The Venues

For over one hundred years, Como Regional Park has played a vital role in meeting the recreational needs of residents of Saint Paul and surrounding communities. For more information, visit https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/como-regional-park.

The Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom showcases eight native plant communities, 27 interpretive posts, accessible paved and gravel trails, a propagation garden, and restored historical features on 17.5 acres. The Classroom provides natural and cultural interpretation, a place for learning, and habitat for native wildlife.  For more information, visit https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/natural-resources/natural-resources-education/como-woodland-outdoor. 

The Midway Park Pavilion has a kitchen with sinks, refrigerator/freezer, and electricity. There is a separate restroom building at this site. 

Please dress for the weather and for a good amount of walking. We will be outside excluding severe weather.

Bring a water bottle, your backpack with curriculum materials, and a writing utensil. Optional: sunscreen, bug repellent, hat.

Before construction of Lock and Dam #2 at Hastings, Spring Lake was separated from the Mississippi by a ribbon of land. But when Lock and Dam #2 was completed in the 1930s, the increased water level above the dam inundated the Spring Lake basin. Today, though the area retains the name of the original lake, the lake itself has become part of the river. The trail system takes you through an evergreen forest of jack, red, and white pines. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/sprilake.htm. 

The Schaar’s Bluff Trailhead provides a scenic overlook of the Mississippi River Valley as well as access to summer hiking trails. 

Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center is an exceptional indoor facility designed to capture the expansive view across the Mississippi River bluff. Current COVID-19 protocol permits 40 visitors. It is air-conditioned, offers full kitchen facilities, WiFi access, and AV equipment. For more information, visit https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/Gathering/IndoorFacilities/Pages/schaars-bluff-gathering-center.aspx 

Please dress for the weather and for trail hiking. We will be outside for our morning bird walk excluding severe weather.

Bring a water bottle, your backpack with curriculum materials, and a writing utensil. Optional: sunscreen, bug repellent, hat