March Merriment: Games & Nature Connection Gathering

After enjoying an afternoon outdoors, we’ll share snacks and hot drinks in the Nordic Center.

Hope to see you there!

What to bring:

• • Warm boots

  • Winter clothing (see below)

  • Skis (optional)

  • Snowshoes (optional)

  • Snacks and beverages

Schedule & Activities

2:00 PM: Meet at the Nordic Center in Lake Elmo Park Reserve for cross country skiing or nature wandering, depending on snow conditions.

4:00 PM: Meet back at the Nordic Center for Games. Games may include Capture the Flag, Fox and Geese, Animal Form Races, and more - be prepared to move!

5:30 PM: Hot drinks and snacks in Nordic Center

7:00 PM: Wrap-up

Questions (and some answers):

Are there fees for parking or skiing?

A Washington County Parks vehicle fee is required for the park ($7 per day or $30 for the season). Season passes are also good at Anoka County Parks and Carver County Parks. Skiers age 16 and over need to have a Minnesota State Ski Pass ($20 for the season or $6 per day). Arrive early to secure passes, find parking, and get fitted for ski equipment.

How are trail conditions for skiing?

Check out Washington County Trail Reports and Skinny Ski Trail Reports for the latest info.

What should I bring for drinks and snacks?

Feel free to bring beverages, including hot drinks in a thermos, mugs, and finger-food snacks to share with others. We will bring some extra mugs and serving plates. We don’t have access to a kitchen or refrigerator.

What should I wear? It’s cold out there!

Check out this helpful resource from REI about dressing for cold weather. For more tips about staying warm, dry and comfortable outside in the cold, take a look at this page from The Big Outside. Feel free to bring a change of dry clothes as we will be more active in the afternoon and less active in the evening. There are places in the Nordic Center to change clothes.

RSVP

Encouraged, but not required. Feel free to drop in and join us—and it would be great to know you are coming! If you have any questions, or to RSVP:

E-mail Jonathan <poppele@umn.edu>

Use our online Contact Form

Link to this event here on Facebook

For map and directions, click here

Nordic Center

Lake Elmo Park Reserve

1515 Keats Ave N

Lake Elmo, MN 55042

Come join friends for winter fun at scenic Lake Elmo Park Reserve! Gather at the Nordic Center at 2 PM. Meet old friends and make new acquaintances while enjoying cross country skiing (weather permitting), nature wandering to find track and sign from local wildlife, and games.