Candlelight Event

Come out and enjoy Rice Lake State Park in the evening under a recently full moon. The main loop is a mile-and-a-half-long trail that will lead you through the candlelit woods from the boat ramp parking lot up to the campground, down to Rice Lake, and along its lantern-lit shore back to the start. There will also be turn-offs at a half mile and a mile if you prefer something shorter, or add a little more on the second trip.

Candlelight Event - Nerstrand

Grab your cross-country skis, snowshoes, or warmest winter boots to experience the beauty of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park by candlelight! Complete your night by warming up next to a bonfire or with cider and cookies.

A limited number of snowshoes are available to rent on a first-come-first-served basis. Ski trails will be dependent on snow conditions. This event is held outside, so dress for winter weather. Extreme cold or unsafe weather may lead to the cancellation of this event.

Gooseberry Falls Candlelight Event

Join us for a special evening of winter fun at Gooseberry Falls State Park for an unforgettable experience skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking.

Begin at the Visitor Center and follow glowing luminaries along the trail. A bonfire and marshmallows await at the Lady Slipper Amphitheater and hot beverages and cookies are available at the Visitor Center.

Follow the trail to Lady Slipper Lodge for naturalist activities for all ages.

Free parking is available at the Visitor Center parking lot.

Candlelight Event - Onamia

Enjoy snowshoeing (skiing or hiking if conditions permit) by the light of the moon, with candle luminaries to help guide the way.

The length of trails and routes will be determined shortly before the event.

Frontenac Candlelight Hike, Ski, Snowshoe

Come enjoy an evening in the park by candlelight! Snowshoe, ski, or hike the trail along the bluff top with beautiful views of the Mississippi River Valley, lit by dozens of luminaries and the light of the full moon. Warm up at campfires at either end of the trail or enjoy some light refreshments by the wood stove in the warming shelter. Refreshments provided by the Frontenac State Park Association volunteer group.

Candlelight Hike

Discover the beauty of Minneopa State Park at night with a candlelight hike following the Minneopa Creek River Valley. The trails will be lit with hundreds of candle luminaries as well as the full moon to create a magical winter wonderland that takes you through some of the most scenic natural areas the park has to offer! The self-guided main loop is approximately 1-mile long and mostly flat. Weather and snow permitting, there may be additional illuminated trails to explore the state parks at night!

Candlelight Walk

Candlelight Walk

Trail section between Vicksburg Lane and Hwy 101

Winter wonderland and flickering candles come together for a magical experience on the Luce Line State Trail during the candlelight hike! This self-guided, self-paced trail is two two-mile round trip, out and back. Refreshments will be at the east end of the candle-lit portion near Vicksburg Lane.

Brave the BRRR

We are excited to announce Brave the BRRR, a month-long celebration of winter taking place at Brightwood Hills for the month of January! This event will feature Bartz Snow Sculptures, a New Brighton Farmers Market - Minnesota Winter Brrrzarre, gnome-search, full moon bonfire, kids adventure race, amateur snow sculpture contest and more! More details to come! We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our sponsors New Brighton Lions Club and Twin Cities Gateway.

Story Time Fridays at the History Center

Bring the kids to the History Center to enjoy story time while you enjoy museum time, a walk along our beautiful grounds or time in our archives all for FREE. Encourage lifelong readers by enriching the lives of young learners with books, crafts and playtime! 
Check out olmstedhistory.com/events for special story times and more information.