The 2024 Candlelight Hike was beautiful!
This is a Past Event – see you in February 2025!
It took place on Saturday, February 10th, from 5-8 PM. Participants experienced the serenity of the nighttime forest in the heart of the St Croix Valley by spending some time in the outdoors with us and our loved ones.
WI Interstate State Park Candlelight Hike is a yearly tradition of honoring the long, dark winter nights of the year while looking ahead to warmer and increased sunshine. You stroll down the luminary-lit paths of hikes, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing (weather/snow conditions permitting). Back at the Ice Age Interpretive Center, you’ll warm yourself by the fire as you enjoy music, snacks, and hot cider. Hundreds of candles will light your path for a wonderful winter evening – one mile of the Skyline Ski Trail (classic skiing only) will be lit starting at the Ice Age Center.
The hike is a 0.75-mile snowshoe loop and a one-mile hiking loop will also be available starting at the Camp Interstate Shelter. Snowshoes will be available to try for free. The hiking loop is on the park roadway along the St. Croix River. Warming fires will be set up at both locations.
Park stickers will be available for purchase at the park office, as you enter the park of Hwy 35. They cost $8 per day at most parks or $28 for a year and are available at park offices and self-registration stations; annual stickers also are available online at yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi. Pets are allowed on the snowshoe and hiking loops; all pets must be on a leash at all times. Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather. Trail conditions will vary depending on snow conditions. In the past, great interest in the event created a bit of a bottleneck at the entrance. We encourage you to arrive early and explore the park, but still expect event to start at the planned time of 5pm. Organizers advise to dress appropriately for the weather. Trail conditions will vary depending on snow conditions. This event may be canceled due to weather such as extreme cold.
“Winter candlelight events are some of the most popular activities at Wisconsin state parks, forests, and trails,” said Steve Schmelzer, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Management director. “Many events have become a long-standing tradition at some of our properties, with hundreds or even thousands of attendees.