With above average temperatures and lots of snow already melted, it didn’t feel a whole lot like winter Saturday.

 

But that didn’t stop the 50-plus visitors at Lake Maria State Park from taking part in the annual Winter Fun Day, presented by Friends of Lake Maria State Park.

 

Visitors had a chance to talk with Ryan Fox and members of the Winter Camping Symposium, who had a winter camp set up right outside the trail center. They demonstrated how to set up a tent, complete with a wood-burning stove, and talked about winter survival in the wilderness.

 

There were also snowshoes available for people who wanted to explore the park as part of a nature walk, and binoculars for those who enjoyed watching birds.

 

And there were indoor activities and crafts. Kids learned how to make their own bird feeders.

 

Perhaps the most well-attended and entertaining event, and one that didn’t rely on lots of snow, was an indoor presentation by the Minnesota Zoo’s Zoomobile. 

 

Naturalist Christine Ness brought along a few live creatures native to Minnesota for the crowd to see and touch. 

 

“We have about 80 animals that travel,” she said. “We choose them based on the type of program. We usually have Minnesota animals for here.” 

 

She explained all about their habitat, lifestyle, where they could be found, and entertained any questions the kids or their parents had. It was an entertaining and educational experience for visitors.

 

Saturday, Ness brought along a Blandings turtle, great horned owl, a possum and a bull snake.

 

As each animal was taken from its pen, the kids inched closer to get a better look. Ness allowed the kids to pet the snake, but not on the head.

 

“I’m the only one allowed to do that,” she said.

 

The Zoomobile animals are a regular attraction at Lake Maria’s Winter Fun Day each year. Ness said there a seven naturalists who travel and do programs throughout the year, including a raptor program that typically draws a huge crowd.

 

The next program at Lake Maria State Park is a candlelight hike Feb. 3 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

 

Lake Maria State Park is located at 11411 Clementa Ave. NW (Co. Rd. 111) in Silver Creek Twp. about 1.5 miles south of I-94.

 

More information about programs in Minnesota State Parks can be found online at dnr.state.mn.us.