Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Luce and Chippewa counties is offering guided snowshoe hikes and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing by lantern light on Saturday evenings during the month of February.

Nearly 80 old-fashioned kerosene lanterns will illuminate a 1-mile trail every Saturday night in February from 6-8:30 pm, starting at the Upper Falls parking area.

The ski trail is track-set for classic skiers, while snowshoers make their own trail adjacent to the lighted loop. Join the park staff for a campfire and refreshments at the end of the trail. The ski trail is rated “easy”; however, skiing and snowshoeing at night is always challenging and a headlamp or flashlight is recommended.

Guided snowshoe hikes will begin at the Upper Falls Fact Shack at 3 p.m. on Feb. 2, 9 and 23. Free snowshoe rental is available all day from 1 to 8:30 p.m., and visitors are encouraged to try out this inexpensive, active winter sport at their leisure.

The privately owned and operated Tahquamenon Falls Brewery, also located at the Upper Falls, is open daily during the winter and offers a convenient place to warm up and get a bite to eat before or after your winter adventure.

The Upper Falls entrance of Tahquamenon Falls State Park is located on M-123, 14 miles west of Paradise. For more information about winter recreation opportunities at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, call 906-492-3415 or visit www.michigan.gov/tfallseducation or www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar.

This event is free; however a Recreation Passport is required for entry to the park.

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can enjoy real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($30.50 annual; $8.40 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan’s outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.

Logo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources