Park rangers say “Let it snow!” so you can explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore) on snowshoes this winter! On December 28, there will be a holiday hike (snowshoe hike; weather permitting) at 1:00 p.m. Meet at the National Lakeshore’s Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire. Reservations are required.
The first hike of the regular season will be on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Then, snowshoe hikes will be offered every Saturday at 1:00 p.m. through March 5, 2016. Meet at the National Lakeshore’s Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire. If you don’t have your own, snowshoes will be loaned at no charge. Participants need only purchase the park entrance pass or have an annual pass to join in the fun. Reservations are required whether you need to borrow snowshoes or have your own. Park ranger-led snowshoe hikes have a limit on the number of participants. Please call 231-326-4700, extension 5010, for details and to make reservations. If you make a reservation, but then need to cancel, please call and let us know so we can contact visitors on our waiting list.
Snowshoe hikes are fun for all ages. Inside the visitor center, park rRangers will first provide basic snowshoeing instructions and then everyone will travel by car to the trailhead or area of the National Lakeshore pre-selected for that day. Once there, the park ranger will help participants learn about the park’s unique features and winter’s effect on them by exploring and discovering clues on site. Be prepared and plan to be outside until about 3:00 p.m. Dress in layers and wear waterproof boots to be most comfortable.
Not only is snowshoeing easy, fun, and good exercise, it is also an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. The park ranger-led hikes are mildly strenuous, yet they proceed at a leisurely pace for only one and a half miles at the most. The National Lakeshore is excited to offer programs such as the snowshoe hikes as a way to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) in 2016. The goal of the NPS Centennial is to connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates.
Ring in the New Year at our annual gala at Mountain Flowers Lodge at The Homestead. The evening will start with a cocktail hour leading in to a gourmet surf and turf plated dinner that includes beef tenderloin and cold water lobster tail and table wine service. Then, dance the night away with live music by Jazz North, an 8 piece band who plays a unique blend of jazz, funk, brass rock and wee bit of o’folk. A complimentary midnight toast is included. Jackets and cocktail attire recommended.
Tickets: $95 per person (includes tax and gratuity). Advance reservations required. Celebrating with a larger group? Reserve a table for 8 people for $720 or 10 people for $875.
Have other plans for dinner? Come for the dance beginning at 9:30pm. Advance tickets $20 per person; $25 per person at the door.
Learn how to cross country ski at our Saturday free ski lesson!
This beginner lesson teaches the basics of cross country skiing, including classic diagonal stride and/or skate skiing, hill climbing and descending, and turning. We even teach you how to get up after you fall down!
Each lesson ends with a mini ski tour to Trapper’s Cabin, where skiers can purchase hot cocoa and relax by the bonfire. Adults and children are welcome.
If you need to rent skis for a nominal charge, please sign in at the rental desk no later than 10:15am.
This lesson is free and lasts approximately 1 hour.
Free Cross Country Ski Lesson
December 29th – Saturday 10:30am
Cross Country Ski Headquarters – News and Specials via Facebook
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