Snow or not, you can explore Wisconsin’s state parks guided only by the stars in the sky and the lights along its trails. The end of January marks the beginning of such events, which get visitors outside on cold winter evenings to experience the park’s beauty while enjoying warm drinks and conversation. Whitefish Dunes State Park will host their Candlelight Ski and Hike on January 28th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a warming fire and refreshments available inside the picnic shelter and a bonfire outside. Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park President John Swanson says it is a great way to get families back outside after the holiday season.

Two of Door County’s four other state parks will host their own winter trail events in February. Peninsula State Park will host its candlelight ski event on February 4th. Newport State Park will welcome guests for its candlelight hike and ski on February 11th, and Potawatomi State Park will host its winter trails day on February 18th. You can click on this link for more information. Swanson says the Friends group has a busy 2023 planned thanks to a strong volunteer base, including improvements to its trail signage, picnic shelter, and staircases.  

Photo from Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park