Rangers at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will resume regular snowshoe hikes for visitors each Saturday, beginning Dec. 29 and continuing through the end of February.

RANGER BILL Herd of the Sleeping Bear
Dunes National Lakeshore points out a winter
feature to a visitor during one of last year's
Saturday snowshoe hikes. Regular ranger-led
hikes will resume on Saturdays, starting on
December 29.

Participants will meet at the Lakeshore visitor center in Empire each Saturday at 1 p.m. Those without their own snowshoes will be provided a pair free of charge. Participants need only purchase a park entrance pass or annual pass if they don’t already possess one.

Inside the visitor center, park rangers will provide basic snowshoeing instructions, and then everyone will travel by car to the trailhead or area the ranger has pre-selected. Once there, the ranger will encourage participants to learn about the park’s unique features and winter’s effect on them.

Visitors should wear waterproof boots, dress warmly in layers, and plan to be outside until about 3 p.m. The snowshoe hikes are described as “easy” and can be enjoyed by all ages.

Although reservations are not required, those coming in groups or needing to borrow snowshoes are encouraged to call ahead. Call 326-5134, extension 328, for details and to make reservations. For more information about the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, visit www.nps.gov/slbe online.