Come to this event and enjoy all that Spring Lake Park Reserve has to offer. Experience views of the Mississippi River along the newly completed Mississippi River Greenway. Learn about the prairie restoration projects and the reintroduction of bison. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the park in the Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center and get to know this amazing park.
Date
Saturday, April 26, noon-4 p.m.
Location
Spring Lake Park Reserve – Schaar's Bluff and Fahey Trailhead
There will be activities throughout the entire park. Shuttles will be provided to and from Schaar's Bluff to Fahey Trailhead on a continuous basis throughout the event. The newly completed Mississippi River Greenway connects Schaar's Bluff and Fahey Trailhead and is 8 miles round trip on the greenway.
Activities (in ideal conditions, subject to change)
Schaar's Bluff
- SPRINGO at East Picnic Shelter
- Ask about renting the facility – table inside Gathering Center
- Bird watching at the overlook with a naturalist
- Birthday party for Spring Lake Park Reserve in Gathering Center
- Performance by The Most I Am, acoustic-indie-soul band with a mission to inspire love, positivity and empowerment, beginning at 1 p.m.
Fahey Trailhead
- Bison educators – stationed at bison classroom on Mississippi River Greenway
- Prairie education – self-guided interpretive signs along Mississippi River Greenway (3 miles round trip — start and end at Fahey Trailhead)
- Explore the completed Mississippi River Greenway
- Stewardship opportunity – garlic mustard pull with natural resources staff
- Group bike rides at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. (5 miles round trip)
- The number of participants will be limited for safety and enjoyment. Sign-ups will be on a first-come, first-served basis at the Fahey Trailhead check-in tent. All participants must sign a liability waiver. Bikes and helmets are required and will not be provided. Bring your own equipment for the ride.
Food trucks
- Brick Oven Pizza Bus
- California Dip and Eat
- Philly Station
Admission
Free, no ticket or pre-registration required.
Ages
All ages
Parking
Free available onsite at both Schaar's Bluff and Fahey Trailhead.
What to bring
Come dressed for the weather. This event is outside. Bring bikes and walking shoes to experience the newly completed MRG!
Pets
Dogs are welcome on a 6-foot leash. They must remain leashed at all times. Owners are required to clean up after their dogs.
Weather cancellation
The event is light rain or shine. In the event of severe or significantly rainy weather, event staff will determine if the event will be canceled 2-3 hours before the event start time. Updates, including cancellation notices, will be posted as available on the Dakota County Parks-forever wild Facebook page.
Volunteers needed
Lead group bike rides, help with check in, greet guests and more. Volunteer for the event.