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

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

Events in July, August, September, and October 2009
January 2010

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

Saturday, July 18, 2009

• Kohler-Andrae State Park , Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Summer Candlelight Hike. Enjoy a self-guided hike along the beach and wander the sand dunes along the cordwalk. The trail is lit with tiki torches for this annual summer event. Refreshments served at Sanderling Nature Center. Sorry, no pets or strollers allowed on the hike. Park at Sanderling Nature Center or North Beach lots. 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Summer Candlelight Hike. Night Noises - Midnight Music for the Brave at Heart! program at 7 p.m. by volunteer naturalist, Chris Lilek at the amphitheater. Hike the 1.4 mile nature trail, lit by the moon and tiki torches from 8 -10 p.m. The Friends of Buckhorn will provide refreshments and campfire at the amphitheater. Sponsored by Friends of Buckhorn State Park. South shelter parking lot and amphitheater. 7-10 p.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Candlelight Beach Walk. As the sun sets over the dunes, the candles are lit once again for park visitors to enjoy a walk on the sandy beach. A beach grid makes part of the trail handicapped accessible. Stroll along with family, friends or your sweetheart for this quiet walk. Enjoy the sounds as the dunes and beach awakens for the night.  The park will be open past its usual time of 8 p.m. for this special event. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. Shoreline. 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 or e-mail - After Summer Candlelight Hike. Take a candlelight hike along the Lake Michigan beach and Quarry Lake. Telescopes for the public to view the night sky will be provided by the Northern Cross Science Foundation [exit DNR]. Meet at the Ansay Welcome Center and Puckett's Pond. Sponsored by the Friends of Harrington Beach and the Northern Cross Science Foundation. Candlelight hike 7-10 p.m., public viewing of the night sky 6-11 p.m.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

• Wyalusing State Park, Bagley, (608) 996-2261 - Spirits of Wyalusing Past. Meet characters from Wyalusing’s illustrious past along a luminary lit trail. Sponsored by the Friends of Wyalusing State Park. 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

• Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 or e-mail - Candlelight Hike.
  

Saturday, October 31, 2009

• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 or e-mail - Great Pumpkin Event. This Spooktacular event begins with a kids’ pumpkin carving contest, followed by a kids’ costume contest. Wagon rides run from 3:30 p.m. to dusk. The torch-lit trail will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable foods items to help the Sherwood Lions Food Drive and used eyewear will be collected for the Sherwood Lionesses programs. Sponsored by Sherwood Lions with help from the Friends of High Cliff. Meet at the park pavilion. 3 - 9 p.m.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Winter Candlelight Hike and Ski. Enjoy the winter wonderland at night with family and friends while skiing or hiking the two-mile cross country trail.  Almost 200 tiki torches will light the way for this annual event.  Warm up afterwards by the fireplace.  Refreshments will be available  in the heated shelter building.  Please, no pets or sleds allowed on the trail. Cross country Ski Trail. 6-9 p.m.

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