Plein Air Painting with Outdoor Painters of Minnesota

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Come out to our Rapids Lake Visitor Center for an afternoon of immersive plein air - outdoor painting - with our friends at Outdoor Painters of Minnesota. 

This is a self guided painting session where participants will be given their own painting supplies and can paint the landscape from outdoors (weather permitting). Plein air painters will be painting throughout the afternoon and are available to answer questions and help with technique. 

Anyone is welcome. This is a self paced drop in program. Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900 (press 1 to reach Visitor Services).

Date and Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 12pm-3pm

Location: Meet us in the classrooms at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center.

15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315

Registration Information: Registration optional through Signup.com. 

Optional registration allows us to prepare supplies and materials for the program, send reminders, and allows us to contact you in the event of inclement weather!

Activity Level: This will be an easy outdoor/indoor activity where participants will be standing or sitting for the duration of the program. This is a self-led activity where you can come and go as you please.  

What to Bring: We recommend you wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on. Since this will be taking place outdoors (if weather allows), consider wearing layers. All materials will be provided.

Accessibility: Accessibility at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center:

Restrooms and a water bottle filler are available inside the visitor center. There is an outdoor restroom, but no outdoor water fountains. There is dedicated handicap parking available. The Rapids Lake Trail and Forest Loop are flat natural surface paths and the trail leading to both is paved with a slight downward slope. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. It is a 0.1-0.2 mile walk to get to the trailhead from the parking lot. There are no rest areas along the trails, but are present inside and outside the visitor center.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.