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As usual, there are lots of ways to enjoy St. Paul’s spectacular summer days this weekend and into next week. Here are a few of my recommendations to get you in the water, on the trails, or digging in the dirt.

Storytelling at the Night at the Fort event, after a day of paddling.

Saturday, July 25
• If you’re not already paddling in Saturday + Sunday’s Mississippi River Challenge, at least go and cheer on those hard-working folks and splash your toes in the water. You can also register to kayak or canoe last-minute and in person, at the Coon Rapids Dam. You’ll be paddling 22 miles each day, but keep in mind that you’ll be paddling downstream. The Saturday paddle ends at Fort Snelling with overnight camping, a great big dinner, live music, and tons of fun. Buy your ticket for Night at the Fort now!
• Kids and their families will love the Junior Ranger SeedStarter program at Cosby Farm Regional Park. You’ll learn about native plants, why they are important, and how to care for them. You’ll even get to take home a native plant so you can care for it yourself. In September, those plants will be transplanted into restorations on the banks of the Mississippi River. Sign up by calling Ranger Rebecca at 651-290-3030, x229.

Sunday, July 26
• Another fun event at Fort Snelling State Park this weekend is the “Naturalist on the Loose” talk, Sunday at 11 a.m. Meet at the park’s beach and learn about animals are uniquely adapted for their survival. This isn’t for the squeamish: you’ll learn about specific animals that live in the park by examining their skins and skulls. Love it! The event is free, other than the park entrance fee.

• If you’re not familiar with the St. Paul Hiking Club, it’s time to lace up your boots and meet some new, like-minded folks. They meet every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. This Sunday meet at the Salem Hills/Harmon Park Reserve, a 43-acre park with miles of nature and biking trails. Go prepared to hike on unpaved trails in this quirky little gem of a park. 1642 Upper 55th St., Inver Grove Heights, between So. Robert Trail and Babcock Trail. (East of So. Robert and West of Babcock Trail.) Take Hwy. #52 South to 55th St., up the ramp and Left at the top of the ramp, then go west to the park entrance (on your left, under a big blue water tower). Call Charlotte at 651-455-0052 for more information.

Monday, July 27
• Have a kiddo who loves nature? Check out Story Time with a Ranger at the Mississippi River Visitor Center. It happens every Monday morning at 11:30 a.m. at the visitor center, located inside the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota. Call 651-293-0200 for more information.

Tuesday, July 28
• Team up with the St. Paul Hiking Club yet again for a residential hike this time. Meet by the Horace Mann Elementary School, 2001 Eleanor Ave. (corner of Eleanor & Kenneth) in St. Paul, or call Liz at 651-698-7019 for more information.

The Brickyards of St. Paul

Wednesday, July 29
• Hook up with a ranger at the Lilydale Regional Park for a guided walk in which you’ll learn about life along the Mississippi River. The itinerary includes exploring shale fossil beds, remains of old brickyards along the river bluffs, where bricks were made for decades. Meet a few minutes before 10:00 a.m. at the Brickyards parking lot off Water St. (which becomes Lilydale Road) southwest of Harriet Island Park, or map it with this address: 725 W Water St, St Paul, 55107. Call 651-293-0200 for more information.