Get Outdoors!Date range: Friday, May 26, 2017 to Friday, May 26, 2017

Learn the art of rope making and a few knots to help you with your summer fun. Meet at the Ice Age Center.

Want a new way to explore Devil's Lake? Take a guided kayak tour! As we paddle, we'll look for wildlife and check out some of the park's geology and history too. There is a limited amount of space, so we ask you to preregister and prepay prior to the event. If you need to rent a kayak, please let us know when you register. The rental fee is $25 for a single kayak and $45 for a double. The kayak tours will start at the Chateau (North Shore Concessions). To register, please contact the Nature Center at (608) 356-8301 ext. 140.

The American Woodcock puts on quite the courtship display in the spring. You won't want to miss its unique calls and spectacular sky dance. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1.

As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the darkening world for sounds of the night. Bring your bug spray and sense of adventure. This night hike is best for families/groups with children at least 5 years old. Location: Zillmer Trails Area (off County Road SS between County Road G and Hwy 67 near New Prospect). Get Directions - Zillmer Trails

Join retired Park Naturalist Ken Lange on a geologic exploration of Devil's Lake. See rocks transported by glaciers, potholes, Devil's Doorway, a 200-year old cedar quartzite glade, and a pygmy forest. This hike is approximately 3.5 miles, with some steep sections. Please wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water. Meet at the Steinke Basin Parking Lot.

Kids, ages three and up, bring an adult to join this fun nature program! Learn how you can earn a colorful patch. Meet at the Amphitheater.

Calling all youth to unravel the mysteries of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of engaging nature activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5, ages 6-8, and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Locations: Picnic Shelters at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (off County Road GGG south of County Rd SS near New Prospect) and Long Lake Recreation Area (off Division Road north of County Road F near Dundee). Get Directions - Mauthe Lake Recreation Area

Enjoy a fun hike to a scenic overlook and learn about the area's history - Then and Now. Meet at the Summit Rock Tail sign.

Come walk the Yellow Pioneer trail to the falls (about 1.5 miles one way). The park naturalist will share with you the interesting history of the park and the area.

Drop-in to learn how to make campfire fire starters using egg cartons, shavings and wax! Each family will take home a sample firestarter! Recommended for adults and children 5 and up. Located behind the General Store.

Drop by the Exploration Station to check out some mammal furs, scat and tracks! Try our identification game and see how well you know your animal signs. These activities will happen outside the Nature Center.

Visit with a park ranger, discover what their job is, what equipment they use and visit a squad car. Meet at the Amphitheater.

Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the watersnake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as they tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center.

Whatever you call them, park volunteer, camping and outdoor enthusiast Jon Riemann will share the how-to and how-not-to of cooking with pie irons. He'll discuss the types of pie irons, seasoning and care of cast iron, cooking tips and even provide a few samples. You may be able to try your own hand making a pudgy pie. This is a great demonstration for anyone interested in getting pie irons for their next camping trip or for taking their outdoor cooking to the next level. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the park amphitheater.

Make-it, take-it art activity takes about 20 minutes. Choose from a variety of projects: votives decorated with old nature slides, birch bark and bling; silk flowers and birch bark loops; or, tiny baskets decorated with teeny pine cones. Table Topper activities FREE but donations appreciated. While supplies last. All natural items were found "dead and down" - no living things have been disturbed for this project.

How well do you know your Wisconsin fish? Drop in to test your fish ID skills and participate in some fun fish activities. Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau.