The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is hosting candlelight events across the state this winter, including at Lake Shetek State Park Saturday, Feb. 21. Drop by from 5:308:30 p.m. to hike as stars twinkle overhead and candles flicker in the snow.
“This is our very first candlelight event and is a fantastic way to experience Lake Shetek State Park in winter,” said Roseann Schauer, Lake Shetek State Park Manager. “It’s a way to bond with friends and family while exploring nature under the glow of candlelight.” The candlelight hike is sponsored by the Friends of Lake Shetek State Park.
There will be two trails lit, a 0.5-mile trail that circles the Oak Woods Campground on plowed roadway and gravel trail, and a 1-mile trail that will follow a packed snow trail along the lakeshore to the Shetek Monument and back to our starting point at the park’s Interpretive Center. Both trails start at the Interpretive Center, where there will be hot chocolate, refreshments and a campfire for visitors to enjoy a winter night. The trails are suitable for hikers of all ages.
Visitors need a vehicle permit to enter Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. The DNR recommends buying permits in advance ($7 per day or $35 for a year-round permit) on the DNR permit webpage (mndnr.gov/permit). Permits are also available in person at the state park office.
In the event of severe weather, call 507-7633256 for updates or check visitor alerts on the Lake Shetek State Park webpage, mndnr.gov/ lakeshetek.
