Take post-Thanksgiving hikes, learn about bison, make ice luminaries at state and regional parks

Sibley State Park, 10-11:30 a.m. Friday

• Work off some of those post-Thanksgiving calories on this rigorous three-mile loop hike to Mount Tom for a spectacular view of the valley. A naturalist will lead the way which includes sideline stops to learn about an important Sibley State Park inhabitant, the wild turkey. The guided portion ends at the top of Mount Tom. Meet at the interpretive center. Winter boots and ice cleats are recommended. If the weather is severe, a cancellation notice will appear on the park website at 8 a.m., two hours before the hike. (1-320-354-2055; mndnr.gov/sibley)

Whitewater State Park

1-2 p.m. Friday

• Meet at the visitor center for a short presentation on turkeys. A short walk follows. in search of turkeys. If the turkeys are hiding, the focus will be signs of turkey habitation. (1-507-312-2300, mndnr.gov/whitewater)

Blue Mounds State Park, 1-2 p.m. Friday

The story to conserve and protect bison in Minnesota is told along with hands-on activities. Touch bison hide, make a bison storybook to take home, and practice bison communication skills. Meet at the picnic shelter in the cart-in campsite area. (1-507-283-6050, mndnr.gov/bluemounds)

This turkey adventure is designed for pre-kindergarten children and their parents or adult of choice. Meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center for an introduction and then go outside in search of a wild turkey. Dress for the weather and note that the visitor center is an additional 10-minute drive through the park. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov/fortsnelling)

Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2 p.m. Sunday

Nothing softens winter like candlelight. Learn how to make an ice luminary like those used for the park's candlelight events. No supplies are needed for this program. Meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov/fortsnelling)

Richardson Nature Center, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday