Walk or snowshoe by candlelight at Lake Bemidji State Park Feb 10

Minnesota state parks and trails will host more than 30 of its popular candlelight events again this winter, including one at Lake Bemidji State Park on Saturday, February 10. Drop by any time between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. for an unforgettable experience of snowshoeing or hiking with stars twinkling overhead and candles flickering in the snow.

“Candlelight brings out winter’s soft side,” said Erika Rivers, director of the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division. “The flickering light against snow creates an unforgettable experience. An evening walk becomes so much more on a candle-lit trail aided by light from the moon and stars.”

The 1.5-mile trail starts and ends at the visitor center and is suitable for beginner-level snowshoers or hikers of all ages.  Snowshoes can be rented or checked out at the park on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 218-308-2300 in advance to confirm the availability of equipment.

The evening wraps up with a steaming cup of cocoa or cider near a crackling bonfire.

A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks. Although permits are available at the park, you can save time by getting one in advance. Visit www.mndnr.gov/reservations, log in (or create an account), click on “entry permit,” select a duration of “one-day” ($7) or “year-round” ($35), and continue as directed. You’ll receive an email with a permit that can be printed and displayed in your vehicle during your visit.

Note that severe weather may cause this event to be changed or canceled. For updates, call the park at 218-308-2300.

Other candlelight events will take place throughout the state in February, offering a variety of terrain and scenery. For the complete schedule—including dates, times and other details—visit www.mndnr.gov/candlelight.

For more information, email info.dnr@state.mn.us or call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hike or bike at the annual ‘Walk for Glendalough’

The pasque flowers are blooming, the ice is off the lakes, and the loons and bluebirds have returned — all signs that it is time for the annual Walk for Glendalough. For the 19th year, this popular event for visitors of all ages will take place at Glendalough State Park in Battle Lake. Hosted by Glendalough Park Partners and staff from Minnesota state parks and trails, the event will start at the park’s trail center at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 25.

There is no fee to enter the park on this day, but because the walk is intended as a fundraiser, donations will be encouraged.

The Glendalough Park Partners will provide lodge tours, eagle nest viewing, food and door prizes. Meet the area naturalist and see what surprises he has in his cart. For those that are unable to walk or bike long distances, shuttles will be available for a trail tour. As always, the walk provides an opportunity for park visitors to see new park developments and learn about future projects.

Glendalough State Park’s new paved bike and pedestrian trail now connects to the city of Battle Lake, just three miles away. Pedal around the east side of Annie Battle Lake and get a glimpse of the park’s new Legacy-funded yurts. By Sunset Lake, check out the new block fire ring that will be used for evening campfire programs this summer. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will go toward bike racks along the new trail, furniture and window coverings for the trail center, and a new gas grill for groups to use.

Over the years, the Walk for Glendalough has contributed close to $250,000 in park improvements. Funds have been used to:

• Provide year-round restrooms at the trail center.
• Restore and furnish the historic lodge.
• Build a picnic shelter and a hiking bridge.
• Add heat and electricity to camper cabins.
• Purchase rental canoes.
• Construct and fund a bird-feeding station.
• Plant trees and native prairie flowers.
• Create the campfire program area.
• Purchase automated external defibrillators.
• Create an outdoor seating area, which will be installed this spring.

“Many of the amenities that park visitors enjoy today would not have been possible without the funds raised by the walk,” said Park Manager Jeff Wiersma.

Donuts, coffee, and cider will be served at the trail center beginning at 9 a.m. A bratwurst lunch will be served at 11 a.m., and returning walkers will gather at the old tennis court to hear the latest park news, total funds raised and, if they’re lucky, choose a prize. Free posters are available to all. The event wraps up by noon, but visitors can always extend their day with an overnight stay in the cart-in campground, a camper cabin or a yurt. For more information, call the park at 218-864-0110 or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/glendalough.

Biking is a new option at the annual ‘Walk for Glendalough’

The completion of a new paved trail at Glendalough State Park in Battle Lake late last summer means that bikers can now join hikers on the annual fundraiser, “Walk for Glendalough,” at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 26. The event starts at the park’s trail center.

The Glendalough Park Partners, along with Department of Natural Resources, will host the 18th annual “walk” to raise money for new park amenities and features. Over the years, the walk has contributed close to $250,000 in park improvements.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will go toward benches, bike racks, and interpretive kiosks along the new trail, and the construction of an outdoor seating area near the trail center suitable for student activities, interpretive programs and weddings. At least two automated external defibrillators also will be purchased for the park.

Two lakeside yurts -- circular fabric tents -- will be constructed along the new trail this spring that will be accessible by backpacking, biking or canoeing. The yurts will be equipped with bunk beds, similar to the park’s camper cabins.

Funds have been used to provide year-round restrooms at the trail center, restore and furnish the historic lodge, build a picnic shelter and a hiking bridge, add heat and electricity to the camper cabins, purchase rental canoes, construct and fund a bird-feeding station and plant trees and native prairie flowers.

“Many of the amenities that park visitors enjoy today would not have been possible without the funds raised by the walk,” said Park Manager Jeff Wiersma.

Those who chose not to walk can ride a park shuttle down the trail. Returning walkers will gather at the old tennis court to hear the latest park news, total funds raised. The event is an opportunity for park visitors to see new park developments and learn about future park projects.

The park’s new paved bike and pedestrian trail is the first phase of a trail system that will soon connect to the city of Battle Lake, 3 miles away. Completion of the Battle Lake connection is expected in July.There is no fee to enter the park on the day of the walk/bike.

It wraps up by noon, but visitors can always extend their day with an overnight stay in the cart-in campground or one of four camper cabins. For more information, call the park at 218-864-0110 or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/glendalough.

MN State Park & Trails offer "First Day Hikes"

Looking for an invigorating way to kick off the New Year? The Department of Natural Resources encourages people to ring in 2014 with a First Day Hike on Wednesday, Jan. 1, at a state park or trail. All 50 states are participating in the third annual event that invites everyone to celebrate the New Year amid the sights, sounds and wonder of the natural world with fun, guided hikes.

“We have five First Day Hikes taking place at Minnesota state parks and trails on New Year’s Day,” said Courtland Nelson, director of the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division, “but if you can’t make it to one of those events, remember that Minnesota state parks and trails are open every day, even in winter, so come out and hike whenever and wherever it’s most convenient.”

Check out the maps online or ask a staff person to recommend a route. "They know best, and we want you to have a good time so you come back,” Nelson said.

First Day Hikes will take place in Minnesota on Jan. 1, at:

• Afton State Park (Hastings) 10-11:30 a.m.: Join naturalist to find one thing that inspires, intrigues or increases awareness of the natural world.
• Gateway State Trail (St. Paul), 2-3:30 p.m.: This naturalist-led hike will take place on a paved trail through a scenic part of metro area. Meet in the parking lot of the Ramsey County District Court building at 2050 White Bear Ave.
• Jay Cooke State Park (Carlton), 1-2:30 p.m.: A naturalist will lead a snowshoe hike through the park (child and adult snowshoe rentals are available; call ahead to reserve a pair, 218-384-4610, ext. 229). Meet at the River Inn Interpretive Center.
• Lake Carlos State Park (Alexandria), 1-2:30 p.m.: A naturalist will guide hikers through the park and talk about its history, natural resources and cultural significance. Bring snowshoes if conditions warrant (rentals are available; call ahead to reserve a pair, 320-852-7200. Meet at the Lake View Group Camp (near the beach). 
• Minneopa State Park (Mankato), 10-11:30 a.m.: Learn natural and historic facts about area on a naturalist-led hike from the group campground to the confluence of Minneopa Creek and the Minnesota River. Meet at picnic shelter on falls side of park.

A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks ($5 for a one-day permit or $25 for a year-round permit). Those who don’t already have a Minnesota state parks vehicle permit (www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/permit.html) can purchase one at any of the parks.

Last year, First Day Hikes hosted 22,000 people, who covered nearly 44,000 miles in 700 state parks all across the country, according to Priscilla Geigis, president of the National Association of State Park Directors.

“These family-friendly outings provide a great chance to get outside and experience the beauty of our parks, stay fit and build lasting traditions with loved ones,” Geigis said.

First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation — a state park in Milton, Mass.
America's State Parks and American Hiking Society are teaming up to promote these hikes as a healthy and memorable way to start the New Year.

For cold weather hiking tips, visit www.americanhiking.org/cold-weather-hiking.

For more information, visit www.mndnr.gov/ptcalendar or contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or call 651-296-6157, toll-free 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and
4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.