During the long harsh winters in Western New York, the Seneca people nestled in their bark longhouses to repair clothing, make tools and prepare for the spring, a "time of plenty" with regard to food, hunting and work to be done.

Despite the weather, the Seneca people did not hibernate indoors all winter. Many of the activities that traditionally occupied them outdoors during the winter months are still in practice today.

Ganondagan's Winter Games & Sports is a celebration in which everyone can discover the Seneca Ways of Winter by enjoying traditional Native American winter activities as a spectator or a participant!

This event will feature...

Dog Sledding Demonstrations
Experience the thrill of watching a dog sled team racing across the snow.

Traditional Arts
View live demonstrations of crafts practiced by Native people during the winter season.

Snowsnake
Enjoy the rare chance to try your hand at the game of Snowsnake. For more about the Snowsnake, read: Snowsnake, a Haudenosaunee Sport Steeped in Tradition

Storytelling
Listen to traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) tales in the warmth of Ganondagan's authentic bark longhouse.

Snowshoe
Explore Ganondagan's trails on snowshoe. Two-hour snowshoe rentals are available for $5/adults, $3/children under 12. Free snowshoe rental for Friends of Ganondagan members with proof of membership. Or, bring your own equipment.

Video Viewing
Watch an educational video while you warm up in our heated Visitor Center.

Native Foods
Taste warm, delicious authentic Native foods, available for purchase.

The Native American Winter Games are in partnership with The Native American Resource Center, Rochester City School District.

Lend Your Support to This Unique Event!

Our Native American Winter Games & Sports event is free and open to the public, but a suggested donation of $5/family will be gratefully accepted. Donation boxes will be available at the event, but we've also made it convenient for you to donate here in advance. Thank you!

Schedule of Events

VISITOR CENTER:

• Children's activities - 11am-3pm
• Videos, site information
• Lost and Found

TURTLE MOUND AREA:

• Snowsnake Demonstration - 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm

LOWER PARKING LOT AREA:

• Snowshoe rental - on going
• Maple syrup demonstration - on going
• Dog sledding demonstration -10:30-12pm and 1-2:30pm
• Food inside building 10am - 3:00pm
• Gift Shop all day

BARK LONGHOUSE

• 11:30 am Storytelling (Perry Ground)
• 2 pm Storytelling (Tonia Loran)

Event Details, Parking and Driving Directions

This event is FREE and open to the public, but if you wish to rent snowshoes, please see pricing noted above.

Please note: Event will take place snow, or no snow!

Please see our directions page for driving instructions and an interactive map.

Parking for this event is at our lower parking lot - please see our parking map for details.

Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to help - you choose how much time you want to give.

It's a great way to get out and meet new people in the winter when we often are stuck indoors.

We have many different volunteer opportunities: food serving, registration, helping with activities, and more. Interested? Please contact the Friends of Ganondagan's volunteer coordinator: volunteer@ganondagan.org or call 585-742-1690.

Special Lodging Packages

If you're interested in staying over in the area, check out two Winter Games & Sports lodging packages:

Stay Friday, February 3 and/or Saturday night, Feb. 4 at the historic 1820 Springdale Farm Bed & Breakfast Homestead surrounded by over 80 acres of nature preserve. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast with all the goodness and flavor of a Native American meal. Email: Eileen@DestinationVictorNY.com, or call Springdale Farm B&B: 585-924-5952. www.springdalefarmbb.com.

Woodcliff Hotel & Spa - a premier Rochester hotel - is offering a special rate for Friday and/or Saturday night, Feb. 3 and 4. To access the special Winter Games rates, go to www.woodcliffhotelspa.com, enter dates on top right calendar. Enter number of nights and adults and click "submit." Click on corporate rates, enter code "ganon" and special rate will appear.

Media

Please direct all media inquiries to our media contact Amy Blum by emailing amy@ganondagan.org or calling 585-425-1864.

Download our Winter Games flyer here.