By Staff
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – St. Joseph County Parks is offering two innertubing hills.
"Innertubing is a safe alternative to sledding," says Brooke Artley, Manager of Leisure Services for St. Joseph County Parks. "The St. Joseph County Parks began offering innertubing in 1968, and we currently offer two man-made innertubing hills, complete with warming areas and concessions," she adds.
Innertube hills are groomed and supervised by park staff. Snow conditions permitting, the innertubing hills open the day after Christmas.
Innertubing hills are located at St. Patrick's County Park in South Bend and Ferrettie Baugo Creek County Park in Osceola. Innertubing hills are open and supervised daily, Dec. 26-Jan. 4, and weekends only Jan. 10-Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., snow conditions permitting. The cost is $3 per person plus a vehicle gate fee.
Innertubes are provided as available and sleds and toboggans are not allowed. Innertubing is not recommended for children three years of age or younger. Private tubing parties are also available at both innertube hills Wednesday through Sunday.
Call St. Joseph County Parks at (574) 654-3155 or log onto www.sjcparks.org to download reservation information today.
Snow Shoe Rental
Ferrettie Baugo Creek County Park offers snowshoeing, one of the nation's fastest growing sports, daily Dec. 26-Jan. 4 and weekends only Jan. 10-Feb. 22.
Snow conditions permitting, rental is available from 11am to 4pm. Equipment can be rented at Baugo Station for $3 per person plus a vehicle gate fee. Parental signature required for renters age 16 and under.
Equipment is due in by 5 p.m. (additional fee applies for late return). Snow shoeing is a very versatile activity – you can walk casually, observe wildlife, run and backpack. Because snowshoeing requires no training and minimal equipment, it is also a great activity for families.
Strap a pair of snowshoes on your child or bring a baby or toddler along in a baby carrier, just as you would do on a summer hike.
Call (574) 654-3155 for more information.
Cross-Country Skiing
at St. Patrick's
Cross-country ski rental is available at St. Patrick's County Park in South Bend, daily Dec. 26-Jan. 4, and Wednesday through Sunday, Jan. 7-Feb. 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., snow conditions permitting.
The cost is $4 per adult trail fee, $3 per youth trail fee (ages 15 and under), plus a vehicle gate fee. The $10 ski equipment rental fee is good all day.
Rental includes skis, boots and poles. Parental signature required for renters age 16 and under. All equipment is due in by 5 .pm. (additional fee applies for late return).
Cocoa and Candlelight
Ski Nights
St. Patrick's County Park offers nighttime skiing by the light of glowing luminaries at the Cocoa and Candlelight Ski nights.
Snow conditions permitting, Cocoa and Candlelight ski nights are scheduled for Fridays, Jan. 16 and Jan. 30 and Feb. 13 from 6-9 p.m.
The program includes groomed trails with luminaries to the historic Manion Cabin where a fireplace and beverages await.
The cost for the program is $5 per person and includes one beverage. Ski rental is available at $10. For more information call St. Joseph County Parks at (574) 654-3155.