Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (December 18, 2025) – The Crossroads at Big Creek Trails will be open on December 24 and 25, and on New Year’s Eve, but Collins learning Center will be closed so staff can spend time with their families. But families will be the focus of most activities during the following week.
Our 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 2:00 and will include hands-on activities indoors and, weather cooperating, outdoors.
At 1:30 on Monday, we offer an overview of the Crossroads preserves with a slide show called “Fifty-two Weeks.” One image for each week of the year will introduce visitors—and we hope out-of-town guests—to the variety of habitats found across our three preserves. This week while schools are on vacation, we host special family-centered activities. At 2:00 on December 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 between 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, we will offer our “Last Sunset of the Year Hike.” The hike will start at 3:45, and with clear skies, participants may be able to watch the sun set on 2025 at 4:18 pm.
Ski-for-Free is underway. When snow and weather conditions allow, we lend skis, boots, poles, snowshoes (all sizes), and kicksleds to Door County residents and visitors from 9:30–3:00 Monday through Friday and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00–3:00. Understand that “Ski-for-Free will be open based on trail conditions and volunteer availability. For updates, check our events calendar and the ticker on our 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 anytime, but are asked to avoid walking on groomed ski tracks.
We end 2025 with deep gratitude for our volunteers, partner organizations, foundations and granting agencies, and our generous donors, all of whom contributed to a very successful year.
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