The651.com

Like many Minnesotans, August symbolizes more to me than just sunshine and cook-outs— it also symbolizes the rapidly approaching end of summer. (Not to be a downer.) Rather than let my winter-is-looming anxiety take over, I’m packing in as much hot, outdoor fun as I can. Here’s my line up to stay busy for the next week. There’s a little bit for everyone, from golfing and swimming, to hiking and learning about bugs!

Highland Nine Hole Golf Course

Sat., Aug. 8 — Golf the Highland Nine Hole Course for just 9 bucks! You can also play for just $1 per hole if you’re not up for all nine holes. Tee times are available between 4-7 p.m., with discounted wine and beer available from 5-8 p.m. This is a regularly occurring Saturday night event that is a hit with experienced and beginning golfers alike. Click here for more info.

Sun., Aug. 9 — Walk St. Paul’s riverfront with a ranger and learn all about the wildlife, ecology, and history of this Mississippi River area. You’ll learn a ton and have fun! Why take a boring walk alone when you can have an expert telling you exactly what you’re looking at? Meet at the Mississippi River Visitor Center, just inside the Science Museum of Minnesota for the 1:30-3:30 p.m. walk. For more info, call 651-293-0200.

The Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary

Wed. Aug. 12 —The Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary is a gorgeous St. Paul oasis, complete with new bike trails and foot paths, nestled along the bluffs of downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi River. Join a ranger from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for a free, guided, one-mile walk. Just show up to join in on the fun; no registration is necessary. Do bring your own water bottle!

Thurs., Aug. 13 — If you’re an insect lover, you’re just who the friends of Lilydale Park are looking for. Each Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m., through the end of September, they’re looking for volunteers to help monitor monarch butterflies for the University of Minnesota’s Monarch Larva Monitoring Project.  You don’t need any prior experience; they’ll tell you everything you need to know in order to collect data about these lovely winged creatures. Have a budding entomologist? Kids are welcome as long as they’re supervised by an adult. It’s free, but you have to sign up in advance by e-mailing LilydaleMonarchs@gmail.com or calling 651-402-4955.

Monarch butterfly on milkweed

Friday, Aug. 14 — Today only, the Highland Park Aquatic Center and Great River Water Park are offering discounted entry to either pool for Family Fun & Fitness Day. At just $2 per head (rather than the usual $4.50/child or $6.50/adult), that’s cause to celebrate. Suit up, bring your sunblock, and swim any time between noon-7 p.m.