January 22, 2003

Learn how to make a pair of snowshoes during an all-day workshop on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Michigan Forest Visitor Center at Hartwick Pines State Park. Class size is limited and advance registration is required. Contact Chris Kline at 989-344-1343 for further details.

Cross country ski enthusiasts also are invited to enjoy two evenings of skiing by lantern light though the Old Growth Forest on Jan. 25 and Feb. 8. The lanterns will be lit from 5 to 9 p.m. The groomed ski trail for these events is approximately 2.3 miles in length and skiers may go around as many times as they would like while the trail is lit. After skiing, everyone is welcome to enjoy some hot cocoa or coffee in the warming room at the Michigan Forest Visitor Center. Please call the park at 989-348-7068 or the visitor center at 989-348-2537 to check trail conditions before attending this event.

Hartwick Pines State Park is located northeast of Grayling on M-93, about three miles east of I-75 exit 259. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular, with three groomed loops available in lengths approximately 3, 5 and 7.5 miles. Please park in the visitor center parking lot. The $4 daily or $20 annual motor vehicle permit, required for entry, are available at either the visitor center or park headquarters.

During the winter, the visitor center is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call 989-348-2357 for information regarding guided group/school educational experiences.