Afternoon Winter Solstice Hike

The solstice marks the beginning of astronomical winter in the northern hemisphere. Literally meaning “Sun stands still,” this date is usually the shortest day of the year, with respect to sunrise-sunset; often only presenting nine hours of daylight at our latitude. This year, the solstice occurs at 3:19am on December 21, which is the point when the Sun passes directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer. The noon sun on this day, in the southern sky, is the lowest of the year, thus casting our longest shadows of the year.   

For centuries, nations across the globe have recognized this as a time to reflect on the previous year, and embrace new beginnings, as ever-lengthening hours of daylight create an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world.  

We will meet inside our Great Hall, then visit our Pavilion Courtyard for an astronomical discussion, followed by a walk down to the shore of Lake Michigan. We conclude with time around a campfire to burn a traditional oak or Yule log.  

Your guide for this program will be Director of Learning Tom Finley, an astronomy enthusiast who enjoys sharing the quiet beauty of the lake with people of all ages.  

 Members: $17 | Non-Members: $23