Ludington State Park will offer daytime and evening snowshoe-making classes in October, November, and December. Participants will learn to weave a pair of traditional wooden snowshoes, similar to the ones Native Americans made for generations.

The cost for making a pair of snowshoes is $180 and includes the pre-formed wooden frames, lacing, high-quality bindings and personal instruction. Classes are designed to be fun, informative and interesting. Because this is an activity that requires concentration over long periods of time, it is suggested for ages 16 and older.

These handmade snowshoes can be used for hiking throughout the winter, given as holiday gifts, or used as a home decoration. Snowshoeing is an easy, inexpensive way to get outside and burn some calories during the winter months.

All classes are held at the Ludington State Park’s Warming Shelter. The park is located at 8800 West M-116 in Ludington. Please note that the October and November classes are split over two days; the December class is one, all-day session.

Classes are scheduled for:

• Oct. 26, 7 to 10 p.m. (part 1)
• Oct. 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (part 2)

• Nov. 9, 7 to 10 p.m. (part 1)
• Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (part 2)

• Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (all-day class)

Class size is limited to a maximum of 10 participants; reservations are required. To make a reservation, please call Ludington State Park at 231-843-9261 or email Alan Wernette at wernettea@michigan.gov.

Logo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources