Guided Programs
Explore the natural beauty of Ramsey County's parks with our diverse range of free guided programs. Led or coordinated by our committed Parks & Recreation staff and specialists, these experiences provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the scenic wonders and recreational possibilities our county affords. Whether one seeks adventure, relaxation, or a chance to commune with nature, our programs accommodate all interests and age groups.
Discover self-guided activities also available in Ramsey County's parks.
Programs are weather dependent and subject to change or cancellation.
Spring
Yanpá Spring-Wind Celebration
May 24, 2025
Waterwalk: 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Celebration: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Battle Creek Pavilion
2401 Upper Afton Rd. E
Maplewood, MN 55119
Yanpá Spring-Wind Celebration
Dakota Spring Teachings Contemporary Indigenous Artistry & Nibi Waterwalk with Sharon Day
In partnership with Ramsey County Parks & Recreation. We welcome the return of Yanpá, the Spring-Wind of the East, with a community celebration rooted in healing, renewal, and creativity.
Our day begins with a Nibi Water Walk & Ceremony led by Sharon Day, starting at the pavilion and following the winding path of Battle Creek. Together, we walk in prayer-to honor the water, to raise awareness, and to carry hope for its protection. After the walk, join artists Marlena Myles and Tanágidan Tó Win, alongside special guests, for a powerful gathering that blends Dakota ancestral teachings with modern Indigenous expression. Embrace the spirit of Yanpá the Spring-Wind through outdoor activities that celebrate the new dawn, a new year, and our shared hopes for a healthy future.
Summer
Archery
Try your hand at the exciting and challenging sport of archery during this free program. Equipment will be available to borrow and staff will be on hand to teach you the basics to get you started. Reserve one of the 12 spaces during the first hour if you want to have more time to learn and improve your technique, or simply drop-in during the second hour to give it a try. The second hour of each session will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants of all ages and of all experience levels are welcome to join!
Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-8 p.m. Keller Regional Park
June 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 and 26
July 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
Aug 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28
Borrow a Bike
Looking for an opportunity to get on a bike? Visit us at one of our upcoming bike events. Borrow a bike to cruise around or explore the trails while at the park. A variety of styles and sizes for youth and adults will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. Adults will need a driver's license or photo I.D. to check out a bike. Youth need to present a student I.D. or be with an adult.
June
Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Battle Creek June 7, 14, 21 and 28
Sundays Noon-4 p.m.
Keller Golfview June 15 and 29
July
Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays Noon-4 p.m.
Keller Regional Park July 5 and 6, July 19 and 20
Battle Creek July 12 and 13, July 26 and 27
Aug
Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Aug 2 and 30 Long Lake Regional Park
Aug 9 and 23 Battle Creek
Aug 16 Keller Regional Park
Sundays Noon-4 p.m.
Aug 3, 17 and 31 at Battle Creek
Aug 10 and 24 at Keller Regional Park
Catch & Release Fishing
Join us for free fishing opportunities for youth ages 15 and under. Participants will learn basic fishing techniques and skills. All fishing is catch and release.
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Lake McCarrons
June 4 and 18, July 2, 16 and 30, Aug 13 and 27
Beaver Lake
June 11 and 25, July 9 and 23, Aug 6 and 20
Fishing Lessons with Dakota teacher Tammy Villegas
Beginner fishing lessons and intro to fish safety; instructions to start session, drop in anytime
Sundays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m.; 2 hour sessions
Spoon Lake at Keller Regional Park
June 1 & 19
July 6
Lake McCarrons
July 17
August 3 & 21
Dakota Weaving Workshop with Fern Renville
Intro to Dakota weaving plants using nettle, cattails, basswood, bulrushes. Snacks provided.
Thursday 1-3 p.m.
Location: TBD
Registration required. Coming soon.
Nature Hikes with Saint Paul Parks and Rec, Asha Shoffner
In partnership with Saint Paul Parks and Rec we invite racially diverse communities to join us for short evening hikes at Battle Creek Regional Park throughout the summer.
Time: 6 p.m.
3 hikes at Battle Creek Regional Park (Meet at front of Rec center)
June 9
July 14
August 11
Fall
Wonder Walks
Explore the Trails of Ramsey County with our Parks & Rec Cultural Liaison, Phoebe! We warmly invite community groups, individuals, and families from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, as well as everyone interested. We'll kick off with a fun icebreaker activity before heading out to explore the park. Granola bars and water will be provided; please bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. This activity is free and considered a beginner-friendly hike, but may include some inclines.
See you next season!
Winter
Winter Fundays
Come experience the Winter Recreation Area at Battle Creek and try cross-country skiing or kicksledding for free! Equipment and basic instruction provided. Space is limited and equipment is provided on a first come, first served basis. Meet our staff in front of the Battle Creek Rec Center for more info and to check out equipment.
See you next season!
Learn to Ski
Are you interested in trying out cross-country skiing? Join us on for a fun evening of learning the basics and meeting other new skiers at the Winter Recreation Area at Battle Creek. Learn the basics of skiing in 4 classes! Equipment is provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
See you next season!
Senior Ski with Ahvo Taipale
Join Finn Sisu founder Ahvo Taipale for our Senior Ski Program! Held at the Winter Recreation Area at Battle Creek. Equipment is included, but feel free to bring your own. Learn from one of the best ski coaches in Minnesota!
See you next season!
Winter Recreation Sampler
Join us for free winter fun for all ages! Experience kick sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and more. We'll have equipment available for free on a first come, first served basis.
See you next season!
Wazíya Winter-Wind Celebration
See you next season!
Wazíya Winter-Wind Celebration:
Minnesota Parks Artists-in-Residence Marlena Myles and Tanáǧidaŋ Tó Wiŋ (Tara Perron/Blue Hummingbird Woman) are kicking off a year of seasonal community celebrations.
Experience Dakota ancestral teachings, modern Indigenous artistry, and community activities that honor the beauty and cultural significance of winter.
You can expect, a live snow sculpture, snowshoe making, an AR exhibit, winter plant knowledge and crafting, storytelling, an Indigenous Makers Market, Indigenous foods and outdoor activities like sledding, skiing and kicksledding.