09/11/2026
The fall program line up is here! Check out the details below!
Gillette Visitor Center Hours of Operation: Labor Day-November 14th: Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays Noon-4 p.m.
All programs are free of charge and begin at the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. All children participating in programs must be accompanied by an adult.
Scavenger Hunts
Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays Noon-4 p.m.
Grab a scavenger hunt from the Visitor Center then hit the trails to see what you can discover!
Wellness Wednesdays
Kid’s Yoga Stars: Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. Adult Gentle Flow: Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.
Relax your body and mind with yoga in nature! Join Open Spaces Yoga for a stretch outside of the Visitor Center listening to the nature sounds, feeling the sunshine and wind on your face and being one with the environment. Bring your own mat or borrow one- either way you will leave feeling relaxed and refreshed! If undesirable weather conditions arise yoga will take place inside the Visitor Center.
Budding Naturalists Preschool Program
Fridays 10:30 a.m.
Nature programs designed for preschool aged children (2-6 years old) on a different topic each week. Programs will include story time, a hike, outdoor activity, or nature free-play and a craft.
Coffee Walks
Saturdays 9:30 a.m.
Bring your favorite morning beverage or grab a cup of our freshly brewed, locally roasted coffee to sip on while strolling with a naturalist for a 2-mile guided hike through the forested dunes and on the beach. This walk is all about enjoying your beverage, spending time in nature and with each other… with some nature facts thrown in for good measure.
Sustainable Crafts
Saturdays 11:00 a.m.
Create sustainable art with our creative naturalist! This program is fun for all ages (including adults).
Pop-Up Programs!
Sundays 1:00 p.m.
Staff favorite nature programs based on what is happening in the park that week. Check our page, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park to find this week’s Pop-Up Program!
Fabulous Fungi & Foraging
Wednesday September 23rd 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Price: $30 per person
Pre-Registration Required: Please visit www.Michigan.gov/BOW to register
Calling all Women! Join a certified foraging expert to learn all about the basics of safe foraging practices. This program includes a lesson on uses of foraged finds as well as a walk through the woods to find what is in season! Learn about what it takes to become a foraging expert and sample some of the goods provided.
Family Fungi & Foraging
Saturday September 26th 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Price: $30 per person
Pre-Registration Required: Please visit www.Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills to register
For everyone 10 years of age and older! Join a certified foraging expert to learn all about the basics of safe foraging practices. This program includes a lesson on uses of foraged finds as well as a walk through the woods to find what is in season! Learn about what it takes to become a foraging expert and sample some of the goods provided.
Hoffmaster Halloween
Saturday October 24th and 31st 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Make your way to the Gilette Visitor Center trail for a walk through the woods to kick off the season of trick or-treating. Creep into the spookiest topics in nature including bats, skulls, sea lamprey, and more! Earn a piece of candy for every table you dare to stop by. Fun for all ages and costumes are encouraged!
