WINTERFEST 2026
Live Event - January 17, 2026 Virtual Events - December 20, 2025 to February 14, 2026
In Collaboration With
2026 MECCA Events
January 9, 2026 from 6PM to 8PM -- Owl Prowl Snowshoe with North Lakeland Discovery Center -- Join a naturalist for a night snowshoe at MECCA in search of stealthy and elusive owls. We will discuss the owl species of the Northwoods and their interesting adaptations that make them such unique flyers. All ability levels are welcome, snowshoes are free for NLDC members and $5 for non-member. This program is offered at no charge and is sponsored by MECCA Trails. Pre-registration required by 1/7/26.
January 31, 2026 from 8PM to 10PM -- Moonshoe with North Lakeland Discovery Center -- Join a Discovery Center Naturalist as we travel among the trees and shadows during this wonderful moonlit adventure along the MECCA trails at night! Trail is moderately strenuous with a few hills, the trip will be done without the aid of lights (instructor will have one as a backup), and will be around 1.4 miles in length and will consist of rolling terrain. All ability levels are welcome, snowshoes are free for NLDC members and $5 for non-member. This program is offered at no charge and is sponsored by MECCA Trails. Pre-registration required by 1/29/26.
February 14, 2026 from 12PM to 2PM -- MECCA Ski, Snowshoe, & Sweets with North Lakeland Discovery Center -- Join Naturalists Jenna and Licia on this special winter adventure. You can choose to ski with Jenna or snowshoe with Licia around the beautiful MECCA trails for the first part of this program. Following our outside adventure, cozy up in the log chalet and enjoy some sweet treats and hot drinks provided by Jenna and Licia! All ability levels are welcome, snowshoes are free for NLDC members and $5 for non-member. Please bring your own ski equipment. This program is offered at no charge and is sponsored by MECCA Trails. Pre-registration required by 2/1
January Ski Lessons with Chad McGrath
Taking a peek ahead to the New Year, Mercer's marvelous MECCA Trails will be the site of the Fe University course "Cross Country Ski Instruction" with Chad McGrath on the Mondays and Wednesdays of Jan. 5, 7, 12, and 14. Rental skis are available, too! Learn more and register at https://feuniversity.org/.../cross-country.../2026-01-05/
MECCA Candlelight Event, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 5 to 8pm -- MECCA Candlelight 2026
Area Events
January 10, 2026 -- SISU Ski Fest in Ironwood, Michigan
January 17, 2026 -- MECCA's Winterfest at MECCA Trails
January 31, 2026 -- Wolf Tracks Rendezvous at Minocqua Winter Park
February 7 to 28, 2026 -- Wolverine Winter Challenge at Wolverine Trails
2026 Skinny Ski Schedule
Both classic and skate skiers are invited to join in on Tuesdays. Skiing begins at 6 pm and lasts for about an hour. A headlamp is needed. We break into groups: classic and skate, and fast pace and relaxed pace. No one is left behind. Conditions will determine spring schedule.
Feb. 25 – MECCA Trails