The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to make plans now to attend any of more than a dozen candlelight ski or snowshoe events taking place in Minnesota state parks this winter. ìGliding or trekking along a forested trail lit by luminaries is an experience you will never forget,î said Courtland Nelson, director of the DNR Division of Parks and Recreation. ìAs beautiful as Minnesotaís state parks are in summer, a trek among a parkís snow-laden trees and frozen waterfalls in winter is sheer magic. These events are great for the whole family.î

Illuminated trails are easy to moderate in skill level and are one to two miles in length. Luminaries are placed at intervals to guide participants along the trail. Most parks have warming shelters where the park friends group provides hot drinks and snacks. Old Mill, Glendalough and Mille Lacs Kathio state parks have cross-country skies available for rent. Snowshoes are available for rent at many
of the parks. The Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required for persons 16 years or older ($5/day or $15/season). Vehicle permits and daily ski passes can be purchased at the park office. Most events are from 6 to 9 p.m.

If there is a lack of snow, the scheduled event often becomes a hike along the candlelit trail. In case of extreme cold weather, some events may be cancelled. For the most current information, contact the park. Event information is also listed on the DNR Web site state park pages at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

SATURDAY, JAN. 21

Charles Lindbergh State Park (Little Falls) - The park will have 1.5 miles of easy, candlelit cross-country ski trail available for this event. Free refreshments will be available in the park shelter. Ski rentals are not available at the park. In case of bad weather or lack of snow the event will be canceled. A message will be left on the park answering machine noting any cancellations.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

Lake Maria State Park (Monticello) - Ski by the light of luminaries. One and one-half miles of easy to moderate ski trail will be lit.
Rice Lake State Park (Owatonna) - The Friends of Rice Lake State Park will host the annual candlelight ski. A warming shelter will be available at the start of the trail. Baked goods and hot drinks will be provided in the park office. Two trails will be lit with luminaries. One trail is a half-mile in length and the other is a one-mile trail.
Glendalough State Park (Battle Lake) - Ski by moonlight and candlelight, then sip on hot cider by the fire in the trail center. Guests are invited to bring a snack to share.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

Jay Cooke State Park (Carlton) - Cross-country ski (5 km) or snowshoe (one mile) of candlelit trails during this annual event. Afterward, warm up by the fire and enjoy free refreshments. Meet at the River Inn Visitor Center.
Lake Maria/Sand Dunes State Forest - Ski the forested ski trail by the light of a full moon and candle luminaries. Hot beverages will be provided. Note: This event is at Sand Dunes State Forest, 7 miles north of Big Lake on County Road 5.

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

Buffalo River State Park (Glyndon) - Experience the magic of a moonlight ski on a candle lit trail that runs along the Buffalo River between the parkís warming house and Moorhead State Universityís science center. Hot cider, cocoa, coffee and cookies will be available.
Fort Snelling State Park (Twin Cities) - This will be a magical night even if there is no snow. Trails will be lined with candles to light the way around Pike Island. After skiing, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or cider around an outdoor fire. The event is sponsored by the Fort Snelling Park Association.
Lake Bemidji State Park (Bemidji) - The winter moonlight should be bright enough to cast shadows through the woods on this snowshoe hike. Join the naturalist for a short winter exploration under the full moon. Snowshoes are available on request by calling the park office (218) 755-3843. The event is 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (Onamia) - Ski by the light of the full moon with luminaries to help guide the way. Two separate routes are prepared for this popular annual event. A one-mile loop and the two-mile trail between the parks trail center and interpretive center will be lit. Refreshments will be served and a shuttle bus will run continuously between the trail center and interpretive center.
Old Mill State Park (Argyle) - Enjoy skiing by the full moon on a 1.2-mile trail that will be set with luminaries. On a clear night the trail glows, guiding participants on a scenic tour through the woods. Skies are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Coffee, hot chocolate, cider and other goodies will be available courtesy of the Friends of Old Mill State Park in the warm picnic shelter.
Whitewater State Park (Altura) - Explore on snowshoes the quiet beauty of a winter night in the Whitewater River Valley. Under a nearly full moon, snowshoeing is a special treat! Short readings from Thoreau, Frost and Leopold will be read by moonlight. Participants are encouraged to bring their own favorite poem or short story about this beautiful season. Snowshoes are provided. Hot drinks and cookies will follow the outing. If snow depth does not allow for snowshoes, the event will be a winter hike. Call for time and reservations.

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

Gooseberry Falls State Park (Two Harbors) - Enjoy an evening on a candlelight ski or snowshoe trail or take in a short candlelight walk to see the upper falls covered in ice. A warm fire and hot beverages will be available. The candlelight ski trail is two miles long; the candlelight snowshoe trail is a one mile loop and the candlelight walk trail is a 1/2-mile round trip.
Itasca State Park (Park Rapids) - Enjoy an evening of skiing and snowshoeing as the glow of the moon adds to the nightís romance. Skiers can follow the gently rolling bicycle trail to Preachers Grove. This 2.8 km (1.75 mile) ìout-and-backî intermediate skill level route winds under Itascaís towering pines and is illuminated by the warm glow of kerosene lanterns. Snowshoers can go at their own pace along the Maadaadizi Trail lit by the soft glow of candlelight from ice luminaries. The trail is a half-mile (0.8 km) ìround-tripî snowshoe walk. Both trails start at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. Afterwards, warm up by one of the two fireplaces in the visitor center. Beverages including hot chocolate, apple cider, tea and coffee will be on sale. A limited numbers of snowshoes will be available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis. The event will be canceled if the temperature is below zero. If in doubt, call the park at (218) 266-2100.

Minnesota state parks are open daily. Park office hours vary. Due to limited winter staffing, the DNR suggests visitors call ahead for hours and services available.

Visit the DNR Web site at: www.dnr.state.mn.us or call the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367) to request a copy of the Minnesota State Parks Guide.

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