Make Your Own Snowshoes during Sleepy Hollow State Park’s 'Recreation 101' events

Get in step with one of winter’s hottest recreational activities while experiencing the fun and satisfaction of building your own pair of snowshoes. Sleepy Hollow State Park in Clinton County, Michigan will offer three opportunities to take part in Snowshoe Building Workshops this season taught by Clyde Risdon of Risdon Rigs. 

The two-day workshops are scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The workshops will be held on Dec. 2 and 3; Jan. 20 and 21; Feb. 3 and 4 at park headquarters, located at 7835 East Price Rd. in Laingsburg.

Risdon designs and builds premier quality dogsled equipment and custom snowshoes. His company’s sleds have been used in major dogsled events, including the legendary Iditarod race. During each snowshoe workshop, Risdon will teach students how to weave one of two traditional wooden snowshoe designs. The class fee of $170, payable to Risdon Rigs, covers supplies, materials and equipment to make one pair of snowshoes.

The Snowshoe Building Workshop, which is part of the DNR’s ongoing Recreation 101 program, is recommended for participants ages 16 or older. Class size is limited. For reservations, contact Sleepy Hollow State Park at 517-651-6217 or email machowiczt@michigan.gov. The park is located near Exit 91 off US-127, 20 miles north of Lansing. 

For more information about this event, the park, accessibility, or persons needing accommodations to attend this event contact Sleepy Hollow State Park (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired) or visit www.michigan.gov/dnr.