Junior Ranger Day - National Park Service

Complete 1-2 activities to earn a Junior Ranger badge. Complete 3 or more activities to earn a Junior Ranger patch, while supplies last.

This self-guided activity is designed to help young people identify up to five specific tree types that can be found in your neighborhood. It takes about an hour and is designed for families with kids in grades 4-6, but anyone can join the fun and learn something new!

1. Register and select a timeslot using this Eventbrite page to ensure field guide availability.
2. Check in and grab a field guide from a park ranger at the Mississippi River Visitor Center, located inside the Science Museum of Minnesota. You may check in any time during your selected time slot. Some walk-ups will be accommodated, as available. Once checked in, feel free to experience the program at your own pace until the visitor center closes (8 PM on Saturday).
3. Walk to the nearby Upper Landing Park to find up to five tree species while engaging in fun field guide activities.
4. Return to the visitor center to receive a tree debrief from a park ranger and discuss your findings.

Stop by the table outside in front of the Science Museum to make your very own screen print to commemorate the day! (10 AM - 3 PM only. Weather permitting. In the case of inclement weather, an alternate activity will be held inside the Mississippi River Visitor Center.)

Check out the Mississippi River Visitor Center for other fun activities like a park riddle challenge and Junior Ranger activity booklets!

Please contact Erin Steinhibel at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Program coordinated by Mississippi Park Connection and the National Park Service, with support from the National Park Foundation.

Host or Publisher Mississippi National River and Recreation Area