MN DNR Maplewood State Park Candlelight
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. 7
Big Bog State Recreation Area: Feb. 21
Camden State Park: Jan. 31
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park: Jan. 1
Fort Ridgely State Park: Jan. 31
Frontenac State Park: Jan. 31
Gateway State Trail: Jan. 23
Glacial Lakes State Park: Feb. 14
Gooseberry Falls State Park: Feb. 14
Itasca State Park: Jan. 10 and Feb. 14
Lake Bemidji State Park: Jan. 31 and Feb. 14
Lake Carlos State Park: Jan. 31 and Feb. 28
Luce Line State Trail: Jan. 2
Lac qui Parle State Park: Jan. 3
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park: Jan. 31
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park: Jan. 24
Wild River State Park: Feb. 14
For full event details, visit the DNR’s candlelight hike webpage (mndnr.gov/candlelight).
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 (mndnr.gov/permit). 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 (mndnr.gov/skipass) 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.
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