TAKE ME TO THE RIVER

Saint Paul, Minnesota

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER

Outdoor Skill-Based Learning • Grade 4

Select participants and date

Date

Mon, Oct 6

Travelers

2

About This Adventure

Take Me to the River offers fourth-graders an unforgettable outdoor adventure at Hidden Falls Regional Park. Led by National Park Service rangers, students engage in hands-on activities like orienteering, shelter building, and fire making, all while exploring the rich cultural history of the Mississippi River. This enriching experience is free for participating schools.

Ignite Student Curiosity with an Extraordinary Outdoor Experience!

ABOUT

Take Me to the River is an immersive and interactive autumn outdoor education program aimed primarily towards fourth-graders in the Saint Paul Public Schools -- although schools outside the district are encouraged to also apply.

Students connect with the vibrant cultural history of the Mississippi River at Hidden Falls Regional Park. The topics of geography, geology, and physical science are explored with hands-on activities, featuring orienteering-geocaching, shelter building, and fire building stations. The program is led by National Park Service rangers and River Educators!

Title I schools are encouraged to register for this enriching field trip. The program is offered FREE to all participating schools.

For more program information, see the field trips page on the Mississippi Park Connection website.

GRADE

Take Me to the River is open to students in Grade 4

PRICING

Per Student: FREE Adults: FREE

RESTRICTIONS

• Maximum number of students: 90 (Groups with over 90 students will have to register for more than one date) • Minimum number of students: 30 Note: Registration for each date option will remain open until the maximum available slots (90) have been filled OR will close automatically two weeks prior to the event date.

• Minimum number of adults: 3 Note: A minimum of 3 adults must accompany the group as students are split into three groups. At least 2 adults must be educators directly from the school.

LOCATION

Hidden Falls Regional Park North Gate Entrance 1313 Hidden Falls Dr St Paul, MN 55116

OTHER INFORMATION

• Please plan to have students bring and eat lunch at the park as this time is planned into the field trip. • Bus stipends are available to Title I schools! Each school is able to receive a stipend of $250/bus for up to two buses. Stipends are automatically sent upon completion of the field trip.

CONTACT

If you have questions or considerations about the program and its requirements, please contact us prior to your registration so we can assist.

Stephen Walker Park Ranger National Park Service stephen_walker@nps.gov

Jim Ford Managing Director and Ranger National Park Service jim_ford@nps.gov

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers

Weather can change quickly; wearing layered clothing helps stay comfortable during outdoor activities.

Bring water and snacks

Stay energized and hydrated to keep up with the hands-on activities and outdoor exploration.

Wear sturdy shoes

Closed-toe, supportive footwear is recommended for safe shelter building and terrain navigation.

Prepare for varied weather

Check the forecast beforehand and bring rain gear if necessary to enjoy the day regardless of weather.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Great blue herons
River otters

History

The Mississippi River played a vital role in the settlement and cultural development of the region, and the park preserves that history through its landmarks.

Conservation

The park actively promotes environmental stewardship, emphasizing river health and native habitat preservation to visitors.

Water Activities & Cultural Tours at Hidden Falls Regional Park

Difficulty

Duration

Fitness Level

Overview