Regional parks don’t hibernate in winter
While nestling near a roaring fire with a good book can be a wonderful winter pastime, it’s even more enjoyable if you’ve just spent the day out on a ski trail or playing ice golf.
The regional parks in the Twin Cities don’t hibernate during the winter – they abound with activities. Following is a small sample of what you and your family can enjoy this winter. Check out each park agency website for a full calendar of events.
Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista invites people to do morning farm chores and cook up a great breakfast in late January.
Winter Sunrise on the Farm. Get up and at 'em on a cold winter morning. Help with farm chores, collect eggs and cook them up for your own breakfast. Grind corn for your muffins and enjoy bacon raised on the farm. Make a simple craft from sheep's wool. Then take a hike or snowshoe, try sledding, and explore the farm in winter. Various morning start times, Saturday, Jan. 30, Gale Woods Farm. Registration required.
Snowshoe When the Moon is Full. Snowshoe under the full moon at Silverwood Park and then head inside for s’mores. Saturday, Jan. 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Registration required.
Polar Bear Picnic. Kicksled on lake ice, snowshoe the trails and challenge your family to a game of ice golf. Go downhill sledding, warm up by a bonfire or head inside for crafts and snacks. Noon-4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30, at Lowry Nature Center, Carver Park Reserve. Registration required.
City of Lakes Loppet Cross Country Ski Festival. Snow sculptures, skijoring, ice bike racing, the Luminary Loppet and, of course, cross country ski races are just some of the events scheduled during the eighth annual Loppet Weekend: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6-7, 2010. Sponsored by the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation. Ski Festival information.
Dogsledding and Skijoring. Lake Byllesby Regional Park in Dakota County offers more than two miles of dogsledding and skijoring trails. Learn more and check out trail conditions.
Wilderness Skills. What does it take to survive in the wilderness? Get to know wild Minnesota and understand the impact that it has on humans in survival situations. Participants have the chance to test out their survival skills by building fires and shelters using minimal materials. Designed for families with children ages 5 and up. Lake Elmo Regional Park trailhead parking lot. Offered at 10 – 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 16 and Feb. 27. No registration required. More parks events in Washington County.
Candlelight Ski/Walk and Hayrides. Participants are invited to ski or walk a candlelit groomed trail through the scenic Baylor Regional Park in Carver County. Tractor drawn hayrides through the park will also be available. Hot cider and s’mores will be served inside. 6-9 p.m., Jan. 9 and Feb. 6. See a flyer for the event (pdf).
Can’t stand the cold? Try an indoor activity
Enjoy snow-tubing at the Theodore Wirth Winter Recreational Area in Minneapolis.
Winter Flower Show. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park in St. Paul is a great winter retreat. The weekend of Jan. 23-24 is the Orchid Society of Minnesota’s Winter Carnival Orchid Show at the conservatory. And from Jan. 30 to March 21, the conservatory will feature its annual Winter Flower Show in the Sunken Garden Room. Conservatory schedule.
Archery Lessons. The Rapids Archery Club offers six-week beginning archery classes for anyone ages 7 and up starting on Jan. 23 at the Bunker Hills Archery Center in Andover. Pre-registration is required; classes fill up fast. Archery lesson details.
Silverwood Cinema. This free monthly event for families features a puppet show and nature film in the Great Hall at Silverwood Park Visitors Center. 7-8:30 p.m., Jan. 6, Feb. 3, March 3, April 7, June 5. Silverwood Cinema details.