Each winter, candlelight events inspire people to get outdoors and explore Minnesota state parks and trails at night. Depending on the event location and snow cover, visitors can hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski along a luminary-lit trail.

“Candlelight events are visitor favorites every year and celebrate the beauty of Minnesota in winter,” said Ann Pierce, Parks and Trails Division director with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Candlelight trail events are suitable for all ages. In some locations, visitors can rent snowshoes and cross-country skis at the ranger station or visitor center. Call the state park in advance to confirm the availability of equipment.

This winter, the DNR has 20 candlelight events planned at 17 locations between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28:

Afton State Park: Feb. 7Big Bog State Recreation Area: Feb. 21Camden State Park: Jan. 31Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park: Jan. 1Fort Ridgely State Park: Jan. 31Frontenac State Park: Jan. 31Gateway State Trail: Jan. 23Glacial Lakes State Park: Feb. 14Gooseberry Falls State Park: Feb. 14Itasca State Park: Jan. 10 and Feb. 14Lake Bemidji State Park: Jan. 31 and Feb. 14Lake Carlos State Park: Jan. 31 and Feb. 28Luce Line State Trail: Jan. 2Lac qui Parle State Park: Jan. 3Mille Lacs Kathio State Park: Jan. 31Nerstrand Big Woods State Park: Jan. 24Wild River State Park: Feb. 14

For full event details, visit the DNR’s candlelight hike webpage.

Save time: Get a vehicle permit online before you go

While candlelight events are free, visitors need a vehicle permit to enter Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. The DNR recommends buying permits in advance on the DNR state parks vehicle permit webpage. The cost is $7 per day or $35 for a year-round permit.

Certain candlelight events allow cross-country skiing, and skiers ages 16 and older will need a Great Minnesota Ski Pass. Ski passes can be purchased on the DNR’s ski pass webpage or in person at the state park.

In the case of severe weather, check visitor alerts on the individual state park or trail webpages or call the park office for event updates.