U.P 200 Takeoff Party at Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve

The UP 200, a 200-mile sleddog race through the Upper Peninsula, kicks off Feb 15th, 2019 at 7:00 PM in downtown Marquette. If you’d like to watch the mushers swoosh by in the quiet of the woods, away from the bustle and lights of downtown, join us at the Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve. Sled teams pass directly by the Preserve, so we get a great view and interaction with the mushers. Teams typically pass the trailhead at the Preserve between 7:30-9:30 or so (the midnight run starts at 8:30).  We will have a serene lamp-lit trail leading from the Main Street parking lot of the Bayou Preserve (approximately 300 W Main Street) out to the North trailhead. We will have a bonfire, hot cocoa and snacks, and merriment waiting! This is a very kid-friendly event and participants are welcome to come and go as they please. Dress warmly, and bring a friend, a headlamp (just in case), and your own snowshoes – though the trail will be packed in advance if needed, they’re still a good idea!