Press Release: Ottawa County Parks Nature Center to open this weekend

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 01/29/2021 08:30 AM EST

For immediate release - January 29, 2021
Press contact: Jessica VanGinhoven, (616) 994-4716

Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing to open Friday

The Ottawa County Nature Center located at Hemlock Crossing County Park will open for the first time since March this weekend for snowshoe rental.

The Pigeon Creek Park Lodge will also be open for cross-country ski and snowshoe rental through the weekend.

Be sure to check the rental hours and trail conditions before your visit: miottawa.org/trails

Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing

We are excited to announce the Ottawa County Parks Nature Center will have a soft re-opening on January 29, 2021. Much of the building will remain closed, but the restrooms will be open and snowshoe rental will be available.

Special Winter Hours

Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am-7 pm (last rental at 5:30 pm, gear due back by 7 pm)
Sunday, 12-5 pm (last rental at 3:30 pm, gear due back by 5 pm)
Monday, 10 am-7 pm *Only during satisfactory snow conditions

Important information

Masks are required for entry
Capacity will be limited inside the rental area; be prepared to wait outdoors
Concessions will not be available
Confirm whether snowshoe rental is available online: miottawa.org/trails

Snowshoe Rental

Snowshoe rental for 3 hours: $8; $2 per additional hour
Ages 6 and under are free with a paid adult rental
Snowshoes are available for ages 4+

Pigeon Creek Lodge & Equipment Rental

Ski and snowshoe rental is available at the Pigeon Creek Lodge. Visitors should expect some adjustments to our operation this year:

Pigeon Creek Lodge Equipment Rental Hours:

Monday-Friday: 12-7 pm (gear due back by 8:30 pm)
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am-5 pm rental (gear due back by 6:30 pm)

Park hours are 7 am-10 pm daily

Important information:

Rental equipment is only available during satisfactory snow conditions and our rental hours have changed. Before you visit, check online for lodge and rental information: miOttawa.org/trails
Masks are required everywhere except out on ski/snowshoe trails, including the sledding hill.
Ski and snowshoe rental will be available in the lodge. Capacity will be limited inside the rental area; be prepared to wait outdoors.
The Lodge will not be open for warming or concessions. Please bring your own snacks and beverages, and be prepared to use your vehicle as base camp.
Modern restrooms in the lodge will be open.

Rental Pricing:

Cross-country ski or snowshoe rental for 3 hours: $8; $2 per additional hour
Snowshoe rental for those 6 and under is free with a paid adult rental

For more information, please visit: https://miottawa.org/Parks/winter-rec.htm

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Ottawa County | Where You Belong

Operations, improvements and programs are funded by grants, private donations, and a parks millage. If you own a $150,000 home, you pay $26 annually investing in opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature education today and for future generations. Thank you. Learn more about the 7,000 acres of park land in Ottawa County at miOttawa.org/Parks

Ottawa County Parks &
Recreation Commission

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