Family-Outdoors

VOLGA, S.D. –  Oakwood Lake State Park  will host the Kool Kids’ Klassic Fishing Derby and the Groundhog Day Cross-Country Ski Tour on Jan. 28 and 29, respectively. Children under age 14 are invited to take part in the Kool Kids’ Klassic Ice Fishing Derby. Registration for the derby is $2 and will take place at the park shop at 11 a.m. The first 150 entries will receive a free fishing pole made by park staff. Bait is furnished and event staff will drill holes in the ice as needed. Fishing will take place in designated areas from 12. to 2 p.m., with weigh-in to follow. Winners will be announced at the award ceremony at 3 p.m. Snacks will be available throughout the day, and numerous door prize drawings will be held. On Jan. 29, the 32nd Annual Groundhog Day Cross-Country Ski Race and the Sons of Norway Barnelopet Children's Ski Run features a 5 kilometer non-competitive poker run, a 10 kilometer competitive race and a kick sled race. A registration fee of $8 for adults an...

Image via Wikipedia Enjoy a beautiful evening of cross country skiing by candlelight at Sakatah Lake State Park on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. People of all ages are welcome to enjoy approximately 1.75 miles of candlelit trails. The wooded trails offer some variety in terrain and are considered intermediate in skill level. Throughout the evening, skiers can take a break and warm up by the wood stove in the interpretive center. If there is not enough snow to ski, a candlelight hike will be held. Before skiers hit the trails, they will need a Minnesota Ski Pass if they are 16 or older. Ski passes can be purchased at the park. Those who don’t already have a Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit ($5 for a one-day permit or $25 for a year-round permit) can also purchase one at the park. In case of bad weather, this event may be changed or canceled. For more information, including event details, weather updates and directions to the park, call 507-362-4438. Sakatah La...

Image via Wikipedia 15 Trails in the Upper and Lower Peninsula Will Be Groomed This Winter Jan. 6, 2012 Due in large part to volunteers and donations, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is happy to announce that of the 27 cross-country ski trails located throughout the state forests, 15 will be groomed this season. The remaining 12 trails will be available for un-groomed cross-country skiing. Many of the un-groomed trails will have plowed parking lots. "Unfortunately outdoor recreation is not immune to the overall budget problems in the state," says Lynne Boyd, chief of the DNR's Forest Management Division. "We are lucky to have the support of local volunteer groups and skier donations to help groom the trails. Their support, along with a small grant program, means we are able to help Michigan remain a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts." In the Upper Peninsula the following trails will be groomed: Algonquin in Chippewa C...