November and December Programming at Natural Tunnel State Park
November 9 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Trades from the Trail Holiday Market
Get all of your holiday shopping done early. There will be a variety of vendors set up with 18th century themed items to purchase. All items for sale are handmade, using skills or trades commonly practiced on the frontier or along the trail. Held at the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center. Free Admission
November 11
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Mercury Transit
Join Volunteer Ray O’Connor and have the opportunity to view Mercury from a telescope as it crosses the face of the sun. Solar filters will be used for safe viewing. Meet at the Visitor Center. Free
November 12 & December 12
5:00 p.m. – Full Moon Hike
Enjoy a guided hike to the Gazebo and be a part of a unique experience here at Natural Tunnel. This 1.2 mile hike will take place along a semi-moderate trail. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Blockhouse Parking Lot. Free
Friday, November 29
Opt Outside with a Ranger
11 a.m. – Hike with a Ranger
Opt to be outside and join a ranger on a guided hike on their favorite trail. View unique natural and historic areas normally not seen while milling along the parks trails. Meet at the Visitor Center. Free
2 p.m. – A Gawk in the Woods
Join a ranger on a scavenger hunt to find all of the colors, shapes and sizes that are found in nature. How many will you find? This is a great program for children and families. Meet at the Visitor Center Free
Self-Guided Activities: Stop by the Visitor Center and pick up a copy of the Natural Tunnel Scavenger Hunt or self-guided tree hike.
Participate in a ranger-led program and get a free pass to our Christmas Tunnel Lighting events.
Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel: Give a Friend a Lift
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
To kick off this year’s Christmas Lighting event, the park will provide this one-day special offer that will help those in need in our community. If you bring two or more non-perishable food items per person, you will receive a free chairlift ride. The food collected, on this one day, will go to a local food bank. Last year, the park received over 1,000 non-perishable food items that helped two food pantries in the community. Help the park exceed 1,000 food items, this year, by coming out and supporting your local food bank. This one simple act of giving may change one family’s Christmas. *November 29 only*
Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel
Every Friday and Saturday November 29- December 21 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
As you ride down on the chairlift and make your way to the tunnel, you will be surrounded by thousands of Christmas lights and see animated Christmas displays. Once at the tunnel, stand by the warm fire while sounds and smells of the holiday season fill the air. Hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows, Christmas carols, and Santa are just a few things you can expect to enjoy.
The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association will also be on hand with period dressed historians telling stories of Christmas from 1775 in the Carter Cabin, one of Scott County’s older buildings. (Friday’s and Saturday’s only)
The week of Dec. 16-21 will feature a different theme each evening
Dec. 16 – Pet Night
Dec. 17 – Decorate a Cookie Night
Dec. 18 – Christmas Karaoke
Dec. 19 – Children’s Crafts
Dec. 20 – Ugly Sweater Night
Dec. 21 – Santa with special guest: Ranger Parker Red Fox
Parking is $5 per vehicle. $4 per person for a round trip and $3 one-way ticket on the lift.
