Traveler - Candlelight Events and Equipment Rentals
Minnesota State Parks and Trails Traveler February 2015
Bear Head Lake State Park This beautiful northern Minnesota park is dotted with lakes that make it a canoeing and fishing paradise. Hike one of the many trails to spot white-tailed deer, wolves, pine martens, red squirrels, snowshoe hares and other wildlife. Stay overnight at a rustic campsite or in a cozy camper cabin. Bear Head Lake State Park is located just south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It shares similar qualities, with modern conveniences.
You'll find maps, directions to the park and other park info here.
Scout out the park before leaving your house with this beautiful virtual tour.
Nature Sighting - Pine Marten See the pine marten on Bear Head Lake State Park's suet feeder? Two minutes after this photo was taken, this little guy took off with the entire feeder! In the 1920s, the pine marten was thought to be extinct in Minnesota. With careful management the pine marten was able to make a full recovery. Keep watch by the feeders at the park and see if you can spot this sneaky marten.
Read more on the pine marten.
Traveler Tip - Equipment Rentals So you're interested in snowshoeing, but you don't own snowshoes? No worries! We have you covered. Many Minnesota state parks have rental equipment, including snowshoes ($6/day) and cross-country skis ($10/day). Try your hand at ice fishing. A number of state parks have fishing equipment you can borrow from the park office for free. For the warmer weather activities, many parks have canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, row boats and motor boats for rent.
Explore winter activities and rentals.
February Events - Candlelight Imagine the crunchy snow under your feet, the warmth of a blazing fire and hot chocolate to take away the chill. This month, dozens of candlelight ski, snowshoe and walk events are scheduled at Minnesota state parks and along state trails. Short, easy trails will be illuminated by the warm glow of candles or luminaries, and you may travel whatever distance you like. Later, you can warm up with refreshments by a crackling fire. Here are just a few of the upcoming candlelight events. Find more in the online calendar.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 5 - 8 p.m.: Snowshoe or hike the candlelit trails at Afton State Park, east of St. Paul.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 5 - 8 p.m.: Ski by candlelight during the 23rd annual candelight event on the Root River State Trail near Whalan.
Saturday, Feb. 14, 5 - 8 p.m.: Walk along the luminary-lit Gateway State Trail in St. Paul and enjoy hot cider when you're finished!
Saturday, Feb. 14, 6:30 - 9 p.m.: Ski by moonlight and candlelight, then sip on hot cider by the fire at Glendalough State Park.
Saturday, Feb. 21, 6 - 8:30 p.m.: Enjoy the scenic trails of Gooseberry Falls State Park in a different light during the annual candlelight ski, snowshoe and hike event.
Saturday, Feb. 21, 6 - 9 p.m.: Snowshoe or walk by the light of the moon and candle luminaries at Glacial Lakes State Park.
Saturday, Feb. 28, 6 - 9 p.m.: Enjoy an evening by candlelight at Lake Carlos State Park in Alexandria during the Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe.
