Add a Touch of Magic to Your Winter with a Candlelit Journey on Northern Wisconsin Trails

There is no question about it. Northern Wisconsin is an ideal destination for those who relish in all things winter—we are famous for snowmobiling, ice fishing, and miles and miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. But if you are seeking a serene activity that will get you outdoors with your friends and family for a couple of hours, there’s nothing quite like a candlelight hike. Popular at many parks throughout the state, candlelight events allow participants to experience the beauty and magic of wintertime Up North on short sections of trails lit up with candles or luminaries. Ski, snowshoe, hike, or ride your fat bike (as the event organizers stipulate) and then enjoy the company of fellow winter revelers at the bonfire with s’mores and hot chocolate in hand.

Here is a sampling of the candlelight events happening this winter in northern Wisconsin.

Northwoods Region

Candlelight Snowshoe Hike

Where: Rib Mountain State Park, 4200 Park Road, Wausau

When: January 18 and February 15, 2020, 6 to 8 p.m.

Activities: Snowshoeing, skiing, hiking

Details: The hike will start at the new Friends Gathering Space, just past the Rib Mountain State Park office. It is recommended to bring your own snowshoes if you have them (a limited quantity will be available to borrow), flashlights, and headlamps. Parking is limited. Donations are appreciated.

Special features: Hot chocolate, cider, marshmallows to roast around the campfire, and other special goodies

For more information: Call 715-842-2522.

Awassa Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe/Fat Tire

Where: Awassa Trails, 0.5 mile west of the intersection of  Hwy 155 & Hwy 70, St. Germain

When: February 15, 2020, 6 to 8 p.m.

Activities: Skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking

Details: Snowshoe, ski, or ride your fat bike along the 1.4-mile groomed loop, illuminated by candlelight. Fat bikers can also try out the new singletrack 1.7-mile loop by headlamp; this loop will not be candlelit and is more challenging than the other loops. Leashed well-behaved pets are welcome to join you. Park behind the St. Germain Elementary School (8234 State Highway 70). This event, which is hosted by the St. Germain Non-Motorized Trails Committee, is free, but donations are appreciated.

Special features: Bonfire, hot chocolate, and s’mores provided

For more information: Email awassatrails@gmail.com.

Leap Day Candlelight Snowshoe & Hike

Where: Council Grounds State Park, N1895 Council Grounds Drive, Merrill

When: February 29, 2020, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Activities: Snowshoeing and hiking

For more information: Call 715-536-8773.

Northeast Region

Copper Culture Candlelight Hike and Snowshoe

Where: Copper Culture State Park, 260 Copper Culture Way, Oconto

When: February 1, 2020, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Activities: Snowshoeing and hiking

Details: The event starts at the shelter building. The event is free, but donations are always appreciated. Pets are welcome to join the hike; please make sure they are properly leashed and well-behaved.

Special features: A warming fire and hot chocolate

For more information: Call 920-834-7706.

Candlelight Ski/Hike

Where: Governor Thompson State Park, N10008 Paust Lane, Crivitz

When: February 15, 2020, 6 to 9 p.m.

Activities: Skate and classic skiing, snowshoeing, hiking

Details: A one-mile forested candlelit trail is groomed for classic and skate skiing, meandering through the woods. Another one-mile candlelit trail with marvelous views over Woods Lake allows hikers, snowshoers, and pets. Vehicle admission is required; a park sticker can be purchased at the park office.

Special features: Warming fires, hot chocolate, original ice sculptures on display

For more information: Call 715-757-3979.

Northwest Region

Winterfest & Candlelight Hike

Where: Pattison State Park, 6294 S State Road 35, Superior

When: January 25, 2020, 4 to 8 p.m.

Activities: Classic skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, sledding

Details: This family-friendly event features a luminary-lined path for classic skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing as well as a hill for sledding. Warm up by the fireplaces in the Historic CCC Shelter Building and enjoy snacks and crafts. A vehicle admission sticker is required.

Special features: Warming fires, places to cook hot dogs and s’mores, s’mores supplies, chili, hot chocolate, cookies, and coffee provided, crafts

For more information: Call 715-399-3111.

28th Annual Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe/Hike and Cookout

Where: Flambeau River State Forest, Flambeau Hills Trail, W1624 County Road W, Winter

When: February 1, 2020, 6 to 9 p.m.

Activities: Skate skiing, classic skiing, snowshoeing

Details: Bring your family and friends to the Flambeau Hills trailhead to begin your trek on the 1.8-kilometer trail loop, groomed, tracked, and illuminated with more than 600 candles for the occasion. There will be no admission for this event; it will be waived for the event starting at 5 p.m. The event will take place regardless of snow conditions.

Special features: Disabled access; picnic tables and barbeque grills provided; hot dogs, chili, and spiced tea provided; warming campfires

For more information: Call 715-332-5271 x101.

Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe at the Brule River State Forest

Where: Brule River State Forest

When: February 8, 2020, 5 to 9 p.m.

Activities: Skiing, snowshoeing

Details: More than two miles of groomed, wooded trails will be lit up by candles and luminaries. Trail passes are not required. The event is sponsored by the Brule River State Forest, and volunteers from the Brule Valley Ski Club will provide volunteer assistance.

Special features: Toilets, grills, and shelter available; bonfire, hot drinks, and marshmallows provided

For more information: Call 715-372-5678.

Copper Falls Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe

Where: Copper Falls State Park, 36764 Copper Falls Road, Mellen

When: February 8, 2020, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Activities: Skiing, snowshoeing

Details: A 2.5-mile section of ski trails and a 1-mile snowshoe trail will be illuminated by brilliant luminaries. The Friends of Copper Falls State Park will provide refreshments for you and your loved ones to enjoy after your trek.

Special features: Warming fire, refreshments

For more information: Call 715-274-5123.

Valentine’s Candlelight Night

Where: Wisconsin Interstate State Park, 110 S State Road 35, St. Croix Falls

When: February 8, 2020, 6 to 9 p.m.

Activities: Skiing, snowshoeing, hiking

Details: There will be separate trails for skiers, snowshoers, and hikers, and all will be brightened by hundreds of candles. After your enchanting journey along the trail, enjoy the refreshments available at the Ice Age Center

Special features: Fires at the trailheads, refreshments

For more information: Call 715-483-3747.

Candlelight Night in the Park

Where: Interstate State Park, 851 State Road 35, St. Croix Falls

When: February 15, 2020, 5 to 8 p.m.

Activities: Skiing, snowshoeing, hiking

Details: Let the hundreds of luminaries guide your way as your ski, snowshoe, or hike along the forest trails. Warm up at the bonfire and enjoy refreshments and live music by The Geezers at the Ice Age Visitor Center. A vehicle admission sticker is required. You can purchase it at the park. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Interstate Park.

Special features: Live music, bonfires, refreshments

For more information: Call 715-483-3747.

It is always recommended to check the organizers’ websites or email or call them for updates before going to the candlelight events. Inappropriate weather and trail conditions occasionally result in an event’s postponement or cancellation.