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How to Make Your Own Snowshoes at Michigan State Parks

How to Make Your Own Snowshoes at Michigan State Parks

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If you’re looking for ways to get out and enjoy the wintery outdoors in Pure Michigan, snowshoeing is a great option. Read more as the Department of Natural Resources fills us in on how you can learn to make your own snowshoes this season.

 

Snowshoeing at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Snowshoeing at Sleeping Bear Dunes | Photo Courtesy of Instagram Fan triciahartenews

 

Adapting to winter can be a matter of switching from flip-flops to waterproof boots, or in some cases – snowshoes. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer and love the invigorating feeling of spending time outdoors in the wintertime, a snowshoe-making class may be just the ticket.

 

1. Hartwick Pines State Park – Grayling

At Hartwick Pines State Park guests can participate in a two-day class that provides all equipment and teaches the art of crafting Bear Paw-style snowshoes, an oval-shaped shoe good for holding 200 pounds or less.

 

Lacing the snowshoes takes a certain amount of focus and concentration. As anyone who has ever made their own pair will tell you, there’s pride in learning such a unique and timeless skill. Once you’re done, you’ve got a pair of snowshoes that’ll last, winter after snowy winter.

 

2. Sleepy Hollow State Park – Laingsburg

Snowshoeing at Chippewa Nature Center
Snowshoeing at Chippewa Nature Center | Photo Courtesy of Go Great Lakes Bay



Sleepy Hollow State Park also offers two-day classes for a pair of traditional wooden Native American-style shoes. Participants will learn to weave a pair, all equipment included with registration. Class sizes are limited.

 

3. Ludington State Park – Ludington

Ludington State Park also offers classes in the park’s warming shelter. The class includes all materials for sturdy winter shoes that can double as decoration come summer! The instructor will teach the process step by step and participants must be 16 years or older.

 

4. Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Paradise

The workshop registration includes all materials and equipment needed to make one pair of snowshoes. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information about workshops and programs, visit Tahquamenon Falls Education Programs. 



Snowshoeing is something just about anyone can do. It’s the perfect combination of exercise and adventure for those of us who are more comfortable on level ground than on the heart-thumping downhill ski slopes and making your own is an even more fun way to get involved!





For more event details and registration fees, visit michigan.gov/dnr.