Coming up at Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County is the return of Winter Nights, a celebration of the season featuring a variety of activities for the whole family.

The Cass County Parks Department’s Patty Dohm tells us Winter Nights is a way for everyone to have some fun while taking in the glorious night sky at the region’s only International Dark Sky Park. For the next four Saturdays, the plan is to open the park from 5 to 9 p.m. and offer tubing, a star gazing demonstration, and more.

“We have three miles of lighted cross-country ski trails that will be open,” Dohm said. “We have our biking trails open, so if anybody’s into that bicycle, fat tire stuff, then that’ll be open for them. We also have some crafts and stuff in the heated buildings, so when our little noses and fingers and toes get cold, we have a place that’ll bring them up in a sled.”

Dohm says those who head inside to warm up can take part in arts and crafts by a roaring fire. She also recommends trying the concessions, in particular the hot chocolate.

Winter Nights will take place January 18 and 25, and also on February 1 and 8. Admission will be $2 per person.

Dr. Lawless Park is located at 15122 Monkey Run Street just outside of Vandalia.

Dohm does note Winter Nights is weather-dependent, meaning if there’s no snow on the ground, the event that night will be canceled.