Douglas County Community Calendar

Events for the Alexandria/Douglas County area

Lake Carlos State Park

Fall Birding Walk: Stay or Migrate

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Head out to Lake Carlos State Park for the Fall Birding Walk event.

birding

Enjoy a short program on birds, before learning some birding tips. We will then head out on a 45 minute birding walk to see what we can find. The naturalist will discuss what causes birds to migrate, why some do and others don’t, along with many other birding tips that will help you continue your birding adventure in the future. This is great for beginning birders. Bring your binoculars and camera if you have them, otherwise some will be available to share. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Programs and events may be canceled due to inclement weather.

A park vehicle pass is required to enter the park and can be purchased at the park office. $35/annual or $7/day.

Owls: Creatures of the Night- Drop-in Nature Table

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Head to Lake Carlos State Park for their Creatures of the Night event!

owl

The eerie hoot of an owl lets you know that it is there even if you can’t see it. While most other birds begin turning in for the night, owls are often just waking up. Equipped with superhero-like senses including silent flight, owls are stealthy predators. Drop by the main office to find out what it takes to master the night sky.

Meeting spot: Outside the Main Park Office

***Children must be accompanied by an adult to all programs.

***Programs may be canceled due to weather.

Fall Color Walk: Hike with the Naturalist

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Join the area naturalist for the Fall Color Walk and a morning of fall related topics.

fall color walk

During this just over a one hour walk he will introduce you to some of the seasonal changes happening in the park. This is great way to get out on a guided walk on crisp fall morning and enjoy the fall leaf color around the park. Bring your nature questions as well as your binoculars and camera if you have them. Meet at the beach area parking lot.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Programs and events may be canceled due to inclement weather.

A park vehicle pass is required to enter the park and can be purchased at the park office. $35/annual or $7/day.

Lake Carlos State Park Fall Festival

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Enjoy the rich colors of fall while exploring Lake Carlos State Park and trying a variety of activities. Come experience the park and the trails on your own or join us by participating in one of the many activities going on during the event. There will be something for the whole family.

  • – Harvest Games- Apple on a string and tug of war, sack races, and more!
  • – Archery in the Park (8 years of age and older)
  • – Butter Making
  • – Fall Crafts
  • – And much more!

Lake Carlos has been a lakeside gathering place for thousands of years, so come spend a great day around the lake, as so many before you have.

This event will be held at the Beach Area and Lakeview Group Camp this year. Please park at the beach parking lot by following the main park blacktop road to the end which will put you in the lot.

This program is free of charge, but a vehicle permit is required to enter the park. $7/day or $35/annual. Come explore the many activities for young and young at heart

***Due to lack of indoor space, this program may be cancelled due to poor weather. Check back for updates or check the park web page.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fall Festival

by

Enjoy the rich colors of fall while exploring the park and trying a variety of activities. Come experience the park and the trails on your own or join us by participating in one of the many activities going on during the event. There will be something for the whole family.

– Harvest Games- Apple on a string and tug of war, sack races, and more!

– Archery in the Park (8 years of age and older)

– Butter Making

– Fall Crafts

– And much more!

Lake Carlos has been a lakeside gathering place for thousands of years, so come spend a great day around the lake, as so many before you have.

This event will be held at the Beach Area and Lakeview Group Camp this year. Please park at the beach parking lot by following the main park blacktop road to the end which will put you in the lot.

This program is free of charge but a vehicle permit is required to enter the park. $7/day or $35/annual. Come explore the many activities for young and young at heart

***Due to lack of indoor space, this program may be cancelled due to poor weather. Check back for updates or check the park web page.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Candlelight Event

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Come enjoy an evening in the park by candlelight and moonlight. Walk the trail where you will be guided by the full moon, candles and lanterns. Then come warm up by the wood stove or enjoy snacks and refreshments in the Lakeview warming shelter.

*** 2/13/24 Update: This event is going to be a hike with the lack of snow. It will be a 1.6 mile loop style hike which will include the Maple-Basswood Trail. Parking will be in the Boat Access and Lower Campground area. Please consider conditions and wear appropriate good traction footwear.

There is no cost for this event, but a Minnesota state parks vehicle permit is required to enter the park ($7/day or $35/year).

SAVE TIME! Get your vehicle permit in advance. Visit mndnr.gov/reservations, log in (or create an account), click on “entry permit,” select a duration of “one-day” ($7) or “year-round” ($35), and continue as directed. You’ll receive an email with a permit that can be printed and displayed in your vehicle during your visit.

If you are interested in volunteering with set-up, lighting or take-down of candles please call the park as well (320)852-7200

***IMPORTANT*** This event will take place regardless of snow conditions other than in the event or bad weather. In that case, the event may be canceled or changed at the last minute, due to poor weather or wind conditions on the day of the event. Please check the Lake Carlos web page or call the park for more information.