Peninsula State Park Hosts New Years Hike and Campfire

Superstition has it that how one spends the first day of a new year foretells events of the coming year. Why not hedge your bets in a healthy way by participating in Peninsula’s First Day Hike? The public is invited to meet the park naturalist at the Nature Center on Jan. 1 at 10 am and walk the Niagara Trail. Peninsula’s First Day Hike is just one of hundreds occurring at state parks across the nation. To jump-start the new initiative, Peninsula State Park is offering a free hiking medallion to participating families and waiving the need for a vehicle admission sticker on Jan. 1, 2012.

For this First Day Hike, snowshoes are optional and must be provided by hikers. Hikers can choose to turn back at 11 am, after a half-mile. Depending on weather and group interest, others may continue the entire length of the trail (1.25 miles), guided by the park naturalist. Complimentary hot cocoa will be offered at the start.

The day before, Dec. 31, the public is invited to a New Year’s Eve Campfire from 12 – 1 pm at the Nature Center. Pudgy pies and Tin Can ice cream will be served. All cooking gear will be on hand for visitor use. A park sticker is required as well as $2/person to cover the cost of food. 2012 vehicle stickers are on sale now and are valid in December of 2011.

For more information call 920.868.3258 or the Nature Center at 920.854.5976 or email [email protected]. For more information about other Wisconsin First Day hikes visit http://www.americasstateparks.org.