Opportunities to snowshoe are abundant at state and regional parks

Get on snowshoes

French Regional Park

6-8 p.m. Friday

Head to Plymouth to explore sights and sounds under the light of the full moon. Enjoy a fire and s'mores. Equipment provided. The hike will happen regardless of snow. Cost is $7. On Saturday, there is an outing for beginners from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the park. Equipment provided. This program is for ages 8 and older. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation for either snowshoeing program. (threeriversparks.org)

Jay Cooke State Park, 11 a.m.-noon Saturday

Learn how to track and identify animals this winter. Program is indoors. Call ahead to register at 1-218-673-7005. Meet at the interpretive center. (mndnr.gov)

Wild River State Park, 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday

About the peregrine

Gooseberry Falls State Park, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday

The fastest bird in the world nests along the North Shore. Listen to its story of recovery. The Midwest Peregrine Society leads a program in the visitor center auditorium. (1-218-595-7100, mndnr.gov)

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, 1-2:15 p.m. Saturday

An activity for beginners starts with the basics of using a global positioning system unit. Then, get out and search for caches by snowshoes. (There will be a snowshoe instructional, too.) Registration required. Call 1-320-532-3269 and leave your contact information and number of people.

Eastman Nature Center, 1-2 p.m. Sunday

Start your resolutions early and close 2017 with a hike. (763-694-7700, threeriversparks.org)

Active for the new year

Lowry Nature Center, 12:30-2 p.m. Monday