Warm Up to Winter on Candlelight Trails
Warm Up to Winter on Candlelight Trails
By Amy Barrett
One of the most beautiful and memorable ways to experience a winter night in Minnesota is to explore its scenic trails by candlelight. At the following special events, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking with trailside luminaries (candles or lanterns) lighting the way. On clear nights, a full moon and twinkling stars may shed even more light on your outdoor adventure.
These events are suitable for all ages and ability levels. The candle-lit trails are generally only a mile or two in length and mostly flat. Often, there will also be a bonfire where you can warm up, enjoy some hot chocolate or cider and maybe toast a marshmallow or two.
Many of the candlelight events taking place in the coming months are listed here. Check back periodically for updates. More events will be added as dates and locations are confirmed. Finally, don’t miss the “Know Before You Go” section at the end.
NORTHWEST MN
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Jan. 13: Itasca State Park, Park Rapids
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Jan. 26: Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji
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Feb. 6: Viking Ship Park, Moorhead
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Feb. 10: Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji
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Feb. 24: Big Bog State Recreation Area, Waskish
NORTHEAST MN
- Jan. 27: Vasaloppet Nordic Center, Mora
- Feb. 1-11: Whiteside Park, Ely
- Feb. 17: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors
- Feb. 17: Sugarbush Trail System, Tofte
CENTRAL MN
- Jan. 5-6: Breezy Point Resort, Breezy Point
- Jan. 20: Lake Carlos State Park, Carlos
- Feb. 3: Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Little Falls
- Feb. 17: Lake Carlos State Park, Carlos
- Feb. 24: Millie Lacs Kathio State Park, Onamia
- Mar. 16: Lake Carlos State Park, Carlos
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL AREA
- Jan. 5: Luce Line State Trail, Plymouth
- Feb. 3: Luminary Loppet, Minneapolis
- Feb. 3: Afton State Park, Hastings
SOUTHERN MN
- Jan. 20: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Nerstrand
- Jan. 27: Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne
- Jan. 27: Fort Ridgely State Park, Fairfax
- Jan. 27: Lac qui Parle State Park, Watson
- Jan. 27: Rice Lake State Park, Owatonna
- Feb. 10: Ney Nature Center, Henderson
- Feb. 24: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park, Preston
- Feb. 24: Frontenac State Park, Frontenac
- Feb. 24: Minneopa State Park, Mankato
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- In case of severe weather, events may be changed or canceled. Check the website or call to confirm before heading out.
- If there is insufficient snow, ski and snowshoe events may become candlelight walks.
- Vehicle permits are required at state parks. Save time and avoid lines by getting yours online prior to the event.
- Skiers age 16 and older need to have a ski pass with them when using groomed trails at Minnesota state parks and trails.
- Skis and snowshoes may be rented or checked out at some locations. Call ahead to confirm availability and, if possible, to reserve the equipment you need.
Amy Barrett is a Twin Cities freelance writer. She enjoys camping, hiking, biking and paddling and has visited all of Minnesota’s state parks with her husband and three sons.