Coldwater Spring

03/18/2024

News Release: The National Park Service at Mississippi National River and Recreation Area intend to conduct a prescribed fire at Coldwater Spring on Monday, March 18; weather conditions permitting. The event is part of a long-term effort by the National Park Service to improve prairie and savanna habitats within Coldwater Spring.

Prescribed fire is a land management tool that helps to restore and maintain fire dependent ecosystems like prairies and oak savannas. Benefits to the landscape include stimulating native grass growth and wildflower germination, increased native plant species diversity, suppressing non-native grasses and forbs, and preventing encroachment of unwanted woody species into the landscape.

The NPS has developed detailed plans for controlled burning and the fires are carried out by trained and certified personnel. Smoke will impact the Coldwater Spring Unit on the day of the prescribed burn, and access will be limited. Smoke may also be visible from MN Hwy 55 and MN Hwy 62. Access to nearby Minnehaha Regional Park and Fort Snelling State Park will be unaffected. The fires are anticipated to last no more than one day, with up to two additional days for monitoring and patrol.

Read more about plans and potential impacts in the press release here: https://ow.ly/BnyL50QV9nr

Image: The prairie at Coldwater Spring during a prescribed fire in 2021. Fire and billowing smoke mark a new start for the prairie while NPS workers in fire gear patrol the fire's limit. Credit: NPS.

11/16/2020

10/07/2020

Check out these new hiking trails at Coldwater Spring near the Mississippi River in Minneapolis! Baltimore Oriole Loop, Scarlet Tanager Loop, and the Indigo Bunting Loop.

06/10/2020

Ranger Station Pop-Up @ Coldwater Spring
10 AM - 4 PM daily, starting June 12

This is your opportunity to interact with a park ranger this summer! Learn about the site's history, get information on plants and wildlife that can be found at the park, or just get oriented with the park layout. Look for the National Park Service tent and rangers near the entrance.

COVID-19 Protocol:
--Social Distance: Keep a distance of 6+ feet from anyone who is not a part of your household, including the park rangers.
--Wear a mask when around other participants and the park rangers, even when you are 6 feet apart.
--We will have brochures available to take home. Please refrain from touching anything you don't want to keep. We encourage you to bring your own hand sanitizer.

03/20/2020

The river, parks, trails and open spaces have always served as places where people can find respite and seek peace and restoration. During this time of uncertainty, these places are needed now more than ever. Parks provide a connection to the outdoors and green space as well as opportunities for physical activity, which studies demonstrate reduces stress and improves mental health.

In places where there are no restrictions on the use of local parks, trails and open spaces, we encourage all users to follow these recommendations:

🌿Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
🌿Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
🌿Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains.
🌿While on trails, warn other users of your presence and as you pass, and step aside to let others pass.
🌿Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, find an alternate location or depart that space.

Source: National Recreation and Park Association