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

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

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

Saturday, January 6, 2007

· Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 4377-5711 - Candlelight Ski, Hike, and Snowshoe. Bonfire and free hot drinks and marshmallows for roasting. Guided naturalist hike on snowshoe loop. Leashed pets allowed on hiking/snowshoe loop only. Hot food available for purchase along with long-sleeved glow-in-the-dark candlelight ski shirts, cups, and mugs. Sponsored by Friends of Blue Mound State Park. 6-9 p.m.

· Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike. A candlelight ski/hike through the woods. Refreshments. Sponsored by Friends of Harrington Beach State Park. Trail head at Adolph and Marie Ansay Welcome Center. 6-9 p.m.

· Mirror Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 254-2333 - Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe. Two separate 1-mile trails light by torches, one for skiers and the other for hikers, snowshoers and leashed pets. Afterwards warm up around the campfire with snacks and beverages provided by the Friends of Mirror Lake State Park for a nominal fee. Call the park office for updates or cancelations. 6-8 p.m.

· Wildcat Mountain State Park, Ontario, (608) 337-4775 - Candlelight Ski. Candlelight ski 1.5 miles of cross-country ski trail lighted with torches. A bonfire at the midpoint of the trail will be waiting to warm up cold hands. Afterwards take a break inside our warming area with a cup of hot chocolate. At the trailhead there will be a hot grill and bonfire for those who wish to cook out. Park office. Dusk to 9 p.m.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

• 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 2-mile cross-country trail. Almost 200 tiki torches will light your 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 - stop at park office for map. 6-9 p.m.
• Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Candlelight Ski. Join us for a fun winter evening of cross country skiing. About 2 miles of ski trails will be lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. When you are finished skiing, warm up by the bonfire and enjoy refreshments sold by the park friends group. This event is weather and snow conditions permitting. Sorry, no pets are allowed on the ski trails. 6-9 p.m.
• Lapham Peak Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Delafield, (262) 646-3025 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Ski or hike on a 1.5-mile candlelit course with a bonfire, heated shelter, ice skating, and refreshments. Sponsored by Friends of Lapham Peak [exit DNR] . Homestead Hollow Recreation Area. 6-9 p.m.
• Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers, (920) 794-7480 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Ski or hike our wooded candlelit trails, then warm up in the lodge in front of the blazing fire and enjoy food and refreshment Sponsored by Friends of Point Beach State Forest. Lodge building. 5-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

• Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, (608) 935-2315 - Candlelight Walk and Ski. Walk or ski a trail lit with glowing candlelight. Warm up by the bonfire after enjoying the trail. Limited hot drinks and snacks will be available for sale. Sorry, no pets on the ski trail. Didn't receive a park admission sticker for Christmas? Here's your chance to purchase one early and enjoy a year's worth of Wisconsin State Park memories. Sponsored by Friends of Governor Dodge. Meet at Cox Hollow Beach area. Weather and snow conditions will determine trail location. 6-9 p.m.
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 or e-mail - Candlelight Cross-country Ski-Hike. A 1.3-mile ski trail will be lighted by candles, along with another 1 mile of lighted hiking trail. A great way to get rid of the winter doldrums! Trail pass fees are waived for this event. Sponsored by Friends of Hartman Creek State Park. Hartman Creek Shelter Building. 5-9 p.m.
• Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, Nancy Stencil, snowshoe coordinator, (715) 359-9166, or the park, (715) 842-2522. or e-mail - Candlelight Snowshoe. Snowshoe on the candlelight trails at Rib Mountain State Park. Snowshoes will be available. Beginners welcome. Sponsored by Friends of Rib Mountain State Park. 6-8 p.m.

Friday, January 26, 2007

• Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Ski 2 miles or walk 1 kilometer by candlelight along easy trails. Stop at the National Guard bonfire at the boat launch. Visit a hot air balloon pilot at the tethered balloon. Refreshments and goodies will be available at the Nature Center. Sponsored by Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals, Hudson, Wisconsin. Nature Center. 6-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

• Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area, New Auburn, (715) 967-2800 -
  Snowshoeing By Moonlight. Join Naturalist Rod Gont on one-hour (two- hour option available) night time snowshoe hikes by moon light. All ages are invited. No charge. More than 40 pairs of snowshoes available for those of all ages without them. (Please call ahead to reserve. No charge; donation accepted.) Visitor Center will be open and we’ll have a fire going in the fireplace. Hot cocoa and hot water will be available (but bring your own tea, soup, cups, etc.). Meet at the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Visitor Center. Program about snowshoes at 6:30 p.m., hike at 7 p.m.
• Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee, (608) 831-3005 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski-Hike-Snowshoe. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Event takes place regardless of snow conditions. If snow is inadequate for skiing, join us for an enchanting 1.7 mile hike and light refreshments afterwards in the Nordic Shelter. A hot grill and blazing bonfire will be ready for any food you wish to cook. Snowshoes and skis are available for rental at LaGrange General Store. Nordic Ski Trailhead, 4.5 miles south of Palmyra on County Highway H.
• Nelson Dewey State Park, Cassville, (608) 725-5374 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski. Part of Cassville Eagle Days [exit DNR] . 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, February 3, 2007

• Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 4377-5711 - Candlelight Ski, Hike, and Snowshoe. Bonfire and free hot drinks and marshmallows for roasting. Guided naturalist hike on snowshoe loop. Leashed pets allowed on hiking/snowshoe loop only. Hot food available for purchase along with long-sleeved glow-in-the-dark candlelight ski shirts, cups, and mugs. Sponsored by Friends of Blue Mound State Park. 6-9 p.m.
• Brule River State Forest, Brule, (715) 372-5678 - Candlelight Ski. Ski about 2 miles of candlelit groomed trail. Hot cider, cocoa, and bonfire will be provided. A gas grill will be provided for cooking if You'd like to have a picnic. Warming shelter available. Sponsored by Wisconsin DNR-Brule River State Forest, and Brule Valley Ski Club. Afterhours Trail, just west of Brule on Afterhours Road off US Highway 2. 5-9 p.m.
• Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, (715)332-5271 ext. 101 or O or e-mail - Candlelight Ski. A 1.8-kilometer loop will be tracked and groomed for skiers or hikers. We will have picnic tables, warming fires, and cooking grill. This is a family-type outing. The Flambeau Hills trailhead off County Highway W, 20 miles west of Phillips and 15 miles east of Winter. 6-9 p.m.
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike. A candlelight ski/hike through the woods. Refreshments. Sponsored by Friends of Harrington Beach State Park [exit DNR]. Trail head at Adolph and Marie Ansay Welcome Center. 6-9 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (262) 626-2116 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Enjoy an evening cross-county skiing or hiking on a 1.2-mile trail illuminated with candles. The trail winds through gentle kettle moraine topography. Friends of the Kettle Moraine will provide a bonfire and snacks. Activity geared to all age groups. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine, Inc. and the state forest.. Zillmer Trail Area, W833 Fond du Lac County Highway SS. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls, (715) 382-4574 - Candlelight Night Ski and Snowshoe. Ski a 1- or 2-mile trail through a winter wonderland illuminated by glowing candles. If you don't ski, a .75-mile lighted trail is available for hiking and snowshoeing. Refreshments sponsored by the Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. Weather permitting. Guided snowshoe hike lead by Naturalist Rod Gont begins at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. Ski Trail Head (boat landing parking lot). 5-8 p.m.
• Mirror Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 254-2333 - Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe. Two separate 1-mile trails light by torches, one for skiers and the other for hikers, snowshoers and leashed pets. Afterwards warm up around the campfire with snacks and beverages provided by the Friends of Mirror Lake State Park for a nominal fee. Call the park office for updates or cancelations. 6-8 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - Candlelit Ski. Ski a one-mile, candlelit trail. Experience Peninsula in a different light! Bonfire with light refreshments. This event will be a candlelit walk if there is not enough snow. Peninsula State Park. Enter from Highland Road, north of Fish Creek. 5:30-8 p.m.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 or e-mail - Winter Family Fun Day. Winter games, indoor naturalist displays, sled dog demonstrations. Cross-country ski or hike on a candlelit trail, depending on snow conditions. Sponsored by Friends of High Cliff State Park. Upper park. 6-9 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 493-3747 or e-mail - Candlelight Night. Experience a winter evening by candlelight as hundreds of luminaries are lit to guide cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and hikers on separate trails. Snowshoes are available for use free of charge for ages 6 and up. Refreshments available. Co- sponsored by the Friends of Interstate Park. Trails begin at the Camp Interstate Shelter across from the South Campground entrance. 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. Rereshments will be available in the heated shelter building. Please no pets or sleds allowed. Cross country ski trail - stop at park office for map. 6-9 p.m.
• Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Candlelight Ski. Join us for a fun winter evening of cross country skiing. About 2 miles of ski trails will be lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. When you are finished skiing, warm up by the bonfire and enjoy refreshments sold by the park friends group. This event is weather and snow conditions permitting. Sorry, no pets are allowed on the ski trails. 6-9 p.m.
• Lapham Peak Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Delafield, (262) 646-3025 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Ski or hike on a 1.5-mile candlelit course with a bonfire, heated shelter, ice skating, and refreshments. Sponsored by Friends of Lapham Peak [exit DNR]. Homestead Hollow Recreation Area. 6-9 p.m.
• Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, (920) 854-2500 - Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe. Ski, hike, or snowshoe a 1-mile trail lit with homemade candles. Bonfire, fireplace, grills and refreshments will greet participants at the park shelter at the end of the trail. Terrain of the trail is flat and is suited for skiers of all abilities. Trail starts at Parking Lot #3. 6-9 p.m.
• Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Boulder Jct., (715) 385-3352 - Candlelight Ski-Hike-Snowshoe. Enchanting wooded trails, great people, and warm, cozy fires. Trails will be lit by hundreds of candles. There'll be a 1.5- and a 3-mile loop for skiing and a 1-mile loop for hiking and snowshoeing. Admission is free. Refreshments such as hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies, marshmallows, hot dogs, and water will be served. A grill is provided for those who wish to cook out. The Clear Lake contact station will be open and heated, and there will be warming fires at the start/finish and at the halfway point warming hut on the 3-mile loop. Clear Lake Campground contact station area off Woodruff Road.
• Peshtigo River State Forest, Crivitz, (715) 757-3965 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski. Ski on an easy 2-mile candlelit trail that offers both diagonal striding and skating. Non-skiers can try an easy 1-mile candlelit hike along the Peshtigo River. Warming fires and hot chocolate will be available for everyone. Spring Rapids Trailhead, off of Kirby Lake Lane, 5 miles west of Crivitz via County Highway W. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Pike Lake Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, (262) 670-3400 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike. The Northern Cross Science Foundation will be on hand with their telescopes to provide an evening of star viewing and telescope instruction. Friends of Pike Lake Inc.will serve refreshments in the warming shelter. Beach picnic area south shelter. 6-9 p.m.
• Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, Nancy Stencil, snowshoe coordinator, (715) 359-9166, or the park, (715) 842-2522. or e-mail - Candlelight Snowshoe. Snowshoe on the candlelight trails at Rib Mountain State Park. Snowshoes will be available. Beginners welcome. Sponsored by Friends of Rib Mountain State Park. 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

• Amnicon Falls State Park, Superior, (715) 398-3000 or (715) 399-3111 or e-mail - Vernal Equinox Candlelight Snowshoe/Hike. Luminaries will light your way as you snowshoe from the park office to and around the island and back. A bonfire and limited refreshments will be provided. A limited number of snowshoes will be available Start at the park office and snowshoe along the Amnicon River. 7-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

• 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, October 27, 2007

• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, (608) 339-6881 - Pumpkin Walk. Games 3-4:30 p.m. Non-Haunted Hay Rides 3-5 p.m. Haunted Hay Rides 6-8:30 p.m. Last tickets sold at 8:30 p.m. Hay rides $2. Games and face painting are free. Food and drink concession available. Free admission. Walk around the 1-mile pumpkin-lit mound road. Naturalist Janna Misener will give presentation at 4:30. Starts at office picnic area. 3-8:30 p.m.