River Bend’s interpretative center offers mornings and afternoons filled with hands-on activities. Exhibits let little ones handle fossils, pelts and bones. For adults, there’s honor-system hot coffee and comfy chairs providing a perfect vantage point for watching the songbirds and hummingbirds constantly buzzing feeders and flowers.

Twelve miles of hiking and biking trails, open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, roll through the woods and along the river. If it’s been raining, take a peek at the waterfall on the drive into the park; signage directs visitors into the well-shaded ravine where they can watch the rushing water cascade over a sandstone ledge.

Other events and activities include geocaching, snowshoe rentals, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, night hikes, preschool programs and guided walks on Saturdays.