Ludington State Park offers guided snowshoe hikes, lantern-lit ski/snowshoe events

Families and friends are invited to get outdoors this winter and take part in free snowshoe walks and lantern-lit ski and snowshoe events at Ludington State Park on Saturdays during January and February.

Guided snowshoe hikes

Daylight snowshoe walks will be offered at 2 p.m. Jan. 16, 23 and 30, and Feb. 6 and 13. Moonlight snowshoe walks will be offered at 6 p.m. Jan. 16 and 30 and Feb. 13. Park staff members will guide participants through a 1.5-hour hike, while highlighting the park’s natural and historic resources and venturing through the snow-covered sand dunes.

“Snowshoeing is easy and can be done by anyone who is able to walk. One hour of moderate walking in snowshoes can burn up to 750 calories, and the sport is one of the safest winter activities,” said Alan Wernette, Ludington State Park interpreter.

Participants are advised to dress warmly, wear fitted winter walking shoes or boots, and bring a flashlight if attending the moonlight walk. Hikes will begin at the park’s warming shelter, located next to the parking lot at the end of State Highway M-116. The park has 45 pairs of snowshoes to loan out on a first-come, first-served basis. Loaner snowshoes fit visitors ages 10 and up. Reservations are not required.

Lantern-lit ski and snowshoe events

Free lantern-lit ski and snowshoe events will be offered 6-8 p.m. Jan 23, and Feb. 6. Visitors can bring their cross-country skis and/or snowshoes to ski or walk a lighted, groomed trail through the park’s snow-covered, forested sand dunes.

The lighted trail begins at the park’s warming shelter, located next to the parking lot at the end of State Highway M-116. The park has 40 pairs of snowshoes to loan out on a first-come, first-served basis. The park has no cross-country skis to loan out. No reservations will be accepted.

Park staff members will be on hand to help visitors get started. Participants are advised to dress warmly in layers. A campfire will be available along the trail, where visitors can warm themselves and enjoy a hot beverage while talking with park employees.

Ludington State Park offers several miles of groomed cross-country ski trails for beginners through experts. Winter camping is allowed in the Cedar and Jack-Pine campgrounds. Three heated mini-cabins also are available for rent.

For more information about these programs, contact Alan Wernette at wernettea@michigan.gov or 231-843-9261.

Snowshoe hikes and cross-country ski events are taking place this winter at many state parks across Michigan. To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/gogetoutdoors.

There is no charge to participate in the guided snowshoe hikes, but a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to Ludington State Park.