For safety reasons, the Lake County Parks reserves the right to close any winter program when the wind chill factor falls to dangerous levels.  

NOTE:  All fees are subject to change without notice.

SCROLL DOWN FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ICE SKATING, CROSS COUNTRY SKIING, SLEDDING, ICE FISHING, BOBSLED RIDES AND MORE

ICE SKATING at Deep River Waterpark

Ice skating on the plaza under the clock tower at Deep River Waterpark will open the Friday after Thanksgiving (weather permitting).  Ice skating birthday parties are available.  Call 219-947-7850 or see www.deepriverwaterpark.com

The 14,500 square foot Deep River Ice Plaza, food stands, heated bathrooms, U.S. 30 Surf Shop and Group and Season pass sales offices will open for the first ever season of ice skating. The plaza area will be decorated with seasonal lighting. Parking is free. Food, beverages and coolers are not permitted into the park. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere on Park Department property.

Dates: November 23, 2007 through February 24, 2008 (Weather permitting)

Group & Birthday Parties: Call 219-947-7850 for reservations.  Group discounts available.  We love birthdays --  Includes food and drink.  Ten person minimum.  Call 219-947-7850 ext. 604 to book your party early.

* These rates are good for valid 2007 Deep River Waterpark season pass holders through December 31, 2007 only. These rates will be valid starting January 1, 2008 for valid 2008 pass holders only. Valid 2007 season pass holders also continue to receive 10% off sales in the U.S. 30 Surf Shop.

The park may close due to inclement weather at management’s discretion. Inclement weather is considered to be weather over 40 degrees Fahrenheit, rain, severe cold and/or extreme winter conditions.

WINTER PROGRAMS

Weather information is updated at 9 a.m. weekdays. Call 219-769-PARK for general program information. For conditions at the park site, call numbers below.  If you would like information about ski rentals, please call our rental sites listed below:  Call the park site before going to check the conditions at that facility.

Skiers may use the trails at Deep River, Buckley Homestead, and at the Grand Kankakee Marsh on the levees except during hunting season.  There are no rentals at these parks.  See below for rental locations and information.

Gate fees apply at the parks when a gatekeeper is on duty. 

SLEDDING HILLS

The sledding hills at Oak Ridge Prairie and Lemon Lake will be open December 1 through March when adequate snow base allows.

Call after 9:00 a.m. to see if the hills are open before you come out.  Call Lemon Lake at 219-663-7627 or Oak Ridge Prairie at 219-884-7238.

There are no rentals, so bring your own tube or plastic sled. No wooden or metal runner sleds or snowboards are allowed for safety purposes.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

Looking for a great way to exercise in a great setting?  Then come out to your Lake County Parks and cross country ski.

Each park that offers this activity has several miles of trail through wooded areas as well as open fields. The trails are designed for a beginner as well as the experienced skier, so don't worry if you have never tried before.

Ski rental season opens December 1st and ends March 31 (at Lemon Lake), weather permitting. So put on your hat and gloves and come on out for this great winter activity. NOTE: Rentals at Oak Ridge Prairie and Stoney Run close the last day of February.

RENTAL LOCATIONS

Lemon Lake County Park    6322 W. 133rd Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307    219-663-7627
* Four miles of trail in wooded area and open field, ideal for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers.

Oak Ridge Prairie County Park     301 S. Colfax Street
Griffith, IN 46319    219-884-7238
* Three miles of trail through open prairie and wooded areas. Good for those looking for an easy to moderate challenge.

Stoney Run County Park     142nd and Union Street
Leroy, IN 46355    219-996-9060
* Seven miles of easy to moderate trail winding through a wooded area. Designed with intermediate to advanced skiers in mind.

RENTAL INFORMATION

FEE: $5.00 includes tax, per skier, for 2 hours. $1.50 includes tax, per skier for each additional hour.

TIMES: Weekdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.   Weekends 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Last rental at 4 p.m.  All equipment must be returned by 5 p.m.  Exceptions only for special programs.  Park closing may vary due to extreme darkness.

DEPOSIT: A valid driver's license or credit card must be left with park employee in charge as security on the equipment. License or credit card will be returned when equipment is returned.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Daily rentals are available on a first come, first serve basis. The park manager reserves the right to close the ski program when weather conditions are not favorable. All equipment will be used on the park site ONLY. The rental fee includes use of skis, boots, poles, and fun.

Please call 219-769-PARK for additional information.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING INFORMAL LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS

Saturdays in January and February 10 a.m. until noon when rentals are open.  See park dates following:

• January 5, 12, 19, 2008           Stoney Run County Park             219-996-6500
• January 26, Feb. 2, 9, 2008     Lemon Lake County Park            219-663-7627
• February 16 & 23, 2008           Oak Ridge Prairie County Park    219-884-7238

Trained instructors help beginners get properly fitted in skis, boots, and poles. Then learn the basics necessary to enjoy the experience of skiing. The informal lessons are free and last approximately 15 minutes. Ski rental fees apply. Children and adult sizes are available. Visitors are welcome at any time during the 2 hour period. It is important to wear layered clothing easy to shed as body temperature rises while skiing.

This program is dependent upon favorable weather and snow conditions. Please call the park before coming out to check conditions. Cancellations will be made by 9 a.m. on the day of the program

ICE FISHING AT THREE RIVERS

• Fishing opportunities at Three Rivers County Park will continue through the winter when conditions allow. Ice Fishing will be permitted from 7 a.m. until ½ hour after sunset when the ice is a minimum of 4" deep.
• Park staff will post ice conditions at the gatehouse. Call 219-962-7810 to verify ice fishing conditions before going to the park. 
• Fees are $4.00 for adult Lake County residents, $4.50 for adult non-residents, and $2.50 for children, under age 12 accompanied by an adult, regardless of residency. A special senior citizen rate is offered on Mondays when Lake County seniors are charged $3.00 and non-residents $3.50.
• Park staff will post ice conditions at the gatehouse. Call 219-769-PARK or Three Rivers at 219-962-7810 to verify ice fishing conditions before going to the park.

Note:  Fees may be adjusted without notice due to operational costs

HORSE-DRAWN BOBSLED RIDES AT BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD -- CALL AHEAD TO CHECK CONDITIONS

Saturday and Sunday afternoons in January and February when snow and weather conditions permit.  We need at least 4 inches of snow and no ice for the horses to be able to pull the sled that carries 8 to 10 people.  Call Buckley Homestead at 219-696-0769 before coming to the park for a weather update. Rides last 20 to 25 minutes.  The cost is only $2 per person.

For information call 219-769-PARK (7275)