Ludington State Park is offering daytime and evening snowshoe-making classes in October, November and December, the Department of Natural Resources announced today. 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 hand-made snowshoes can be used for hiking throughout the winter, given as holiday gifts, or used as a decoration in your home. 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. Note that the Oct. 28 and 29 is one class split over two days.

Classes are scheduled for:

• Oct. 28, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Part 1)
• Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Part 2)
• Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (All day class)
• Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (All day class)
• Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (All day class)

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

A Recreation Passport is required for all vehicles entering the park. The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan’s outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities.

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. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site; these can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call 517-241-7275.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.