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. 21: Itasca State Park, Park Rapids
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Jan. 28: Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji
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Jan. 31: Frostival, Moorhead
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Feb. 11: Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji
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Feb. 18: Itasca State Park, Park Rapids
NORTHEAST MN
- Jan. 27: Night Light Snowshoe Hike, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls
- Jan. 28: Lantern Loppet, Mora
- Feb. 18: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors
- Feb. 18: Oberg Mountain, Tofte
CENTRAL MN
- Jan. 28: Crane Meadows, Little Falls
- Feb. 4: Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, Onamia
- Feb. 4: Lake Carlos State Park, Alexandria
- March 4: Lake Carlos State Park, Alexandria
METRO AREA
- Dec. 9: Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley
- Dec. 31: Wood Lake Nature Center, Richfield
- Jan. 6: Luce Line State Trail, Plymouth
- Jan. 13: Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley
- Jan. 20: Spring Lake Park Reserve, Hastings
- Jan. 27: Gateway State Trail, Mahtomedi
- Feb. 4: Afton State Park, Hastings
- Feb. 4: Friluftsliv Festival, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge Campus
- Feb. 4: Luminary Loppet, Minneapolis
- Feb. 10: Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley
- Feb. 11: Wild River State Park, Center City
- Feb. 17: Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Eagan
- March 10: Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley
SOUTHERN MN
- Nov. 18: Morgan Creek Vineyards, New Ulm
- Jan. 6: River Bend Nature Center, Faribault
- Jan. 28: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Nerstrand
- Feb. 3: River Bend Nature Center, Faribault
- Feb. 4: Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne
- Feb. 4: Fort Ridgely State Park, Fairfax
- Feb. 4: Frontenac State Park, Red Wing
- Feb. 4: Lac qui Parle State Park, Watson
- Feb. 4: Rice Lake State Park, Owatonna
- Feb. 4: Root River State Trail, Whalan
- Feb. 10: Prairie Island Campground, Winona
- Feb. 11: Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, Preston
- Feb. 11: Minneopa State Park, Mankato
- Feb. 11: Ney Nature Center, Henderson
- Feb. 18: Myre-Big Island State Park, Albert Lea
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 the communications coordinator at Minnesota's Department of Human Services. She enjoys camping, hiking, biking and paddling and has visited all of Minnesota’s state parks with her husband and three sons.