Wisconsin winters are much more enjoyable if you try to embrace them. One way to do so is to go hiking by candlelight, on snowshoes or skis. Parks across the state host events in January and February, lighting the trails with luminaries and often providing bonfires and treats to heated you up afterward.
Of course, events are weather dependent. For events held in state parks, a vehicle entry sticker is required. They cost $8 per day ($13 at Devil’s Lake, $10 at Willow River and Peninsula) or $28 per year and are available at park offices and self-registration locations; annual stickers are also available online at yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi. To apply some state ski trails, skiers age 16 and older must have a state trail pass, which costs $5 per day or $25 per year.
State parks also have capacity limits and will close to additional visitors if they reach capacity. Check conditions before heading out dnr.wisconsin.gov.
Here are some candlelight events to attend this winter in Wisconsin.
JANUARY
January 8th Wildcat Mountain State ParkOntario: Hike, snowshoe or ski along a torchlit trail. 5:00-8:00 p.m.
January 14th Gordon Bubolz Nature ReserveAppleton: Snowshoe or hike a 1-mile trail or ski a 1.5-mile trail, both lit by candlelight. Trail fee is $2 for snowshoeing and $5 for skiing for nonmembers. Snowshoe and ski rentals are available. 5–8 p.m.
January 14 and 15 Woodland Dunes Nature CenterTwo Rivers: Snowshoeing or a candlelit hike, a campfire, s’mores and stargazing. Admission is $8 per person or $20 per family for nonmembers; registration is required by calling (920) 793-4007. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
15th January Horicon Marsh Educational CenterHorizon: Hike or snowshoe the 0.36- or 1.5-mile candlelit loop and enjoy a campfire, marshmallows and refreshments. Timed parking vouchers required. 5-9 p.m.
January 21st LH Barkhausen Waterfowl ReserveSuamico: Hike or snowshoe along a 1.25-mile torchlit trail. Registration is required and costs $5 per person. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Snowshoes are available for rent. 5-8 p.m.
January 28 Gordon Bubolz Nature ReserveAppleton: Snowshoe or hike a 1-mile trail or ski a 1.5-mile trail, both lit by candlelight. Trail fee is $2 for snowshoeing and $5 for skiing for nonmembers. Snowshoe and ski rentals are available. 5–8 p.m.
January 29th Devil’s Lake State ParkBaraboo: Snowshoe or hike through Northern Lights Campground and heated up around the campfire. Meet at Rock Elm Shelter on the North Shore. Snowshoes available for rent. 6-8:30 p.m.
January 29th Lapham PeakDelafield:More details coming soon, but in the past, attendees have needed a free vehicle voucher, available at the park office prior to the event. See laphampeakfriends.org More information closer to the event.
January 29th Whitefish Dunes State ParkSturgeon Bay: Ski, snowshoe or hike the trails dotted with luminaries. Warm up by the campfire with snacks after. 5-8 pm
FEBRUARY
February 4th Mackenzie CenterPoynette: Hiking or snowshoeing on lighted trails around the lodge. Snowshoes available for rent. 4:30-7:30 p.m.
February 5th Black River State ForestMillston: Ski a 1.5-mile trail or hike a 1-mile snowshoe trail, both lit by candles. Then build a campfire. Meet at the Smrekar Shelter on County Road O east of Millston. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
February 5th Copper Falls State ParkMelen: Groomed and lighted ski or snowshoe trails, followed by a bonfire, chili and balmy beverages available from Friends of Copper Falls. Hours 5:00-9:00 p.m.
February 5th Flambeau River State ForestWinter: 1.8 miles of trail for skiing, snowshoeing or hiking will be groomed, marked and lighted. Bring your own food to grill and heated up by the fire. Trail fees are waived. Meet at the Flambeau Hills Trailhead HIghway W. parking lot 6-9 p.m.
February 5th Mirror Lake State ParkBaraboo: Ski, snowshoe or hike a 1-mile trail. A bonfire will follow. 6-8 p.m.
February 5th Zillmer TrailsCampbellsport: Cross-country ski or hike in the Kettle Moraine State Forest by candlelight, then heated up around a campfire with balmy beverages courtesy of Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Trail fees are waived for this event. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
February 10 Fox River ParkWaukesha: Hike by candlelight, then enjoy heated beverages and treats around the campfire. Waukesha County Parks sticker required for admission ($6/day, $35 annual). 6-8:30 p.m.
February 10 and 11 LH Barkhausen Waterfowl ReserveSuamico: Hike or snowshoe along a 1.25-mile torchlit trail. Registration is required and costs $5 per person. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Snowshoes are available for rent. 5-8 p.m.
February 11 Schlitz Audubon Nature CenterMilwaukee: Decorate a paper lantern, then stroll along the nature center’s lighted trails. Then heated up with balmy chocolate by the campfire. Admission is $15 for nonmembers; space is narrow, so pre-registration is recommended. The event is held outdoors, but masks are required at the visitor center. 4:30-6:30 p.m.
February 11 and 12 Woodland Dunes Nature CenterTwo Rivers: Snowshoeing or a candlelit hike, a campfire, s’mores and stargazing. Admission is $8 per person or $20 per family for nonmembers; registration is required by calling (920) 793-4007. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
February 12th Centennial ParkAltona: Snowshoeing or hike in the park followed by balmy chocolate by the campfire. Limited number of snowshoes available for rent. 5:30-8:30 pm
February 12th Devil’s Lake State ParkBaraboo: Snowshoe or hike through Northern Lights Campground and heated up around the campfire. Meet at Rock Elm Shelter on the North Shore. Snowshoes available for rent. 6-8:30 p.m.
February 12th Governor Thompson State ParkKrywitz: Ski down a 1-mile trail with candle lanterns and ice sculptures, or snowshoe or hike another 1-mile trail. Pets are welcome on the hiking trail only. Warm up by the campfire with balmy chocolate after. Meet at Woods Lake Picnic Area. 6-9 p.m.
February 12th Kegonsa Lake State ParkStoughton:Skiing on a groomed, 2-mile trail lit by candles. 6:00-9:00 p.m.
February 12th Wyalusing State ParkBagley: Hike by candlelight on the Whitetail Meadow Trail, then stargaze at the observatory, where you can also heated up by the campfire with balmy chocolate and cookies. StarSplitters members will be on hand to aid with stargazing. 6-9 p.m.
February 16, Bratt Woods Nature Reserve, Grafton:Hike under the full snow moon and lights on the Ozaukee Interurban Trail. 5:00-8:00 p.m.
February 17th Retzer Nature CenterWaukesha: In addition to the self-guided candlelight hike, there will be a guided adult owl hike, a guided night hike for children, children’s activities, planetarium shows, and balmy beverages and treats available for purchase. Admission is $5 for everyone ages 3 and up; registration is required. No dogs allowed.
February 19th Book Across the BayWashburn: Ski or snowshoe 6 miles across Chequamegon Bay as icy luminaries airy the way. Bonfires at every mile, eat chili, and party. Registration $30. 6:00 p.m.
February 24 Fox Brook ParkBrookfield: Hike by candlelight, then enjoy heated beverages and treats around the campfire. Waukesha County Parks sticker required for admission ($6/day, $35 annual). 6-8:30 p.m.
February 25 Gordon Bubolz Nature ReserveAppleton: Snowshoe or hike a 1-mile trail or ski a 1.5-mile trail, both lit by candlelight. Trail fee is $2 for snowshoeing and $5 for skiing for nonmembers. Snowshoe and ski rentals are available. 5–8 p.m.
February 25 Three Bridges ParkMilwaukee. Hike trails in the Menomonee Valley, including the Hank Aaron Trail, then heated up by the campfires. Admission is free, but hikers can purchase a pass ($10/person or $20/family) for additional treats, including balmy chocolate, marshmallows, prizes for winning, and BOGO beer or root beer from Third Space Brewing. 5:30-8 p.m.
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