Saturday, January 7, 2023

Candlelight Snowshoe Hike

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Activities: Candlelight events, Hike, Night event
Location: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/location/ribmt

The Friends of Rib Mountain State Park invite you to explore Rib Mountain State Park on snowshoes! A candlelight hike is set for Saturday, January 7 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (flashlights and headlamps suggested). We will have hot chocolate, cider, special goodies, and marshmallows to roast around the campfire. 

Start your hike at the new Friends Gathering Space, just past the park office. Some snowshoes are available to borrow, but we suggest you bring your own snowshoes if you have them. Donations to cover costs are welcome. A park annual or daily admission sticker is required. Parking is limited, so please consider carpooling.

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Horicon Marsh Candlelight Hike

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Activities: Candlelight events, Hike, Night event, Snowshoeing
Location:  https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/location/horicon

Hiking by candlelight, a roaring bonfire, roasted marshmallows and warm refreshments await everyone at the 12th Annual Horicon Marsh Candlelight Hike on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 from 5-9 p.m.

Again this year, we require a parking voucher for attendees. Vouchers are free; you only need one per vehicle that reserves a one-hour arrival time slot. Attendees can arrive anytime during the one-hour window and stay at the event as long as they’d like.  Registration is now available at https://horiconmarsh.org/event/candlelight-hike-parking-voucher-required/ or call 920-387-7893. No shuttles will be offered this year.

The Candlelight Hike is sponsored and hosted by the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center and the Wisconsin DNR. Volunteers and staff will line the trails with candle-powered luminaries to welcome and guide hikers. There are two trails available to enjoy. One trail is 1.5 miles, and the other “Family Loop” is only 0.36 miles.

The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center will be open for people to warm up, visit the gift shop, participate in an education program or have the kids do a fun craft to bring home! The Horicon Marsh Explorium will also be open at a discounted rate of $2 per person (4 and under are free) for people to learn about Horicon Marsh through these new interactive displays.

The Northern Cross Science Foundation Astronomers will be on-site to help you view the night sky through telescopes or to talk about the stars if it is cloudy. Members of the Horicon Marsh Bird Club will be on the trail conducting short owl talks and calling for owls. You can also learn about Wisconsin’s mammals on the short “Family Loop” trail! You’re welcome to bring your own snowshoes if conditions permit. Leashed pets are allowed on the trails but not in the building.

Warm beverages and a bake sale will be available outdoors at the picnic shelter. You can also roast your own marshmallows in a smaller firepit and then enjoy them by the bonfire. 

This is an admission-free, family-friendly event thanks to the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center and the Wisconsin DNR. Multiple baskets will be raffled off to help support the Friends group and future candlelight events. Donations are always welcome and directly support events like this and many other educational programs throughout the year. If you wish to make a donation, you can do so through our website, horiconmarsh.org, or in person at the event. We will also conduct a food and mitten drive to donate to local schools and food pantries. 

For more information, call 920-387-7893 or visit our website at horiconmarsh.org. Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is located at N7725 Hwy 28, Horicon, WI between Horicon and Mayville. 

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Candlelight Snowshoe Hike

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Activities: Candlelight events, Food, Hike, Night event, Outdoor activity
Location:  Rib Mountain State Park

The Friends of Rib Mountain State Park invite you to explore Rib Mountain State Park on snowshoes! A candlelight hike is set for Saturday, Feb. 4 from 5-7 p.m. (flashlights and headlamps suggested). We will have hot chocolate, cider, special goodies, and marshmallows to roast around the campfire. 

Start your hike at the new Friends Gathering Space, just past the park office. Some snowshoes are available to borrow, but we suggest you bring your own snowshoes if you have them. Donations to cover costs are welcome. A park annual or daily admission sticker is required. Parking is limited, so please consider carpooling.

Saturday, February 11, 2023

Pike Lake Candlelight Ski & Hike

Time: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Activities: Candlelight events, Festivals, Hike, Night event, Outdoor activity
Location:  Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit

Join the Friends of Pike Lake for the annual illuminated evening. Having over 350 luminaries placed along two 1 mile loops makes for quite a magical night. Once you’ve seen the sights, stop by the North Shelter to grab a snack and warm up by the bonfire. For an added bonus, the Northern Cross Science Foundation will provide telescopes for night sky viewing to add an extra sparkle to the night.

Due to high demand, vouchers are required for this event. Vouchers are free and will be available for pickup beginning January 14^th. Two voucher options are available, 4-6 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Vehicle admission is required.

Saturday February 25, 2023

Candlelight Hike & Snowshoe

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/hartman/

Embrace winter! Hike and snowshoe park trails lit by candlelight.  Over 500 luminaries show the way to family fun.  Leashed pets are allowed.  Hot chocolate and snowshoe rentals are available.  A park vehicle admission pass is required and available at the gate or online.  Sponsored by the Friends of Hartman Creek SP with the generous support of the Waupaca Area Convention and Visitor Bureau, the Town of Farmington, and Adventure Outfitters LLC.  See you there!