The Crossroads at Big Creek Trails will be open Dec. 24 and 25 and on New Year’s Eve, but the Collins Learning Center will be closed so staff can spend time with their families. Families will be the focus of most activities during the following week.
The weekly Science Saturday program invites families to learn about the science of snow — a topic on everyone’s minds this time of year and far more complex than most people realize. The program starts promptly at 2 p.m. and will include hands-on activities indoors and, weather permitting, outdoors.
At 1:30 p.m. Monday, Crossroads will offer an overview of its preserves with a slideshow titled “Fifty-two Weeks.” One image for each week of the year will introduce visitors — including out-of-town guests — to the variety of habitats found across the three preserves.
While schools are on vacation this week, Crossroads will host special family-centered activities. At 2 p.m. Dec. 30, representatives from the Open Door Bird Sanctuary will present the program “Birds of Prey,” bringing several live raptors to introduce visitors to these remarkable birds.
Raptors are known for sharp talons used to grab and hold prey, beaks capable of tearing food, extraordinary eyesight and strong wings built for soaring and diving. Interpreters from Open Door will explain the unique physical and behavioral differences among their birds, as well as the many ways these species play important roles in healthy ecosystems.
The Learning Center will be closed on New Year’s Eve, but following a decades-old tradition, Crossroads will offer its “Last Sunset of the Year Hike.” The hike will begin at 3:45 p.m. and, with clear skies, participants may be able to watch the sun set on 2025 at 4:18 p.m.
Ski-for-Free is underway. When snow and weather conditions allow, Crossroads lends skis, boots, poles, snowshoes (all sizes) and kicksleds to Door County residents and visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Ski-for-Free is open based on trail conditions and volunteer availability. For updates, check the events calendar and the ticker on the Crossroads website.
For those with their own equipment or who prefer to hike, trails are open all day, every day, free of charge. Visitors are welcome at any time but are asked to avoid walking on groomed ski tracks.
Crossroads ends 2025 with deep gratitude for its volunteers, partner organizations, foundations and granting agencies, and generous donors, all of whom contributed to a very successful year.
Event Schedule
Saturday, Dec. 27
2 p.m. Science Saturday: Snow
Geared for children but open to learners of all ages, this program will explore the various types of snow through indoor activities and, weather permitting, outdoor activities. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Monday, Dec. 30
1:30 p.m. Lecture: Fifty-two Weeks
This slide presentation offers a scenic overview of the preserves throughout the year for locals and out-of-town guests. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Tuesday, Dec. 30
2 p.m. Family Program: Birds of Prey
Representatives from the Open Door Bird Sanctuary will bring live raptors to Crossroads and share information about the adaptations and behavior of these birds. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
3:45 p.m. Last Sunset of the Year Hike
The Learning Center will be closed on New Year’s Eve, but the trails will remain open. Following a decades-old tradition, Crossroads will offer its “Last Sunset of the Year Hike.” With clear skies, participants may be able to watch the sun set on 2025 at 4:18 p.m. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
