Discover an educational outdoor adventure along the Mississippi River with Take Me to the River at Hidden Falls. Perfect for young learners, it combines hands-on activities with cultural stories, making it a memorable day in nature.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most children and adults, no special fitness level required
Wildlife
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.
Mississippi Park Connection
Discover an educational outdoor adventure along the Mississippi River with Take Me to the River at Hidden Falls. Perfect for young learners, it combines hands-on activities with cultural stories, making it a memorable day in nature.
Mississippi Park Connection connects people to the Mississippi River basin through ranger-led paddle trips, guided tours, and hands-on education. Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the organization coordinates a range of public programs and school field experiences led by National Park Service rangers. Paddle offerings include Vermillion River Bottoms paddles for intermediate and advanced paddlers, a 7.5-mile Mississippi Gateway Regional Park kayak trip (shuttle included), and beginner-friendly Paddle 101 at Pickerel Lake with adaptive equipment available.
Educational programs serve elementary students with curriculum-linked experiences: Big River Journey is a 90-minute riverboat program for Grades 3–5 exploring river ecology, geology, and stewardship; Take Me to the River offers fourth-graders outdoor skills and cultural history at Hidden Falls Regional Park at no cost to participating schools; Winter River brings Grades 4–6 to Fort Snelling State Park for winter adaptation activities. Additional offerings include ranger-led Riverfront Walking Tours that highlight St. Anthony Falls and regional archaeology.
Mississippi Park Connection partners with National Park Service rangers and local parks agencies to deliver field-based learning, outdoor recreation, and conservation messaging. Programs emphasize safety, accessibility, and stewardship of the Mississippi River and its floodplain forests. Scheduling details, age recommendations, and equipment notes are provided for each trip. The organization’s mix of public paddles, school field trips, and seasonal programs offers authentic river experiences for students, families, and experienced paddlers. Booking information and program calendars are listed on partner sites, National Park Service pages. Safety briefings, life jackets, and guided instruction are standard on paddles and school programs.
Tours Offered
7
Ranger-led paddles and tours
Based In
Saint Paul, MN
Serving the Mississippi River area
Ranger-led Programs
National Park Service
Programs led by NPS rangers
School Programs
Grades 3–6
Curriculum-linked field experiences
Book Paddle 101, guided kayak trips, riverboat education, or school field programs — spaces and school slots fill quickly.
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.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is key during outdoor activities and on warmer days.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protect yourself from sun exposure while engaging in outdoor outdoor learning.
summer
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear ensures safety during active parts of the program.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Clothes suitable for changing weather conditions keep participants comfortable.
spring, summer, fall,winter