GRANTSBURG and ST. CROIX FALLS - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources kicked off a series of candlelight events at state parks and forests earlier this month. These popular events will take place across Wisconsin from now through March 24. Two such events were held in Leader Land, one on the evening of Friday, Feb. 7, at Crex Meadows, and a second on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Interstate Park. Both events were well-attended and offered people of all ages a chance to experience a trek through the beautiful snowy landscapes lit by the soft glow of luminaries.
On the night of Friday, Feb. 7, visitors to Crex Meadows had the chance to hike or snowshoe a groomed mile-and-a-quarter trail starting and ending at the visitor center. The event was put on by Friends of Crex and saw many attendees throughout the evening. Snowshoes were available for anyone wishing to try them and conditions were perfect for hiking without them as well. Snow began to fall about halfway through the event but that didn’t stop the 100-plus attendees from enjoying the relatively warm evening out on the trails. At the trail’s end, there was a bonfire for warming up and inside the gathering hall snacks and hot chocolate were provided.
Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake Parks held a similar, albeit larger event the evening of Saturday, Feb. 8. Starting at the Interpretive Center in Interstate Park visitors had their pick of a one-mile hiking loop, a snowshoe loop or a cross-country ski trail. Snowshoes were available for free and many hikers opted to use them on the fresh snow that had fallen that day. Back at the Interpretive Center trekkers could warm themselves by the fire and enjoy a helping of chili and a hot beverage while they were treated to live music performed by Logjammers. Despite the difficult driving conditions owing to the day’s snowfall, several hundred people had already taken to the trails in the first hour of the event with hopes that many more would turn up throughout the evening.
With many more events planned across the state through March, it’s not too late to get out and experience a candlelight hike for yourself. More information on upcoming events can be found at dnr.wisconsin.gov/events?type=Candlelight%20Events.
