Minnesota state parks luminary nights list: Walk, snowshoe, ski by candlelight
Luminaries at Gooseberry Falls State Park. Credit: Minnesota DNR.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - You can walk, snowshoe or ski by candlelight this winter at 19 different luminary events at Minnesota state parks and trails.
Winter candlelight events in Minnesota
What we know: Nineteen candlelight events at 17 different locations are planned between Jan. 3 and Feb. 22. There is no participation fee, but a vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.
All candlelight trails are suitable for beginners of all ages. In some locations, snowshoes and skis can be rented or checked out at the ranger station or visitor center. At some locations, a ski pass is required.
Luminary trails will be aglow on these nights and at these parks:
- 01/03/25: Luce Line State Trail Candlelight Walk, Luce Line State Trail, Plymouth
- 01/11/25: Candlelight Event, Lake Carlos State Park
- 01/11/25: Lantern Light Event, Itasca State Park
- 01/24/25: Gateway State Trail Candlelight Walk, Gateway State Trail, Mahtomedi, MN
- 01/25/25: Candlelight Hike, Blue Mounds State Park
- 01/25/25: Candlelight Hike, Minneopa State Park
- 01/25/25: Glow in the Snow Candlelight Snowshoe, Lake Bemidji State Park
- 01/25/25: Candlelight Event, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
- 02/01/25: Afton State Park Candlelight Walk, Afton State Park
- 02/08/25: Candlelight Event, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
- 02/08/25: Candlelight Trails, Fort Ridgely State Park
- 02/08/25: Twilight Trails Candlelight Ski, Lake Bemidji State Park
- 02/08/25: Candlelight Event (Ski, Walk & Snowshoe), Wild River State Park
- 02/08/25: Candlelight Event, Lake Carlos State Park
- 02/08/25: Candlelight Event, Frontenac State Park
- 02/08/25: Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe, Walk event
- 02/15/25: Lantern Light Event, Itasca State Park
- 02/15/25: Candlelight Event, Gooseberry Falls State Park
- 02/15/25: Candlelight Event, Myre-Big Island State Park
- 02/22/25: Winter's Glow Candlelight Snowshoe, Big Bog State Recreation Area
More details for each specific event, including parking options, equipment rentals, refreshments and trail loop lengths can be found at mndnr.gov/candlelight
Candlelight ski event at Lake Bemidji State Park. Credit: Minnesota DNR.
What they're saying: "There’s something truly special about walking a snowy trail under the glow of candlelight, where the quiet of the night and the sparkle of the snow create a peaceful escape. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with nature, spend time with friends and family and find beauty in the stillness of winter," said Ann Pierce, director of Parks and Trails Division at the Minnesota DNR.
What to know before you go
Can dogs come? Some events allow for leashed dogs, such as the Gateway Trail walk in Mahtomedi. Others, like the event at Jay Cooke State Park, specifically request no dogs due to trail conditions and past issues. Check mndnr.gov/candlelight for more information specific to each event.
Candlelight snowshoe hike at Afton State Park. Credit: Minnesota DNR.
What you can do: The DNR recommends buying vehicle permits in advance at mndnr.gov/permit. The cost is $7 per day, or $35 for a year.
The luminary event at Jay Cooke State Park is in need of volunteers. Volunteers work in one of three shifts (early afternoon, right before the event starts, or right after.) It will involve walking, bending, setting out luminaries, lighting them, or taking luminaries down. If interested, please call Kris at 218-673-7005 or email to help with set-up or take-down.