Wisconsin State Parks, Forests and Trails
Candlelight Ski and Hike Events

Enjoy an evening hike, snowshoe, or ski along a trail lit by the flickering flames of candles or tiki torches.

Events in February, and March 2010.

Check the Wisconsin State Parks Current Conditions pages for information on trail conditions.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

• Interstate State Park , St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Candlelight Night. Experience a winter evening by candlelight as hundreds of candles are lit to guide skiers, snowshoers and hikers on separate trails.  Come when you can, ski at your own pace on the Skyline Cross-Country Ski Trail (intermediate level).  Snowshoers will discover the winter solitude of forest and field (snowshoes are available for use free of charge for ages 6 and up).  Both trails begin at the Ice Age Center.  Beginning at the Camp Interstate Shelter, walk by candlelight beside the St. Croix River.  There will be warming fires at the trailheads and refreshments available at the new addition to the Ice Age Center.
  6-9 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 - Valentine Candlelight Ski and Hike. Celebrate Valentines Day a bit early while enjoying the winter wonderland at night with family and friends. Ski or hike the 2-mile cross country trail lit by almost 200 tiki torches. Warm up afterwards by the fireplace. Refreshments will be available in the heated shelter building. Please, no pets, snowshoes or sleds allowed. Cross-country ski trail. 6-9 p.m.
• Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Candlelight Ski. Ski along 2 miles of trails lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. Warm up by the bonfire when you are finished and enjoy refreshments sold by the Lake Kegonsa State Park Friends Group. Sorry, no pets or hikers are allowed on the cross-country ski trails. This event is weather and snow conditions permitting. 6-9 p.m.
• Lapham Peak Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Delafield, (262) 646-3025 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/hike. Enjoy a hike, a heated shelter, bonfire, refreshments, and live music. 6-9 p.m.
• Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, (920) 854-2500 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe. Ski, hike or snowshoe an easy, 1-mile trail lit by homemade candles. Bonfire, lit grills, fireplace and refreshments will greet attendees at the end of the trail. Meet at the Fern/Europe Bay trailhead at the picnic area in parking lot #3. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Peshtigo River State Forest, Crivitz, (715) 757-3965 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Ski or hike along the Peshtigo River by candlelight. A two-mile trail will be lit for both classical and skating styles. Non-skiers can try an easy one-mile hiking trail. Warming fires and hot chocolate will be available. Spring Rapids Trailhead. Follow County Road W 5 miles west of Crivitz to Kirby Lake Lane. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Pike Lake Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, (262) 670-3400 or e-mail - 21st Annual Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe. The lighted trail starts near the beach at the main parking lot. Popcorn and warm beverages will be available in the warming shelter with a big bonfire outside and a fireplace inside. The Northern Cross Science Foundation will set up telescopes to provide star viewing and instructions. The event is free, but a state park vehicle sticker is required for parking. Trail passes for skiing are not required for this event. Sponsored by the Friends of Pike Lake [exit DNR]. 6-9 p.m.
• Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, (715) 842-2522 or e-mail - Candlelight Snowshoe. Snowshoe the trails at Rib Mountain State Park by candlelight. Snowshoe rentals, hot chocolate and other goodies will be available. For more information, call Nancy at (715) 359-9166. Sponsored by the Friends of Rib Mountain State Park [exit DNR]. 6-8 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville (262) 878-5600 - Return to Romance. Warm someone's heart this Valentine's Day with a visit to the park. Enjoy a candlelit walk, a bonfire, live music, fine desserts and warm drinks with your special someone(s). Please call to preregister and prepay the $5/adult and $1/child fees. Don't wait; this program fills fast! Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Meet at the visitor center. 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

• Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz, (715) 757-3979 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Enjoy the luminaries along a 1-mile trail groomed for both diagonal striding and skate skiing as it weaves through the woods. Non-skiers are welcome to hike on another candlelit 1-mile trail with scenic views of Woods Lake. Hikers and pets are not allowed on the ski trail, but are welcome on the hiking trail. Warming fires and hot chocolate available at the shelter building. Vehicle admission (park sticker) is required and can be purchased at the park office. Woods Lake Picnic Area Shelter. 6 - 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

• Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Boulder Junction, (715) 542-3923 - Candlelight Ski -Hike-Snowshoe. Enchanting wooded trails - warm, cozy fires. Parts of the Raven trail system will be lit by hundreds of flickering candles. Enjoy a 1.5- mile and a 3-mile loop for skiing and a 1-mile loop for hiking and snowshoeing. Refreshments, including hot chocolate and apple cider, will be served. The Clear Lake Ranger Station is open and heated, and there are two warming fires: one at the start/finish and one at the halfway point warming hut on the 3-mile loop. Sorry, no pets are allowed on the ski-trail portions. Meet at the Clear Lake Ranger Station, in Woodruf. 6-9 p.m.
  

For more information, ask Wisconsin State Parks, (608) 266-2181.

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