public is welcome at this free event; registration is limited to ten participants. To register contact Nancy Falkum at 651-764-5605 or email guthrie55981@gmail.com
- Saturday, June 20 9;00 - 11:00 am
- Frontenac (MN) State Park Ranger Station, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Walk the Prairie Trail looking and listening for breeding grassland birds including meadowlarks, dicksissels, bluebirds, raptors, and various sparrows. Bring binoculars. The trail is mowed grass without much elevation change. The walk is 1-2 miles long. Depending on group preferences and how many birds we're seeing, this can take a couple of hours, but you can leave whenever you would like. No need to register but if you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. Meet at the Ranger Station parking lot. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association - Saturday, June 20 10:00 am - noon
Stry Prarie, Hixon Forest, La Crosse WI
We will meet experts from Coulee Region Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts at Stry Prairie in Hixon Forest Park in La Crosse, WI. All ages and skill levels are welcome to learn, observe, and explore with us! We use iNaturalist to identify and upload images to a community science database. Add your observations to iNaturalist and or to your own personal passport that we provide. Get a sticker and a button and help us add more community scientists to Driftless Area BioBlitz. Sponsors: The Nature Place and Coulee Region Chapter of the Prairie Enthusiasts - Saturday, June 20 10:00 am - noon
- Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park, E13660 Hwy 33, Ontario, WIJoin Wildcat Mountain staff members as we learn all about nature journaling. What is nature journaling? Why do it? How do we journal nature? Get creative and make your own homemade journal. Take a short walk and find a place to make your first journal entry! Meet at the upper picnic shelter. This event will be held rain or shine. Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park
- Saturday, June 20 8:00-9:00pm
Whitewater State Park Visitor's Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Learn about owls, dissect an owl pellet, and maybe even hear an owl in the twilight hours! You will leave knowing what to look for as an owl-tastic nature explorer at Whitewater! (and back home too). Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Saturday, June 20 8:30- 10:30pm
- Wyalusing State Park, Huser Observatory, , 13081 State Park Lane, Bagley, WIStar Splitters host freee monthly programs with presentations and telescope viewings. Contact: www.starsplitters.org, starsplitterswsp@gmail.com Sponsors: Star Splitters of Wyalusing
Bird and Bug Brigade Nature Hike
- Thursday , June 25 4:00 pm
- La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent MN
Have you ever listened to the chirping birds and wondered which ones they were? Imagine finding a caterpillar and knowing which butterfly or moth it would will become. The book "Small Hands Can Help - Minnesota" is all about nature and adventure! Join author and iNaturalist Teresa Veraguth as we start at the Community Building to listen to a poem about how the loons change their eye color, then we'll head over to Wagon Wheel Trail (starting at the pedestrian bridge) for the “Bird & Bug Brigade” nature hike. Grown-ups: Bring a smartphone to learn community science apps or have your kiddos just use their eyes and ears to find the items on scavenger hunt handouts. Sponsors: La Crescent Public Library and Friends,/Merchant Bank
Bee House Workshop: Paving the Way for Pollinators with Heidi Bacon
- Tuesday, June 23 11:00am
- Tuesday, June 23 11:00am
- Hokah Public Library, 211 Main St, Hokah MN
Heidi will showcase her artwork pairing native Minnesota pollinators with the native plants they rely on, while discussing the importance of supporting pollinators in home landscapes. Participants will receive native Minnesota wildflower seeds and create bee houses using recycled materials. This event is geared to adults, but all ages are welcome. Kids might need some help from an adult. Sponsor: Hokah Public Library
Heidi will showcase her artwork pairing native Minnesota pollinators with the native plants they rely on, while discussing the importance of supporting pollinators in home landscapes. Participants will receive native Minnesota wildflower seeds and create bee houses using recycled materials. This event is geared to adults, but all ages are welcome. Kids might need some help from an adult. Sponsor: Hokah Public Library
- Saturday, June 23 6:00pm
- Houston Nature Center, 215 West Plum St, Houston MN
This program highlights the life and legacy of Richard J. Dorer, who dedicated decades to protecting Minnesota’s wildlife and restoring trout streams and forests in southeast Minnesota. Project Get Outdoors Coordinator and Naturalist Sara Holger shares the history of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest and explores its unique natural features and sites open to the public. Sponsors: Houston Public Library and Project Get Outdoors (GO).- Thursday , June 25 4:00 pm
- La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent MN
Have you ever listened to the chirping birds and wondered which ones they were? Imagine finding a caterpillar and knowing which butterfly or moth it would will become. The book "Small Hands Can Help - Minnesota" is all about nature and adventure! Join author and iNaturalist Teresa Veraguth as we start at the Community Building to listen to a poem about how the loons change their eye color, then we'll head over to Wagon Wheel Trail (starting at the pedestrian bridge) for the “Bird & Bug Brigade” nature hike. Grown-ups: Bring a smartphone to learn community science apps or have your kiddos just use their eyes and ears to find the items on scavenger hunt handouts. Sponsors: La Crescent Public Library and Friends,/Merchant Bank
- Friday, June 26, 3:00-4:00pm
- Winona Public Library, 151 W. 5th St, Winona MN
Join Will Sings Songs at Winona Public Library on a musical adventure through the Minnesotan outdoors! An experienced naturalist, Will performs original nature-themed songs, along with some songs that are just plain fun! Driven by audience participation, Will is guaranteed to get kids moving, grooving, laughing, and singing. This high energy performance focuses on positivity, joy, and learning through curiosity. This program is made possible by the people of Minnesota through Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Library Legacy fund, in cooperation with our regional library system, SELCO. Sponsor: Winona Public Library- Saturday, June 27 10 am -11:30 am
- Forestville Mystery Cave Park, William Morris’s Visitor Center
Caves, disappearing streams and sinkholes make up a landscape called karst. Cherry Grove Blind Valley Scientific and Natural Area is a hidden gem in the story of karst topography. Master Naturalist volunteer, Ann will reveal these unique geologic features up close on this 1 mile hike. Come prepared to cross over a shallow stream on stepping stones by wearing sturdy shoes. Bug spray is recommended too. Meet at the William Morrissey Visitor Center at Mystery Cave for a brief introduction and follow Ann in your own car about 6 miles to the Cherry Grove SNA. From State Hwy. 16, go 4 miles south on Co. Hwy. 5, then follow the signs to Mystery Cave. More Information: Call 507-352-5111. Sponsor: MN DNR
Do you know of other June hiking/learning events I should include? Just drop me a line in comments or the contact box on my web version of the blog.
You can read my quarterly column on seasonal hiking suggestions in Inspire(d) Driftless magazine available online or pick up a free copy at businesses and organizations around the Driftless areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and IA.
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