Activities by snowshoe and ski dominate parks calendar

Luce Line State Trailhead, 5-8 p.m. Friday

• The trail will be lit from the Plymouth trailhead to Hwy. 101. A bonfire and hot chocolate wrap up the evening. (651-231-6968; mndnr.gov/luceline)

• Zippel Bay State Park, 5-8 p.m. Saturday: You can pretty well count on snow cover in the northernmost region of Minnesota. Luminarias will line more than a mile of ski/snowshoe trails. Meet at the residence. You can borrow skis and snowshoes while supplies last; call to reserve a pair. (1-218-647-8592; mndnr.gov/zippelbay)

Jay Cooke State Park, 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday

This series explores the nighttime winter world of park life. Poetry, storytelling and art work into the program. If there's enough snow, bring your own snowshoes or call to reserve a pair. Meet at the River Inn Interpretive Center. (1-218-673-7005; mndnr.gov/jaycooke).

• 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Minneopa State Park: Stomp through the snow starting at the group campground. A naturalist will explain the history of snowshoeing, kinds of snowshoes, and where to go at the park during this rigorous 2-mile hike. Dress for the weather. Call 1-507-386-3910 to rent snowshoes. No snow? It's a hike. (1-507-384-8890; mndnr.gov/minneopa).

• Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Whitewater State Park: Once the leaves fall, nature reveals hidden secrets. Discover historic relics visible only in winter. If there is enough snow, bring your snowshoes or call the park to reserve a pair. No snow? Plan to hike. (1-507-312-2300; mndnr.gov/whitewater)