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 cancelation.
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.
Battle Creek Winter Rec Area
12-3 p.m.
Dec 27, 28, 29 and 30
Jan 3, 4 and 5
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.
Cost: $75 for all 4 classes.
Thursdays: January 9, 16, 23 and 30
Check-in: 6:15 p.m.
On the snow: 6:30–8 p.m.
Saturdays: January 4, 11, 18 and 25
Check-in: 10:15 a.m.
On the snow: 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Check-in: 12:15 p.m.
On the snow: 12:30-2 p.m.
Thursdays: February 6, 13, 20 and 27
Check-in: 6:15 p.m.
On the snow: 6:30–8 p.m.
Saturdays: February 1, 8, 15 and 22
Check-in: 10:15 a.m.
On the snow: 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Check-in: 12:15 p.m.
On the snow: 12:30-2 p.m.
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!
Cost: $30 per class
Friday, Jan 3, 17, 31
9 a.m.
Friday, Feb 7, 14 and 28
9 a.m.
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.
Lake McCarrons County Park
12-4 p.m.
Feb 16-18
Keller Regional Park - Golfview area
12-4 p.m.
Feb 22-23
Additional winter programs
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.
Full Moon Walk
1 mile around Beaver Lake. Meet under the picnic shelter.
Watch the full moon rise over Beaver Lake; we’ll start with a short moon activity.
4 p.m.
November 15
Mindfulness Walk
1 mile around Beaver Lake. Meet under the picnic shelter.
Tap into the beauty all around you with a mindful walk; breathing exercise to begin.
11 a.m.
November 24
Contact:
Phoebe Mcgowan
Phoebe.mcgowan@co.ramsey.mn.us
651-383-5419
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!
First hours available for reservations
Reserve
Mondays and Thursdays at 6-8 p.m.
June 10, 13, 17, 20, 24 and 27
July 1, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, and 29
Aug 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 and 29
Keller Regional Park - Archery Range (located in the Golfview picnic area section of the park).
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.
Keller Regional Park - Golfview section
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
June 15 and 30
July 14, 20 and 28
Aug 4, 10, 11, 24 and 31
Battle Creek Regional Park - park pavilion
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
June 8, 22 and 29
July 13, 21 and 27
Aug 3 and 25
Sept 1
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.
Beaver Lake County Park - fishing pier
6-7:30 p.m.
June 12 and 26
July 10
Aug 7 and 21
Lake McCarrons County Park - fishing pier
6-7:30 p.m.
June 19
July 17 and 31
Aug 14 and 28