Grayling Visitors Bureau

Hartwick Pines State Park will offer guided snowshoe hikes through the old growth forest on Jan. 7 and 21, Feb. 4 and 18, and March 3. These hikes will give visitors to Hartwick Pines a chance to try out snowshoes and hike through the Lower Peninsula’s largest stand of old-growth white pines. Guided by a park interpreter or historian, participants will learn about the forest in the winter and discover the importance of winter to Michigan’s logging industry in the 1800s, all while getting great exercise.

The hikes begin at the Michigan Forest Visitor Center with an orientation and introduction to Hartwick Pines and a short talk on winter survival and equipment. The group then departs from the auditorium of the visitor center into the woods. The hike is approximately one mile and will head through the old growth forest of white pine and hemlock, stop at deer beds, and look for signs of porcupines and other animals that use the forest in the winter. The group will visit the logging museum, where participants will have a chance to warm up with a cup of hot cider around the elevated fire pit at the logging museum, and hear stories about the “shantyboys” who endured a winter in the woods. Participants may return to the visitor center on their own or explore other trails in the park.

The guided hikes will begin at 10a.m. and 1 p.m.  The hikes will be limited to 20 participants for each hike. Advanced registration is required. The hikes are free, but please call the visitor center at Hartwick Pines at 989-348-2537 or stop in at the Visitor Center (normally open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to sign up. Some snowshoes are available to use for free, however check for availability when registering.

Other winter activities at Hartwick Pines include cross-country ski nights on Jan. 14 and 28, and Feb. 11 and 25.  Cross-country skiing on groomed ski trails is available everyday, weather permitting.  A warming room is available in the visitor center during open hours every weekend and most weekdays.

Hartwick Pines State Park is located at 4216 Ranger Rd. in Grayling. For more information on the programs at Hartwick Pines, please call 989-348-2537 or visit the park’s websites at www.michigan.gov/hartwickpines or www.michigan.gov/loggingmusem.

There is no charge for the snowshoe hikes; however a Recreation Passport is required for park entry.

Effective Oct. 1, 2010, the Recreation Passport replaced the resident motor vehicle permit (MVP). All resident motor vehicles must display the new Recreation Passport when their vehicle registration is renewed, for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and permit required boating access sites. Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking “Yes” on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area.

Non-resident motor vehicles must still display a valid non-resident MVP ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access site. Non-resident permits are available at any state park entrance or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

Historical interpretation at Hartwick Pines is provided by the Michigan Historical Center. The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/museum.

Contacts: Craig Kasmer or Rob Burg 989-348-2537

The Department of Natural Resources & Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnre.

Winter Fun Days at Hanson Hills Recreation Area in Grayling, Michigan, begins with Dollar Ski Night on Friday, February 3, 2012. This annual event offers fun and activities for all ages. This family-friendly ski area is popular for downhill and cross country skiing, and downhill tubing.

TENTATIVE Schedule of Events:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd 3:30PM-9:00PM
$1 Night; Lift Tickets and $4 Rentals, while supplies last!
Bonfire and Marshmallow roast
Live Music

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4th 11:00AM-8:00PM
Free Lift Tickets and Trail Passes (rentals and tubing not included)
Bonfire and Marshmallow roast
Big Air Competition, practice at noon, starts at 1pm

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5th 11:00AM-5:00PM
Free Lift Tickets and Trail Passes (rentals and tubing not included)
Chili Cook Off, 12-3pm
Sled Box Race Challenge, 2pm
Swim Suit Slalom and Slush Pit, 3pm
For more information, visit www.hansonhills.org or call 989-348-9266

Hartwick Pines State Park will again be offering special evening ski events where skiers will have a chance to enjoy one of the park’s groomed ski trails by lantern light. If you have visited Hartwick Pines during daylight hours throughout the year, these evenings will definitely give you a different perspective of the park. The ski nights will be from 6pm to 9pm on the Saturday evenings of January 14 & 28, and February 11 & 25, 2012.

Over 75 lanterns will be lit along the 1.25 mile, groomed cross-country ski trail. The Michigan Forest Visitor Center will be open and visitors are welcomed to “thaw out” (or cool down) in our warming room where hot beverages (cider, tea, coffee and hot cocoa) and snacks will be offered. There is no charge to participate in these evening ski events however a daily motor vehicle permit is required to enter the park.

If you cannot make it to these evening events, please come visit us during the day and enjoy skiing on over 15 miles of groomed cross country ski trails. For further information and for current ski and snow conditions, please contact the Michigan Forest Visitor Center at (989) 348-2537.