Candlelight event at Wild River State Park

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Candlelight event at Wild River State Park on Jan. 30 includes skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and stargazing

Ski, hike, or snowshoe trails lit by candles, enjoy a huge bonfire, view the winter sky through a telescope, and enjoy live music with family and friends at Wild River State Park on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m.

“Being outdoors on a winter night with the light of the moon and hundreds of candles is a near-magical experience that appeals to people of all ages,” said Park Manager Paul Kurvers.

In addition to skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking, the event will include a full evening of family-oriented activities and entertainment:

Gigi Nauer will provide live music at the Trail Center.
Naturalist Dave Crawford will present a short program of nature photographs and music commemorating the park’s Prairie Care landscape restoration project at the Visitor Center.
The park’s 5½-foot bull snake, Ripley, will be on display in the Visitor Center.
Sky conditions permitting, astronomy enthusiast Kenny Bahmer will have two telescopes set up near the Trail Center parking lot to provide visitors with a magnified view of the magnificent Orion Nebula and other features of the winter sky.
This annual event, sponsored by the Friends of Wild River State Park and supported by National Honor Society students from North Branch Area High School, drew about 2,000 people of all ages and abilities to the park last year, and organizers are hoping for a big turnout again this year.

Refreshments will be available at the Visitor Center and Trail Center. Ski and snowshoe rentals will be available at the Trail Center while supplies last. The cost to rent equipment is $6/day for snowshoes and $10/day for skis, boots, and poles. To reserve rental equipment in advance, call 651-257-0685.

Color-coded maps will be available at the park office, so participants can choose a route based on how far they want to go and how much they want to see. If there’s not enough snow for skiing or snowshoeing, trails will still be lit for walking.

A Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit is required to enter the park and may be purchased at the park office ($5 for a one-day permit or $25 for a year-round permit). A Minnesota Ski Trail pass is also required for all skiers age 16 or older. One-day ski passes ($5) are available at the park office. Annual ski passes ($15) may be purchased at businesses that offer the DNR Electronic Licensing System or by filling out a mail-in application at the park office.

Wild River State Park is located three miles north of Minnesota Highway 95 at Almelund, halfway between Taylors Falls and North Branch. For more information, call 651-583-2125 or visit mnstateparks.info.