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One of the most beautiful and memorable ways to experience a winter night in Minnesota is to explore its scenic trails by candlelight. At the following special events, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking with trailside luminaries (candles or lanterns) lighting the way. Feel like you're living a life straight out of a fairytale with a glowing moon and twinkling stars shedding light along your candlelit path.
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what are the trails like?
These events are suitable for all ages and ability levels. The candle-lit trails are generally only a mile or two in length and mostly flat. Often, there will also be a bonfire where you can warm up, enjoy some hot chocolate or cider, stargaze, and maybe toast a marshmallow or two.
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 a glowing moon and twinkling stars shedding light along your candlelit path is straight out of a fairytale.
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prepare and plan ahead
The candlelight trail events take place on different days throughout the winter. The earliest are open starting Dec. 21 and the latest end on Feb. 28, so be sure to mark your calendars now. Notice if your event requires park admission or ski passes and pay them in advance to avoid long lines.
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luminary snowshoe events
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Becker, MN: Candlelight Walk at Sherburne History Center
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Nerstrand, MN: Candlelight Event at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
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Bemidji, MN: Candlelight Snowshoe at Lake Bemidji State Park
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Onamia, MN: Candlelight Event at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
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Carlos, MN: Candlelight Event at Lake Carlos State Park
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Fairfax, MN: Candlelight Trails at Fort Ridgely State Park
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Lynd, MN: Candlelight Hike at Camden State Park
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Frontenac, MN: Candlelight Hike & Ski at Frontenac State Park
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Two Harbors, MN: Candlelight Event at Gooseberry Falls State Park
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Starbuck, MN: Candlelight Event at Glacial Lakes State Park
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Waskish, MN: Winter's Glow at Big Bog State Recreation Area
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luminary cross-country ski events
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Becker, MN: Candlelight Walk at Sherburne History Center
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Mora, MN: Lantern Loppet at Vasaloppet Nordic Center
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Fairfax, MN: Candlelight Trails at Fort Ridgely State Park
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Frontenac, MN: Candlelight Hike & Ski at Frontenac State Park
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Bemidji, MN: Twilight Trails Candlelight Ski at Lake Bemidji State Park
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Two Harbors, MN: Candlelight Event at Gooseberry Falls State Park
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luminary walk and hike events
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Eagan, MN: Trails by Lantern Light at Lebanon Hills Park
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Moorhead, MN: Winter Solstice Walk at M.B. Johnson Park
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Becker, MN: Candlelight Walk at Sherburne History Center
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Preston, MN: First Day Hike at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
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Plymouth, MN: Luce Line Candlelight Walk at Luce Line State Trail
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Park Rapids, MN: Lantern Light Event at Itasca State Park
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Watson, MN: Candlelight Hike at Lac qui Parle State Park
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Stillwater, MN: Candlelight Walk at Gateway State Trail
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Nerstrand, MN: Candlelight Event at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
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Fairfax, MN: Candlelight Trails at Fort Ridgely State Park
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Lynd, MN: Candlelight Hike at Camden State Park
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Frontenac, MN: Candlelight Hike & Ski at Frontenac State Park
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Minneapolis, MN: Luminary Loppet at Lake of the Isles
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Two Harbors, MN: Candlelight Event at Gooseberry Falls State Park
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Starbuck, MN: Candlelight Event at Glacial Lakes State Park
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Carlos, MN: Candlelight Event at Lake Carlos State Park
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- In case of severe weather, events may be changed or canceled. Check the website or call to confirm before heading out.
- If there is insufficient snow, ski and snowshoe events may become candlelight walks.
- Vehicle permits are required at state parks. Save time and avoid lines by getting yours online prior to the event.
- Skiers age 16 and older need to have a ski pass with them when using groomed trails at Minnesota state parks and trails.
- Skis and snowshoes may be rented or checked out at some locations. Call ahead to confirm availability and, if possible, to reserve the equipment you need.
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from top to bottom: Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis, photo by Paul Vincent | Itasca State Park in Park Rapids, photo by M. Lisburg | Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis, photo by Paul Vincent | Minnehaha Creek in Minneapolis, photo by Tanya Orstad | Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Bloomington, photo by Bloomington Creative Placemaking | Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, photo by Richard Hoeg | Video still of DIY Ice Luminary video, made by Minnesota State Parks and Trails and Explore Minnesota | Luce Line State Trail in Plymouth, photo by Megan Marie | Luce Line State Trail in Plymouth, photo by Sreejith Rajan | Gateway State Trail in Stillwater, photo by Minnesota DNR
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TIMES AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CONFIRM AN EVENT’S CURRENT DETAILS WITH ITS ORGANIZER.
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