Be A Junior Ranger

"As a Junior Ranger, I promise to explore the river, learn about the river, and protect the Mississippi river."

NPS

What is the Junior Ranger Program?

The Junior Ranger Program at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area connects people to the river through a variety of activities. The program is generally geared for ages 8-12, but anyone who wants to explore, learn about, and protect the river is welcome! Each National Park Service site has their own, unique Junior Ranger badge. Whether we're your first Junior Ranger badge or your 100th, we hope you'll enjoy becoming an official Junior Ranger at our Park!

Become a Mississippi Junior Ranger

Are you interested in learning more about the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area? Did you know that our park has many different resources, including historical artifacts, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities? Learn about the resources within our park by participating in our Junior Ranger Program! This program helps visitors of all ages learn more about the Twin Cities’ own National Park Unit!

The activities and information included in our program apply to anyone with an interest in the park. This includes areas of interest such as historic communities, the rise of the milling industry in Minneapolis, river recreation opportunities, geology, and much more! Becoming a Junior Ranger for our park means learning more about the history, resources, and communities within the 72 mile stretch of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Junior Rangers help our park rangers by learning about the park and sharing what they’ve learned with others, exploring the park, and by helping to protect its resources. You can pick up a free Junior Ranger Booklet at our visitor center, which is located in the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota. There are several general Junior Ranger Booklets available upon request, relating to activities within our park, such as fishing, underwater exploration, and even paleontology! Upon completion of any of the booklets, please visit the Mississippi River Visitor Center to receive your booklet-specific badge! Virtual versions of Let’s Go Fishing!, Underwater Explorer, Historic Preservation, and Paleontology Junior Ranger Booklets can be found through the links above.

Contact Your Junior Ranger Coordinator

Junior Ranger Coordinator
111 E. Kellogg Blvd., Suite 105
Saint Paul, MN 55101
Visitor Center: [phone]
Email the Junior Ranger Coordinator

 

Celebrate Women's history with the 19th Amendment Girl Scout Patch Junior Ranger Activity Program

NPS/Erin Steinhibel

Complete the 19th Amendment Girl Scout Patch Junior Ranger Activity Program

Are you interested in learning more about inspiring women of the past? Do you think making change in today’s world can be challenging? Learn about the steps it took (and how challenges continue today) for women to win the right to vote! This Junior Ranger program helps visitors of all ages learn more about women's history in the United States, along with the struggles and triumphs surrounding the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

This program is geared toward helping Girl Scouts, ages 5 and up, to complete the requirements for earning their 19th Amendment Girl Scout patch. However, the activities and information apply to anyone with an interest in the subject of women's voting rights, as well as interest in women who have impacted the river within our park.

Becoming a Junior Ranger for our park means learning more about the history, resources, and communities within the 72 mile stretch of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Junior Rangers help our park rangers by learning about the park and sharing what they’ve learned with others, exploring the park, and by helping to protect its resources.

You can download a free virtual 19th Amendment Girl Scout Jr. Ranger Activity Guide here. There are also many resources here to help Scouts and Junior Rangers of all ages learn about this important amendment! For more information that is specific to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, please visit this phenomenal story map, put together by the Mississippi Park Connection--our non-profit partner.

Upon completion of activities from the 19th Amendment Junior Ranger Activity Guide, one of the activities suggested here, or a project of your own that you plan with the Junior Ranger Coordinator, please visit the Mississippi River Visitor Center with your completed booklet or project documentation to receive your special commemorative 19th Amendment patch! If a visit is not possible, you can download a virtual reward certificate here, or contact Ranger Erin at e-mail us for further options.