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Minnesota

Birds & Blooms: Spring in the Mississippi River Valley

Program No. 22824RJ

The Mississippi River Valley in Minnesota is the largest of North America’s major flyways. Join naturalists to witness warbler migrations, beautiful spring wildflowers and bald eagles!

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Program

At a Glance

Duration

7 days

Program Begins

Minneapolis/St. Paul

Program Concludes

Minneapolis/St. Paul

Group Type

Small Group

Meals

17 ( 6B, 5L, 6D )

Activity Level

Spring in Minnesota's Mississippi River Valley spells a time of great seasonal beauty, grand landscapes, and dramatic changes. Dozens of species of warblers and other songbirds serenade from greening trees as they migrate north on one of the world's great flyways. Gorgeous spring wildflowers carpet the woods and the riverbanks with vibrant colors. And while migrating waterfowl take to the river, bald eagles soar majestically overhead. Explore the unique 'Bluff Country" portion of the Mississippi River and discover beautiful State and National Parks and Wildlife Refuges. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the National Eagle Center. Learn about the history and habitats of the famous unglaciated 'driftless area' with expert naturalists as you explore the best of the Mississippi in spring.

Best of all, you'll...

Exploring Whitewater & Frontenac St. Parks. Known as famous warbler migration sites and premier birding destinations for feathered jewels of the sky.
Learn firsthand about Bald Eagles at the world-class National Eagle Center and observe migrating waterfowl at Trempeleau National Wildllfe Refuge and other prime sites, both well-known and secret.
Discover a burbling trout stream lush with wildflowers; view spectacular limestone bluffs brushing the spring sky, and explore delicate prairie dunes.

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Douglas Wood

Douglas Wood has been called "Minnesota's Renaissance Man." An author, artist, naturalist, musician and wilderness leader, he is the creator of 38 books for adults and children, and the recipient of many honors and awards. As a group leader, he has led scores of trips from southern Minnesota's Bluff Country to the Northwest Territories, focusing not just on the natural world of geography and geology, flora and fauna, but on the timeless relationship between nature and the human spirit.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

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Larry Dolphin

Larry Dolphin was the Executive Director of Hormel Nature Center for 30 years and has served on the board of directors for the Minnesota Branch of the Izaak Walton League, the Listening Point Foundation and his local Austin Audubon Chapter. During Larry's tenure at Hormel Nature Center, he taught birding and wildflower classes to tens of thousands of participants. His extensive knowledge of Minnesota's natural history makes each outing with him a rewarding and learning experience.

Activity Level

Outdoor: No Sweat

Walking 2-5 miles per day. The terrain will be varying within state and city parks. Trails will have rocks, roots, crushed limestone, gravel and some will be paved.

Small Group (13 to 24)

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (8 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.