Participants will leave with snowshoes created in class
Take up a challenge and step back into the art of traditional snowshoe lacing with a two-day class at Lac qui Parle State Park on Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1.
At this event hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, a seasoned snowshoe lacing volunteer will instruct the class and other volunteers will be on hand to help. Each participant will keep the pair of snowshoes they make.
“This class offers a wonderful, hands-on opportunity to take part in a traditional artform,” said Terri Dinesen, Lac qui Parle State Park supervisor. “Whether used as décor or to walk in the snow, the snowshoes will serve as beautiful heirlooms.”
The class is limited to 20 participants. The recommended age is 12 or older. The public can register or get more information by calling Lac qui Parle State Park at 320-435-4033 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The registration deadline is 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5.
While the class itself is free, participants will need to purchase a $160 Ojibwe snowshoe kit at the time of registration. The kits will be ordered by DNR staff via Minnesota-based Northern Toboggan Co. and distributed at the class. Coffee and light snacks will be provided during the class, but participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch.
The Saturday class will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Sunday class will run from 10 a.m. until the snowshoes are complete, or until 3 p.m. The class will be held at the Lac qui Parle State Park education room at 14047 20th St. NW in Watson. The building is outside of the park, so those registered for the class will not need a state park vehicle permit to attend. However, if participants want to visit more of the park outside of class, a vehicle permit will be required.