Snowshoe hikes across the Minnesota park system

Sakatah Lake State Park

6-9 p.m. Saturday

• Hike or snowshoe on a1-mile or 2-mile trail loop at the park in Waterville. There will be a bonfire with s'mores and hot cocoa. (1-507-698-7850, mndnr.gov)

Wild River State Park

6-9 p.m. Saturday

• Candlelight will illuminate approximately 6 miles of trails for snowshoers, skiers and walkers. There also will be a bonfire and music. (651-583-2125 ext. 227, friendsofwildriver.org)

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve

• Explore snowbanks, search for animal tracks and warm up with cocoa. Equipment provided. Cost is $6. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation. (threeriversparks.org)

Coon Rapids Dam Park

10 a.m. - noon Saturday

• Head to the Hennepin County side to learn about the basics of snowshoe travel. Then head out to look for animal signs. Equipment and refreshments provided. Cost is $5. Call 763-559-6700 to reserve a spot. (mndnr.gov)

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

• Start with a discussion on snowshoe types and then get a lesson outdoors. Snowshoes are provided. Call 1-320-532-3269 to register. (mndnr.gov)

Flandrau State Park

12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturday

• Get a snowshoe history lesson, and then hike. The hike will take you to see the beach house, the caretaker's residence and other buildings built by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress. There are snowshoes to rent. Call 1-507-233-9800 to reserve them. Meet at the beach house. (mndnr.gov)

Whitewater State Park

A century ago, before rural electrification and refrigerators, ice was cut each winter to cool iceboxes in the coming year. After ice was cut, it was stored in icehouses insulated with sawdust. Discover this piece of the area's past as ice is cut and moved off the park's beach. Authentic tools such as ice saws and tongs will be used. (1-507-312-2308, mndnr.gov)

William O'Brien State Park

2-3 p.m. Saturday

Slither into the world of reptiles by meeting several of our native species up close. (651-433-0500, mndnr.gov)

Kingswood Park

Visit the dark house and learn to coax in a northern pike with a decoy or on a tip up.

Cost is $10. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation. (threeriversparks.org)

Elm Creek Park Reserve

9:30 -11 a.m. Saturday

An introduction for ages 6-8 to cross-country skiing through fun activities and games. Cost is $17 ($25 with ski rental). Call 763-559-6700 to reserve a spot. (threeriversparks.org)

1-2 p.m. Sunday