top of page
628F755B-6275-45D3-8EFE-C142AD79F12F_edited.jpg

Classes & Events

Northern Lakes Region
Pine River, MN
Sign up for eNews to stay current on events!

Norther Lakes Region Classes & Events
Family Nature Play Day with Happy Dancin
FREE

Family Nature Play Days

Let your kids (ages 2–7) explore, climb, dig, and imagine in our outdoor classroom spaces. No structured activities—just free play, fresh air, and family fun!
 

10:00-11:30 am

Friday May 8

Friday May 22

Come play and explore outside with us!

Participate from ANYWHERE, FREE!

Bingo Scavenger Hunt

This photo Bingo Scavenger Hunt takes place seasonally and can be played from anywhere. Get ready - the Spring Hunt runs from April 15-May 15!

Esther H. Ephemeral.jpg
Esther H.

Eco Camp

Pine River Eco Camps are nature-based day camps for kids aged 1st-6th grade. All camps will be hosted at the Hunt Utilities Group Resilient Living Campus in Pine River, Minnesota. Campers will have the opportunity to learn and explore in a forest classroom setting, a strawbale building, and a 2-acre demonstration garden. Depending on age, campers may also walk into town for various activities.

Formsite cover 2026.jpg
IMG_9928.JPG

Turtle Treks

Turtle Treks are camping trips for girls entering 2nd-8th grade. Campers will learn the in-and-outs of camping while building friendships and spending time outdoors.

2nd-4th grade: August 25-26
5th-8th grade: August 11-13

Northern Lakes Region Family Nature Walks

What

Join Happy Dancing Turtle for guided nature exploration at three area trails this summer! Meet other nature-loving families as we take a leisurely walk, observing nature & learning fun facts.

When

Fridays:

June 19 - Paul M. Theide Fire Tower Park - Pequot Lakes

July 17 - Veteran's Hiking Trail - Jenkins

August 21 - Upgaard Wildlife Managment Area - Crosslake

 

Beginning at 10am, walks are planned for about an hour, but may run longer depending on interesting nature finds & group size! 

Who

Anyone! Great opportunity to get the whole family outside.

Pricing & Registration

$7 per family; pre-registration required. Registration opens May 4.

IMG_7580.JPG
Weather & Cancellations

These walks are rain or shine events - please come prepared! In the event of severe weather, we will contact you to inform you of a cancellation.

For other events in the Northern Lakes Region, visit the Pine River Community Events Calendar

Driftless Regon Classes & Events
Driftless Region Classes and Events

Driftless Region
Winona, MN & La Crosse, WI

Bingo Scavenger Hunt

This photo Bingo Scavenger Hunt takes place seasonally and can be played from anywhere. Get ready - the Spring Hunt runs from April 15-May 15!

Participate from ANYWHERE, FREE!
Esther H. Ephemeral.jpg
Esther H.

World Migratory Bird Day

Who

Everyone, bring the whole family!

What

JVisit our table near the Observation Deck to take a closer look at macroinvertebrates! Discover the importance of these aquatic critters and how they support local birds. Find more scheduled events for the day here (*or by clicking the button below). 

When

Saturday, May 9th. The event takes place from 7am - 12:30pm. Happy Dancing Turtle staff offers an activity from 9-11am.

2026 WMBD Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge Flyer.jpg
Where

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, W28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau WI, 54661

FREE

Spring Series with La Crescent Library

Who

Perfect for elementary-aged kids, families welcome.

What

Join Nora and/or Delaney to explore a variety of seasonal nature happenings - learn about insects in winter, the water cycle, and frogs!

FREE
When

Thursday, April 23 at 4pm - Water Cycle  

Thursday, May 21 at 4pm - Frogs

Where

La Crescent Community Building 

336 S. 1st Street, La Crescent, MN 

La crescent April.png

Didn't find what you were looking for? Did you know that you can schedule a Happy Dancing Turtle program? 

bottom of page