Wright County Parks & Recreation Programs and Activities

Adult & Family Programs

Bertram Boo-Tacular

Trick-or-Treat your way through the campground and enjoy a variety of fall-inspired actvities including a take-your-own photo booth and hayrides for the whole family

Date: Saturday, October 28th
Time: 4pm- 7pm
Cost: FREE!
Location: Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park- Campground

This is a great opportunity to learn from some of the best mushers around. After the presentation you will have a chance to experience the thrill and excitement of being pulled by a team of Siberian Huskies around Ney Park. At the end of your outing warm up with hot cocoa or cider! Space is limited to 25 participants per session. New this year, children 4 and under are free and must be with one paid adult.

Friday, January 5th
- 4-6pm
- 6:30-8:30
Saturday, January 6th
- 8:30-10:30am
- 11am-1pm
- 2pm-4pm

Cost: $25
Location: Robert Ney Memorial Park

Lantern Ski

Join us at Ney Park for a night of Cross-Country Ski fun! The trails will be groomed and lit with lanterns to help guide you through the winter wonderland of Ney Park. Inside the Nature Center, there will be sweet treats and warm drinks to enjoy. Once you have your treats and drinks, you can head outside to sit fireside to warm your toes.

Date: January 20
Time: 6-9 pm
Location: Robert Ney Memorial Park
Cost: Free! ( Optional ski rental is $5-ski sizes are limited)
Who: All ages welcome

Moonlit Snowshoe Hike

It’s time to discover winter’s wonders off the beaten path as we venture to and through areas accessible only by snowshoe in winter. This year we will be exploring the winter wonders of the Robert Ney Memorial Park! Either bring your own snowshoes or reserve a pair when you register.

Date: January 25
Time: 7-8:30 pm
Cost: $7
Who: 10 and Up
Max Participation: 15
Location: Robert Ney Memorial Park

Sweetheart Snowshoe Hike

Spend the evening with your sweetheart at Bertram Chain of Lakes Park! The evening will start with a catered dinner followed by a guided hike. We will also have the opportunity for six couples to choose the sweetheart cabin package, which includes dinner, a hike, and a one-night stay at one of our camper cabins. The evening will end with a dessert social at the chalet.

Date: February 10
Time 6-8:30 pm
Cost
- Meal & Hike: $50/per couple
- Cabin Package: $110/ per couple
Max Participation: 28
Location: Robert Ney Memorial Park

Family Snowshoe Hike

It’s time to discover winter’s wonders off the beaten path as we venture to and through areas accessible only by snowshoe in winter. Either bring your own snowshoes or reserve a pair when you register. This year’s hike will take place at Robert Ney Memorial Park!

Date: February 11
Time: 2-3:30 pm
Cost: $7
Who: Everyone
Location: Robert Ney Memorial Park

Winter Fest

Bundle up for some frosty fun at the winter festival! Get your snowshoes ready for a breathtaking trek through the snow-covered landscape, go on a search for a hidden medallion, get creative during a snowman building contest, or experience the thrills of dogsledding! If feeling cold warm up with some hot cider or coco. You don’t want to miss out on this unforgettable winter experience brought to you by Wright County and City of Otsego Parks and Recreation

Date: February 17
Time: 10-2 pm
Cost: Free
Ages: Everyone
Location: Otsego Prairie Park

Buckthorn Hiking Sticks

Select, cut, and create a buckthorn hiking stick. Learn about invasive species, how to identify buckthorn shrubs, and why removing them from the Park System is essential. This year, we will have two sessions! The first session is for families, which will have a shorter presentation and focus more on the hiking stick-making portion. The second session will be for adults and focus more on Buckthorn identification, removal, and history of removal in our county parks; this session will also make hiking sticks.

Date: March 10th
Time
- Family Class: 1-2:30 pm
- Adult Class: 3:30-5 pm
Cost: $5
Max Participation: 20 each session ( For family session each member attending must be registered not just kids)
Location: Robert Ney Memorial Park

Youth Programs

Little Naturalist

If you have a child that just can't get enough outdoors, join us for our Little Naturalist Program at the Nature Center at Robert Ney Regional Park in Maple Lake. Each session will have a different focus and will provide an opportunity that "wild" child to get outside and "Explore the Opportunities" with us.

Snowflakes

For the little naturalist in your home! In this class we will be exploring the fascinating world of snowflakes! Discovering the unique shapes and patterns through hands-on activities, such as paper snowflake making and collecting real ones! We will read stories, play games, and have nature adventure time.

Date: January 17
Time: 10:30-11:30 am
Cost: $5
Ages: 1-5 w/adult
Max participation: 15
Location: Robert Ney Nature Center

Snowy Owl

For the little naturalist in your home! In this class we will be exploring the beauty and wonder of the snowy owl! Children will learn about the habitat and life cycle of this wonderful bird. We will read stories, play games, and have nature adventure time. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Date: Feburary 14
Time: 10:30-11:30 am
Cost: $5
Ages: 1-5 w/adult
Max participation: 15
Location: Robert Ney Nature Center

Red Pines

In this class preschoolers will learn about the beautiful Red Pines trees. They will learn about these tall trees that grow in cold climates through games, story time, and nature exploration.

Date: March 13
Time: 10:30-11:30 am
Cost: $5
Ages: 1-5 w/adult
Max participation: 15
Location: Robert Ney Nature Center

Nature & Learn

Robert Ney Nature Center is now offering classes for Homeschool students and groups a like! Each class is two hours long and will allow students to build skills and understanding of the natural world. These classes are meant for mixed age groups, 6- 13 years old.

Cave Critters

Date: October 12th
Time: 9:30-11:30
Cost: $8
Ages: 6-13
Max Participation: 15

Cross Country Skiing

Date: January 11
Time: 9:30-11:30am & 1-3pm
Cost: $8
Ages:6-13
Max participation: 15 each session
Location: Robert Ney Nature Center

Winter WonderKids

Join out exciting after-school winter program to embark on thrilling adventures in the great outdoors! Whether you are strapping on snowshoes to explore the winter landscape, hitting the ski trails this, or learning essentials for winter outdoor survival program will be snow much fun! This afterschool program is for kids ages 6-12. Snack will be provided.

Date: January 23- Feburary 13th
Time: 3:30-5 pm
Cost: $25
Ages: 6-12
Max participation: 20
Location: Robert Ney Memorial Park