Get Outdoors!Date range: Friday, July 14, 2017 to Friday, July 14, 2017

Presented by Fox of the River Voyageur Canoe LLC Paddle a 28 foot canoe! Join us for a truly a hands on experience in history and camaraderie into the fur trade era and the lives of its most colorful participants - the Voyageurs. You'll get to paddle a Voyageur canoe and learn about the Voyageur way of life. You will step into the past with Jean Paul Pauquette and Jacques Largillier as your guides. This is a FREE program sponsored by the Friends of Devil's Lake. Activities will happen at the North Shore Boat Launch.

Stop by any time to learn all about tracks and furs from the mammals we have in Wisconsin through activities, games, and crafts! Ottawa Lake Contact Station.

Go on an adventure at Devil's Lake by kayak! Guides will take you on a 2 hour tour of the lake exploring the geology and lake's wildlife. Space is limited, so you'll need to preregister. 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. Meet at the Chateau (North Shore Concessions). To register, please contact the Nature Center at (608) 356-8301 ext. 140.

Inspect the differences between these freshwater shells and learn about their primitive but complex lifecycle! Meet at the North Campground Overhang (near the restrooms).

The Summit Players are a traveling, seven member theatre company who present short, accessible, free Shakespeare workshops and performances to audiences around the state of Wisconsin. Summit Players shows are produced with new cuttings of Shakespeare's scripts that become tight, 75-minute shows of mayhem, character switches, and hilarity. The production is 'Shakespeare out of a trunk,' with minimal set, costumes and props and a focus on actors, as per the style of Shakespeare's time. Prior to the performance, company members will lead a 45-minute children's workshop. 5:30 p.m. workshop; 7 p.m. performance.

This event takes place at Three Bridges Park adjacent to the Hank Aaron State Trail.

Come paddle the Ottawa Lake Canoe Trail in a kayak with a State Forest Naturalist for free! No experience or equipment is necessary, sessions will last one hour. Participants must be 10 and up and able to paddle their own kayak. Don't forget your sunscreen and shoes that can get wet! Meet at the Ottawa Lake boat launch; tours will start on time, so don't be late! Group size is limited to 7, so please reserve your spot at (262) 594-6220 or at the Ottawa Lake contact station.

Universe in the Park (UitP) is a popular outreach program of the UW-Madison Astronomy Department and is predicated on a very simple idea: the best environment in which to introduce the general public to astronomy is outside under dark skies. The UitP session begins with a 20-30 minute talk and slide presentation covering a broad view of astronomy and recent astronomical news. Following the presentation, a telescope is set up to view whatever astronomical objects are available. Question and answer period follows around the telescope.

Explore the world of nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your sense of adventure as we search and listen for things that move around in the dark. We'll use some of our high-tech gear (thermal imagers and trail cameras) to discover the secrets of the night! Meet at the Steinke Basin Parking lot.

Wondering what trail to hike or what to see in the park? Join the Nature Center staff every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning (Memorial Day through Labor Day) for some great ideas. Meet at the Nature Center.

Tighten up those hiking boots, strap on some sandals, or lace up your outdoor shoes for this explorative1.8 mile hike led by a naturalist. Dependent upon weather and/or trail conditions. Meet at the Visitor Center.

A fun and hands-on workshop designed for women ages 18 and up, focusing on various outdoor skills. Pre-registration required.

Discover the magnificent raptors living in Wisconsin and which ones you might spot in your neighborhood. Then learn to recognize the signs they leave behind. Take a close look at their amazing adaptations before heading out on your own to look for them. Drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

This is a 60-minute hike on an easy trail. We will look at the different native (and non-native) plants and trees of the park and discuss how Mirror Lake State Park (and the surrounding area) has changed over time. Meet at the park office.

Meet Park Stewardship Coordinator, Sarah Chisholm, to learn about WI native butterflies. We will identify the food they eat and search for and identify caterpillars and eggs. This trail is paved for accessibility. Strollers, wheel chairs and all ages are welcome! Meet at the trailhead.

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 Road 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, Get Directions - Long Lake Recreation Area.

Come paddle the Ottawa Lake Canoe Trail in a kayak with a State Forest Naturalist for free! No experience or equipment is necessary, sessions will last one hour. Participants must be 10 and up and able to paddle their own kayak. Don't forget your sunscreen and shoes that can get wet! Meet at the Ottawa Lake boat launch; tours will start on time, so don't be late! Group size is limited to 7, so please reserve your spot at (262) 594-6220 or at the Ottawa Lake contact station.