NEWS ARCHIVE: Age: 2,429 days

MORE THAN 30 CANDLELIGHT EVENTS SCHEDULED THIS WINTER AT WISCONSIN STATE PARKS, FORESTS AND TRAILS

Contact(s): Paul Holtan, office of communications, 608-267-7517 or 608-235-2126
December 22, 2015

More than 30 candlelight events will be held at DNR properties across the state this winter. Trails are lit with hundreds of candles, like this trail at the Flambeau River State Forest.
Photo Credit: WDNR

EDITOR'S ADVISORY: This news release has been updated with the addition of a candlelight events Feb. 6 at Big Foot Beach, Brunet Island and Copper Falls state parks and Feb. 13 at Interstate Park.

MADISON - Mother Nature may be throwing a wrench into snow-based winter activities in Wisconsin, but most state park, forest, trail and recreation properties are adapting and planning to go ahead with the more than 30 candlelight events this winter even if there isn't snow for skiing or snowshoeing.

"Almost all of our properties are reporting that if there is not snow for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, they plan to hold the events as winter hikes," said Paul Holtan, communications specialist for the state parks program.

This winter's candlelight events kick off January 2 at Blue Mound State Park west of Madison and Mirror Lake State Park southeast of Lake Delton and run on weekends through February 20.

Skiing, snowshoeing and hiking by candlelight have become some of the most popular winter events at Department of Natural Resources properties, with some events attracting more than a thousand visitors. Last year about 2,000 people showed up at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center for their candlelight event. This year the center has set up shuttle busses running from Mayville and Horicon between 4:30-9:30 p.m. and is encouraging visitors to use them as parking at the facility is limited.

Some properties offer skiing, snowshoeing and hiking, while others offer just skiing or just snowshoeing and hiking. Most events begin around sunset and run until 8:30 or 9 p.m.

Many of the events include additional activities such as bonfires, and hot chocolate and other refreshments may be available for sale. Some events offer grills for cooking food or roasting marshmallows. Some properties have warming shelters that are open for the events. Many of the events are organized by the friends groups of the parks, which provide much of the volunteer labor for the events.

People can check on the details of each event by going to the Department of Natural Resources website, dnr.wi.gov, and searching keywords "get outdoors" and clicking on the "type" button and then checking only the "candlelight" box under listed activities. For more information on park or forest properties and locations, search for keywords "find a park." Regular park and trail fees apply for the events unless otherwise noted.

While most events will not be cancelled due to lack of snow, they still could be cancelled if conditions are icy, extremely cold or have severe wind chills, so people are encouraged to check the website and call properties directly to confirm the event will be held if threatening weather is in the forecast.

2016 Wisconsin State Park Winter Candlelight Events

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Blue Mound State Park Candlelight ski, hike and snowshoe. Bonfire, free hot chocolate, cider and marshmallows. Brats, chili, hot dogs and baked goods will be for sale. The only cost is admission into the state park. Trail passes are waived for the evening. Sponsored by the Friends of Blue Mound State Park. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Phone: 608-437-5711.
Mirror Lake State Park Candlelight ski, hike and snowshoe. Join us for a fun filled winter evening on the trails. We will have trails lit by torch light for skiers and hikers and snowshoers. The Friends of Mirror Lake will have the bonfires roaring and hot cocoa to keep you warm. Meet at the Winter Recreation Area (a.k.a. Beach/picnic area) at Mirror Lake State Park. 6-8 p.m. Phone: 608-254-2333

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Kohler-Andrae State Park Candlelight ski, snowshoe and hike. Join us to hike, ski or snowshoe the 2 mile, torch lit trail. Warm up with refreshments at the park shelter building. No sleds or pets allowed. 6-9 p.m. Phone: 920-451-4080.
Lake Kegonsa State Park Candlelight ski. Join us for a beautiful night of cross country skiing. 2 miles of trail will be lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. When you are finished, warm up by the bonfire and enjoy cocoa and refreshments sold by the Lake Kegonsa State Park Friends Group. Sorry, pets, hiking and snowshoeing are not allowed on groomed cross country ski trails. If snow conditions do not permit for this event, there is a back-up date of February 13. If we end up having the event in January, we will not have an event on February 13. No event will be held if there is not enough snow for skiing. 6-9 p.m.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center 6th Annual candlelight hike and snowshoe. Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center will line the trails with candle-powered luminaries. There are two trails available. One trail is 1.5-miles and another "Family Loop" is only .36-miles. Hiking and snowshoeing are free to the public. Don't have your own snowshoes? Snowshoes will be available to the public on a first come first serve basis at no charge. There is no guarantee; however, that they will be available when you arrive. Snowshoers may have to wait until a pair is turned in. There must be at least six to eight inches of snow on the ground to loan out snowshoes. Leashed pets are allowed on the trails but not in the building. Shuttles from Mayville and Horicon will be available from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Please visit the Friends website or Facebook page for shuttle locations and more information. The Northern Cross Science Foundation astronomers will be on site to help you view the night sky through telescopes or to talk about the stars if it is cloudy. Members of the Horicon Marsh Bird Club will be on the trail conducting short owl talks and calling for owls. You can also learn about Wisconsin's mammals on the short "Family Loop" trail. Warm beverages and light snacks will be available inside the center as well as a bake sale. Roast your own marshmallows or grab a hot chocolate outside in the new picnic shelter. The event is sponsored and hosted by the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center and Wisconsin DNR. The education center and new Horicon Marsh Explorium (fee charged) will also be open for people to learn about Horicon Marsh through these new interactive displays. Admission to the candlelight event is free; however, please consider bringing a non-perishable food item or hats/gloves/mittens for our food drive and mitten campaign to be donated to local schools and local food pantries. For more information, call 920-387-7893. The center is located at N7725 Hwy 28, Horicon, WI between Horicon and Mayville. www.horiconmarsh.org [exit DNR] 5-9 p.m. Phone: 920-387-7893.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit Candlelight ski and hike. Come explore 1.6 miles of mixed majestic pines and scenic views of the purple loop at the Nordic Trailhead. Cozy up by the bonfire or warm up inside the warming shelter with chili and snacks for a small fee. Supplies for s'mores will also be available for purchase with roasting sticks available on site. This event is not dependent on the weather. 6-9 p.m. Phone: 262-594-6200.

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Governor Dodge State Park 17th annual candlelight ski, hike and snowshoe. Ski, hike or snowshoe a trail on Cox Hollow Lake lit with glowing candlelight. Warm up by the bonfire after enjoying the trail. Hot beverages available. If the lake is not frozen, we will ski on the Lakeview Trail (no hike or snowshoe will be available in these conditions). If there is no snow, we will have candlelight hiking on the Lakeview Trail. Please call the park at 608-935-2315 to determine event plans based on weather conditions. Meet at the Cox Hollow Beach Picnic Area. Sponsored by the Friends of Governor Dodge. Park stickers required and will be available for purchase at the event. Please, no pets. 6-9 p.m. Phone: 608-935-2315.

Friday, January 29, 2016

Red Cedar State Trail Annual candlelight ski and hike. Trail fee is waived for Friday Night Ski, warming fire, prize drawing and hot chocolate available. Activities start at Depot Visitor Center area, off highway 29, west side of Menomonie, WI 54751. Please call 715-232-1242 with questions. 6-9 p.m. Phone: 715-232-1242.

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Whitefish Dunes State Park - Winter candlelight ski, hike and snowshoe. A mile and a half path will be lit with luminaires for the ski trail portion, and run along a segment of the red trail. The hiking/snowshoe portion will take place on a mile and a half section of the black trail. Pets and sleds are not allowed on the ski trail portion of this event. If snow conditions are not favorable for skiing on the trails, a candlelit hike will still take place. Refreshments will be available at the shelter building, as well as friends group merchandise at the nature center. A park sticker is required and can be purchased upon arrival. Sponsored by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes and park staff. 5-8 p.m. Phone: 920-823-2400.
Hartman Creek State Park Candlelight ski, hike and snowshoe. Come out and ski, hike or snowshoe by candlelight. Start at the shelter by Hartman Lake, where fires and snacks will be waiting, and go around the lake and woods. Sponsored by the Friends of Hartman Creek State Park. 5-8 p.m. Phone: 715-258-2372.
Point Beach State Forest Candlelight hike and ski. Enjoy candlelit trails for cross-country skiing or hiking. Come in the lodge and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace and entertainment. Food and beverages will also be available. Any proceeds from this event will go toward projects, events and the forest. This program will be determined by the weather (amount of snow and temperature). Please call ahead to see if it is still going on as planned. 5-9:30 p.m. Phone: 920-794-7480.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit Candlelight ski, hike and snowshoe. Ski, snowshoe or hike by candlelight on a one mile trail. Afterwards, enjoy a camp fire, large grill will be available for use, or enjoy hot cider, hot cocoa and treats in Trecker Lodge for the cost of a donation. All uses are welcome even if there is skiable snow. Without snow it will still be held as a hike. 5:30-9 p.m. Phone: 262-646-3025.
Black River State Forest Candlelight ski and hike. Join the Black River State Forest and the Black River Forest Trail Foundation for a night of skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and fun. A 1.5 mile ski trail and a 1 mile snowshoe/hike trail will be lit with candle luminaries. Warm up around a large bonfire or in the heated shelter. Hot chocolate and hot dogs will be available for purchase. Meet at the Smrekar shelter located 4 miles east of Millston, WI off County Road O. This event will still be held as a hike/snowshoe if there is not enough snow for skiing. 6-9 p.m. Phone: 715-284-4103.

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Brule River State Forest Candlelight ski and snowshoe. Candles will light 2 miles of trails including a part of the snow shoe trail. Grills, picnic tables, and a bonfire will be provided. Trail passes not required for this event, which is sponsored by the Brule River State Forest with volunteer assistance from the Brule Valley Ski Club. Go to www.brulexcski.com for more information. 5-9 p.m. Phone: 715-372-5678.
Peninsula State Park Candlelight ski and hike. 1-mile loop with hundreds of lit candles lining the trail. Following the ski or hike participants can enjoy a bonfire and cookies and cider in the warming shelter. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Peninsula State Park. 5:30-8 p.m. Phone: 920-868-3258.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit Candlelight ski and hike. Cross-country ski or hike in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit by candlelight. At the bonfire join fellow hikers and skiers for hot drinks and snacks provided by the Friends of the Kettle Moraine. The trail is perfect for novice skiers with no steep hills or sharp turns. The Zillmer shelter building will be open, lit and heated. Meet at the Zillmer Trail Area (located off County Road SS between County Road G and Hwy 67 near New Prospect). 5:30-8:30 p.m. Phone: 920-533-8322.
Blue Mound State Park Candlelight ski, hike and snowshoe. Bonfire, free hot chocolate, cider and marshmallows. Brats, chili, hot dogs and baked goods will be for sale. The only cost is admission into the state park. Trail passes are waived for the evening. Sponsored by the Friends of Blue Mound State Park. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Phone: 608-437-5711.
Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area Annual Crex candlelight snowshoe hike. Enjoy a peaceful evening walking or snowshoeing on the 1.25-mile trail behind the Visitors Center. Luminaries will light your way through the woods. Warm up inside with hot chocolate and baked goods. Snowshoes available on a first come, first serve basis or bring your own. Even with little to no snow, we will still have the event. Flashlights/headlamps suggested. 6-8 p.m. Phone: 715-463-2739.
Copper Culture State Park Candlelight snowshoe hike. Join us for a (snowshoe) hike through the woods and along the candlelit river. A warming fire and hot chocolate will be available at the picnic shelter. Admission to the event is free, but donations are welcome. The event is sponsored by the Oconto County Historical Society/Copper Culture Museum, City of Oconto Parks and Recreation Department and the DNR. For more information please call the park office at 6-8 p.m. Phone: 715-757-3979.
Mirror Lake State Park Candlelight ski, hike and snowshoe. Meet at the Winter Recreation Area (a.k.a. Beach/picnic area) at Mirror Lake State Park. Join us for a fun filled winter evening on the trails. We will have trails lit by torch light for skiers and hikers and snowshoers. The Friends of Mirror Lake will have the bonfires roaring and hot cocoa to keep you warm. 6-8 p.m. Phone: 608-254-2333.
Harrington Beach State Park Candlelight ski and hike. Tiki torches will be lit around Quarry Lake for an evening hike/ski. The Friends will open the Welcome Center and have hot chili, beverages and treats. Donations appreciated. 6-9 p.m. Phone: 262-285-3015.
Flambeau River State Forest Twenty-fourth annual candlelight ski. Cross-country skiing at night by candlelight will be offered for the twenty-fourth year at the Flambeau River State Forest at the Flambeau Hills Trailhead. A 1.8 kilometer loop of trail will be groomed, tracked and lit with more than 600 candles. The trail is for skiers or hikers and winds through the heart of the forest. The trail is wide enough for diagonal striders and skate skiers. Hiking and snowshoeing are also permitted during this event. Picnic tables and a large barbecue grill will be available near the trailhead for persons who wish to cook their food, and hot dogs, chili & spiced tea will be provided. Large warming fires will also be built and maintained throughout the night. This as a casual family-type outing for families and friends to spend the evening together. The candles should provide a luminescent atmosphere for all to enjoy. Starting at 5 p.m. all day-use fees at the trailhead will be waived. The Flambeau Hills Trailhead is located on County Highway W, 21 miles west of Phillips and 15 miles east of Winter. Note: This event will take place regardless of snow conditions. If there is no snow, take a candlelight walk. 6-9 p.m. Phone: 715-332-5271.
Brunet Island State Park Candlelight ski, snowshoe and family sledding party. There will be skis and snowshoes available to check out, plus fires and refreshments in the pavilion. Located at the park pavilion with sledding down the beach hill. This event is weather dependent, so call the park office for updates if conditions are questionable. Sponsored by Cornell/Lake Holcombe Community Education, the Cornell Area Betterment Association, and Cornell Lions Club. 5 to 7 p.m. Phone: 715-239-6888.
Copper Falls State Park Candlelight ski, snowshoe. We will have 2.5 km of ski trail illuminated and 1.5 km of snowshoe trail illuminated. The Friends of Copper Falls will be selling refreshments. There will also be a bonfire.
Big Foot Beach State Park Candlelight hike. Friends of Big Foot Beach State Park are presenting a candlelight hike at Big Foot Beach State Park shelter. There will be a naturalist program starting at 6pm under the shelter. So come and enjoy an evening hike then warm yourself by the bonfire while enjoying hot chocolate and s'mores. Snow shoe rentals will be available through Clearwater Outdoors. 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Rib Mountain State Park Candlelight snowshoe hike. A candlelight snowshoe walk starting from the Friends' Concession Building. Flashlights and headlamps are suggested. There is no cost to participate, and there will be hot chocolate and a campfire. Some snowshoes will be available to borrow but we suggest you bring your own or rented snowshoes; donations to cover costs are welcome. A park annual or daily admission sticker is required. Parking is limited, so please consider carpooling if possible. 5-7 p.m. Phone: 715-842-2522.
Newport State Park Candlelight ski, hike and snowshoe. Experience winter beauty at Newport State Park. Ski, hike or snowshoe this easy 1.2-mile candlelit trail. Bonfire and refreshments will greet participants at the end of the trail. Starts at Parking Lot 3. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Phone: 920-854-2500.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit 27th Annual Pike Lake candlelight ski, hike and snowshoe. Experience over 300 luminaries that cover two .75 mile loops. Skiers, snowshoers and hikers will share the trails. There will be a huge bonfire! Refreshments will be available inside the shelter. The Northern Cross Science Foundation will be there with their telescopes for night viewing. Meet at the Beach Area's North Shelter If inclement weather is expected, the event will be canceled at least 48 hours ahead of time and re-scheduled for February 20. 6-9 p.m. Phone: 262-670-3400.
Kohler-Andrae State Park Candlelight ski and hike. Join us to hike, ski or snow shoe the 2 mile, torch lit trail. Warm up with refreshments at the park shelter building. No sleds or pets allowed. 6-9 p.m. Phone: 920-451-4080.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area Return to Romance. Warm someone's heart this Valentine's Day with a visit to the park. Enjoy a candlelit walk, fine homemade desserts, warm drinks, a fire and live music. Adults only. Please call to pre-register. Fee is $6/person. Meet at the Visitor Center. Don't wait, this program fills quickly. 7-9 p.m. Phone: 262-878-5601.
Willow River State Park Candlelight ski and hike. Candles will light up the trails for the evening. Enjoy a bonfire and some warm refreshments. The event is free but a vehicle park sticker is required. Sponsored by the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks. Meet at the nature center. 6-8:30 p.m. Phone 715-386-5931.
Merrick State Park Candlelight ski and hike Activities include candlelight snowshoeing and cross country skiing on one of the park's trails. Star-gazing, telescopes will be on hand for viewing of the winter sky. Roast a hotdog, or make a s'more as you sit by the bonfire drinking hot chocolate. Snowshoes will be available for people to borrow. A park sticker is required. Meet at the Nature Center. 3:30-7:30 p.m. Phone: 608-687-4936
Interstate Park Candlelight night at the park Experience a winter evening by candlelight as hundreds of candles are lit to guide skiers, snowshoers and hikers on separate trails. If snow cover permits, cross country ski at your own pace on the Skyline Ski Trail (intermediate level). Snowshoers will discover the winter solitude of forest and field on the Ojibwa Trail (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, hikers can enjoy a candlelit walk beside the St. Croix River. There will be warming fires at the trailheads, live music, food and refreshments available at the Ice Age Center served by the Friends of Interstate Park. There will be hiking opportunities no matter the snow conditions. 6-9 p.m. Phone: 715-483-3747

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Lake Wissota State Park Candlelight ski, snowshoe and hike. At your leisure, enjoy the candlelit trails through woods and prairie. Campfires, hot chocolate and hot cider are available. Bring your own provisions and hot dogs to cook over the fire. Don't forget the marshmallows! To reserve snowshoes or for more information call 715-967-2800. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. 5-8 p.m. Phone: 715-967-2800.
Devil's Lake State Park Candlelight snowshoe. Its winter, but that doesn't mean you have to stay inside! Cure your winter cabin fever and join us for this wild winter adventure! Go on a self-guided snowshoe (depending on snow) or hike through the park. We have a new and longer trail this year! Warm up by the campfire and make a s'more. Bring your snowshoes or borrow one of our pairs - we have lots of sizes to fit everyone in your family. Make sure you dress appropriately; the event will happen rain, snow or shine. Meet outside the Rock Elm shelter on the park's north shore. Sponsored by the Friends of Devil's Lake State Park. 6-9 p.m. Phone: 608-356-8301.
Governor Thompson State Park Candlelight ski and hike. Join us at Governor Thompson State Park for a fun-filled evening of candlelit skiing and hiking. Warming fires and hot chocolate provided! Meet at the Woods Lake Picnic Area. 6-9 p.m. Phone: 715 757-3979.

Last Revised: Tuesday, December 22, 2015

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