Wisconsin winters are much more pleasant if you try to embrace them. One way to achieve this is by hiking by candlelight, snowshoeing or skiing. Parks around the state host events throughout January and February, illuminating the trails with luminaries and often hosting bonfires and warm-up refreshments.
Events are of course weather dependent. A vehicle admission sticker is required for events at state parks. They cost $8 per day ($13 at Devil’s Lake, $10 at Willow River and the Peninsula) or $28 for the year and are available at park offices and self-registration stations; Annual stickers are also available online at yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi. Some state ski trails require skiers 16 and older to have a state trail pass, which costs $5 per day or $25 for the 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 worth seeing around Wisconsin this winter.
JANUARY
January 8 Wildcat Mountain State ParkOntario: Hiking, snowshoeing or skiing on a torch-lit trail. 17:00-20:00
January 14 Gordon Bubolz Nature ReserveAppleton: Snowshoeing or 1.5 km trail or skiing on 2.5 km trail, both candlelit. Trail fees are $2 for snowshoeing and $5 for skiing for non-members. Snowshoe and ski equipment rentals are available. 17:00-20:00
January 14 and 15, Woodland Dunes Nature CenterTwo Rivers: Hike snowshoeing or on a candlelight trail and enjoy a bonfire, s’mores, and stargazing. Admission is $8 per person or $20 per family for non-members; registration required by calling (920) 793-4007. 18:30-20:30
15th January Horicon Marsh Learning CenterHorykon: Hike or snowshoe a 0.36- or 2.5-mile candlelight loop, then enjoy a bonfire, marshmallows, and snacks. Timed parking vouchers are required. 17:00-21:00
January 21 LH Barkhausen waterfowl reserveSuamico: Hike or snowshoe the 2.5 km of torch-lit trail. Registration is required and costs $5 per person. Dogs on a leash are allowed. Possibility to rent snowshoes. 17:00-20:00
January 28 Gordon Bubolz Nature ReserveAppleton: Snowshoeing or 1.5 km trail or skiing on 2.5 km trail, both candlelit. Trail fees are $2 for snowshoeing and $5 for skiing for non-members. Snowshoe and ski equipment rentals are available. 17:00-20:00
January 29 Devil’s Lake State ParkBaraba: Snowshoe or northern lights camping, then heated up by the fire. Meet at the Rock Elm Shelter on the north shore. Possibility to rent snowshoes. 18:00-20:30
January 29 Lapham PeakDelafield: More details to come, but in the past participants required a free vehicle voucher, which could be obtained from the park office prior to the event. See laphampeakfriends.org more information closer to the event.
January 29 Whitefish Dunes State ParkSturgeon Bay: Ski, snowshoe or hike along trails dotted with lighthouses. Afterwards, heated up by the fire and refreshments. 17:00-20:00
FEBRUARY
February 4 Mackenzie CenterPoynette: Hiking or lighted snowshoe trails around the cottage. Possibility to rent snowshoes. 16:30-19:30
February 5 Black River National ForestMillston: Ski the 2.5km trail or snowshoe the 1.5km trail, both lit by candlelight. A fire to follow. Meet at the Smrekar Shelter on County Road O east of Millston. 17:30-20:30
February 5 Copper Falls State ParkMellen: Skis or snowshoes ready, trails lighted, then enjoy a bonfire, chili and heated drinks for sale from Friends of Copper Falls. 17:00-21:00
February 5 National Forest on the Flambeau RiverWinter: A 1.8-km skiing, snowshoeing and hiking trail will be maintained, marked and lighted. Bring your own food to the barbecue, then heated up by the fire. Abolition of trail fees. Meet at the Flambeau Hills Trailhead HIghway W parking lot 6-9 p.m.
February 5 Mirror Lake State ParkBaraba: Ski, snowshoe or hike the 1-mile trail. Then there will be a bonfire. 18:00-20:00
February 5 Zillmer TrailsCampbellsport: Cross-country ski or hike the Kettle Moraine National Forest by candlelight, then heated up by the fire with heated drinks thanks to the Friends of Kettle Moraine. Trail fees are waived for this event. 17:30-20:30
February 10 Fox River ParkWaukesha: Hike by candlelight, then enjoy heated drinks and treats by the fire. A Waukesha County Parks sticker is required for admission ($6 per day, $35 per year). 18:00-20:30
February 10 and 11, LH Barkhausen waterfowl reserveSuamico: Hike or snowshoe the 2.5 km of torch-lit trail. Registration is required and costs $5 per person. Dogs on a leash are allowed. Possibility to rent snowshoes. 17:00-20:00
February 11 Schlitz Audubon Nature CenterMilwaukee: Decorate a paper lantern, then walk the lighted paths of the nature center. After your meal, heated up with heated chocolate by the fire. Admission is $15 for non-members; The number of places is narrow, so advance registration is recommended. The event is outdoors, but masks are required inside the visitor center. 16:30-18:30
February 11 and 12, Woodland Dunes Nature CenterTwo Rivers: Hike snowshoeing or on a candlelight trail and enjoy a bonfire, s’mores, and stargazing. Admission is $8 per person or $20 per family for non-members; registration required by calling (920) 793-4007. 18:30-20:30
February 12 Centenary ParkAltona: Snowshoe or stroll through the park and then enjoy heated chocolate by the fire. Limited snowshoe rentals available. 17:30-20:30
February 12 Devil’s Lake State ParkBaraba: Snowshoe or northern lights camping, then heated up by the fire. Meet at the Rock Elm Shelter on the north shore. Possibility to rent snowshoes. 18:00-20:30
February 12 Governor Thompson State ParkCrivitz: Ski the 1.6-km trail with candle holders and ice sculptures, snowshoe, or choose another 1.6-km trail. Pets are only welcome on the hiking trail. After your meal, heated up by the fire with heated chocolate. Meet at the Woods Lake Picnic Area. 18:00-21:00
February 12 Lake Kegonsa State ParkStoughton: Ski on a 2-mile candlelit groomed trail. 18:00-21:00
February 12 Wyalusing State ParkBagley: Candlelight hike along the Whitetail Meadow Trail, then stargaze at the observatory, where you can also heated up by the fire with heated chocolate and cookies. StarSplitters members will be available to assist with stargazing. 18:00-21:00
February 16, Bratt Woods Nature Reserve, Grafton: Hike under the full snow moon and lights along the Ozaukee Interurban Trail. 17:00-20:00
February 17 Retzer Nature CenterWaukesha: In addition to the self-guided candlelight hike, there will be a guided hike in search of adult owls, a guided night hike for children, activities for children, planetarium shows, and the opportunity to purchase heated drinks and treats. Admission is $5 for everyone ages 3 and older; registration is required. Dogs are not allowed.
February 19 Across the Bay bookWashburn: Ski or snowshoe 6 miles across Chequamegon Bay with icy lights illuminating your path. Bonfires at every kilometer, chili refreshments and an afternoon party. Registration costs $30. 18:00
February 24 Fox Brook ParkBrookfield: Hike by candlelight, then enjoy heated drinks and treats by the fire. A Waukesha County Parks sticker is required for admission ($6 per day, $35 per year). 18:00-20:30
February 25 Gordon Bubolz Nature ReserveAppleton: Snowshoeing or 1.5 km trail or skiing on 2.5 km trail, both candlelit. Trail fees are $2 for snowshoeing and $5 for skiing for non-members. Snowshoe and ski equipment rentals are available. 17:00-20:00
February 25 Three Bridges ParkMilwaukee. Hike trails in the Menomonee Valley, including the Hank Aaron Trail, then heated up by the fire pits. Admission is free, but visitors can purchase a fun pass ($10 per person or $20 per family) for additional goodies, including heated chocolate, marshmallows, door prizes and BOGO beer or root beer at Third Space Brewing. 17:30-20:00
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