OUTDOOR BRIEFS: Snowshoeing, animal tracks, snow science and more

Kids ages 8-15 come on out for an afternoon of ice fishing on Lake Bemidji from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18. During Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend, anglers 18 and older do not need a fishing license if they are accompanied by a child younger than 16 and are actively participating in the Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend.

All equipment will be provided including heated ice shelters. Dress for the weather in warm layers. Wear snow boots with warm socks, a winter hat, thick mittens or gloves, snow pants and a winter jacket.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The program will be canceled if the temperature is 0 degrees (or below 0 degrees with wind chill).

Meet in the Lake Bemidji State Park Visitor Center for the first portion of the program and then will go out on the lake to give ice fishing a try.

Looking for a fun, winter activity that will get you outside? Enjoy the beauty of winter on snowshoes from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Itasca State Park. This beginner’s class will teach you the basics of snowshoeing as well as great places to visit in Itasca while wearing snowshoes. This program is dependent on snowfall.

Dress warmly in layers and include snow boots. The program will be outside on the trail trying out your new skills. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom. Bring your own snowshoes or email park naturalist Sandra at [email protected] or call 218-699-7252 to reserve a pair.

Discover the joy of snowshoeing in this introductory program designed for first-timers from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Lake Bemidji State park. Learn the history and basics of snowshoes and then try it out at a relaxed pace. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the snowy outdoors while building confidence and skill.

Snowshoes are available to borrow at no cost at the park office or you can bring your own.

Dress warmly in layers and wear snow boots with warm socks. Meet in front of the playground.

This program is dependent upon the amount of snow on the ground and will be canceled if it is less than six inches or if the temperature with wind chill is forecasted to be -15 degrees or colder.

Dive into the frosty fun of winter with our kid’s Snow-Tastic Science program from 2 to 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20 at Lake Bemidji State Park. Through hands-on activities and experiments, kids will uncover the amazing science behind snowflakes, ice, winter weather and more. From going for a snowflake shape scavenger hunt to exploring how snow forms, this program combines outdoor exploration with interactive learning to spark curiosity and creativity. We will even get to build snow volcanoes. Bundle up and join us for a cool, outdoor adventure.

This program is appropriate for early learners up through fourth grade, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The program will be canceled if the temperature is 0 degrees (or below 0 degrees with wind chill).

Explore different animal tracks and the stories they tell from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Itasca State Park. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. This program will include going outdoors if weather allows, so plan for the weather. Adults must accompany children.

Learn some easy tips on how to identify some common winter birds from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Itasca State Park. Also, explore how to attract these birds to your own backyard. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center classroom.

Step into a winter wonderland on a twilight snowshoe adventure lit by the soft glow of candlelight from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Lake Bemidji State Park. Follow the paths through snowy landscapes, experiencing the peaceful serenity of nature in the stillness of night. Stop by the Lavinia Group Camp to warm up around a cozy campfire and at the visitor center for live music, hot cocoa and other refreshments. Bring your own snowshoes or a limited quantity will be available to rent at the park office at $6 per pair.

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