mill creek park

Winter activities

Mill Creek Park is a winter wonderland for those who drive or hike through it, enjoy sled hills or cross-country skiing, or wish to participate in scheduled, naturalist-led park activities.

Ice formations: Visible at Lanterman’s Falls or by hiking into the Mill Creek Gorge or up to Cascade Run falls.

Sled hills: Wick Recreation Area with artificially made snow, night lighting and a warming house open until 9 p.m., weather conditions permitting; also daytime sledding at McCollum Road above the Lily Pond and at the Shields Road entrance to the East Golf Hike and Bike Trail.

Cross-country skiing: Daytime at the Mill Creek Golf Course, snow conditions permitting.

Sponsored events

Ice making and taking: Attend an indoor program at 2 p.m., Sunday at Fellows-Riverside Gardens. Then, take a short walk to the dam in Mill Creek, above which ice was harvested a century ago before the advent of refrigeration. Finish with an optional 3-mile hike around Lake Glacier.

William McKinley birthday observance: Attend a historic portrayal of President William McKinley at the Ford Nature Center at 1:30 p.m., Feb. 1, and hike 3 miles round-trip to Bears Den Quarry, in which McKinley was an investor.

Souper Bowl II: Assemble at 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at Pioneer Pavilion for a 3-mile hike around Lake Cohasset, and warm up afterwards with home-made soup. Call 330-740-7107 by Feb. 6 to make a reservation and bring a bowl and spoon.

Hunger Moon hike: Gather at 7 p.m., Feb. 13 in the Lanterman’s Mill parking lot; 2 miles.

Lily Pond in winter: Gather at 2 p.m., Feb. 15 at Ford Nature Center for a 2-mile hike to and around the Lily Pond.

Cabin Fever Fest: Noon, Feb. 21, at the Wick Recreation Area for sledding, a snow- sculpting competition, winter games and crafts. The chili cook-off has a $10 entry fee. Call 330-740-7107 for details.

Metromutts Hot Dog Hike: Assemble at 11 a.m. Feb. 28 at Ford Nature Center for a 2-mile walk with your dog, followed by refreshments at the campfire. This activity is free for Metromutts members: $3 for others. Register by Feb. 26 by calling 330-740-7107.