Together at the River

The Great River Passage is celebrating the summer with richly partnered programs and events welcoming all people to deepen their relationships with each other and the wilderness in Saint Paul.

Last weekend, alongside our partners, we hosted two fully-booked events, the Goat Meet and Greet and Family Camping at the River.

Goat Meet and Greet Over 200 people braved the rain to meet the goats who have been grazing the river bluffs in Saint Paul since 2017. Jake Langeslag, owner of Goat Dispatch led an energetic, informative, and wide ranging talk about the ecology of goat grazing. In addition to the herd of 44 goats, he had the herding dog on hand for demonstrations. Attendees were able to feed the goats, ask all kinds of questions, and get up close with Sugar, one of the baby goats born at Crosby Park earlier this Spring. We plan to host another Goat Meet and Greet this fall. Stay tuned.

Family Camping at the River Saint Paul families set up tents on Saturday for an overnight camping trip at Fort Snelling State Park. This program is in partnership with Wilderness Inquiry and geared towards Saint Paul families who are new to camping. Wilderness Inquiry provides all the equipment, meals, and outdoor skills. We had all kinds of groupings from intergenerational family groups to aunties with nephews and nieces. Families enjoyed nature right here in the city - swimming, canoeing, hiking, observing fields of fireflies, and community making.

 Summer Events

Don’t miss out on all that summer has to offer. Check out our calendar of river related events. A few upcoming event highlights include:

• Paddle Share at Pickerel Lake, National Park Service
• River Day Camp at Hidden Falls, YMCA and Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
• Night Nation Run and Music Festival at Harriet Island
• T’ai Chi Chih at Hidden Falls, Fitness in the Parks
• Murder on the Mississippi aboard Padleford boats, Mississippi Park Connection
• River Gorge Picnic, Visit Saint Paul

See you at the river!

About Great River Passage

In 2013 the City of Saint Paul developed the Great River Passage Plan, a comprehensive framework for creating vibrancy in the city’s 3,500 acres of parkland along the river. The Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department is now implementing the next phase of the Great River Passage – a bold, strategic vision to steward and tap into the potential of the 26 miles of riverfront in Saint Paul. By implementing the plan, the city will create places and activities that strengthen existing connections and create new ones along the Mississippi. Learn more at GreatRiverPassage.org.