Glendalough State Park to Host Lantern-Lit Candlelight Walk on Valentine’s Day

Lanterns will light a one-mile path through the woods at Glendalough State Park on Saturday, Feb. 14, offering residents a beginner-friendly winter outing that mixes low-impact exercise with quiet, social connection. The Candlelight Walk runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the trail starting at the Dining Hall and wrapping up near a bonfire with hot cider.

Minnesota DNR Director of Parks and Trails Ann Pierce framed the event as a chance to slow down and connect with nature: “There’s something truly special about walking a snowy trail under the glow of candlelight, where the quiet of the night and the sparkle of the snow create a peaceful escape. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with nature, spend time with friends and family and find beauty in the stillness of winter.” Glendalough’s event description adds that hikers can drop by any time between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. for hiking and snowshoeing as “stars twinkle overhead and lanterns flicker in the snow.”

Logistics are straightforward but important for planning. Snowshoes can be rented in person at the park after 10:00 a.m. on the day of the event; supplies are limited and available while they last. A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks and recreation areas; the DNR recommends buying a permit in advance online. Permit costs are $7 per day or $35 for a year-round permit. The Candlelight Walk may be cancelled if windchill temperatures are at or below -15°F at the time of the event; for status updates call the Glendalough State Park office at (218) 261-6900.

The DNR and parks partners are staging similar events statewide on Valentine’s Day. The DNR schedule lists candlelight events at Itasca, Gooseberry Falls, Jay Cooke, Glacial Lakes, Nerstrand Big Woods, Lake Bemidji, Wild River, Forestville Mystery Cave and Glendalough, among others. Some parks offer additional amenities or guidance worth noting: Gooseberry Falls recommends traction devices because of icy conditions and will have cookies and hot beverages, while Jay Cooke encourages visitors to bring mugs for hot chocolate and marshmallows for roasting and notes volunteers are needed.

Beyond the romance of lantern light, public health and equity considerations matter. Outdoor programs like lantern-lit hikes support mental health by reducing isolation and promoting safe, distanced social activity in winter. However, vehicle permit fees and limited snowshoe inventory can create access barriers for lower-income families and those without winter gear. Park managers and community groups can help by sharing information in advance, coordinating carpooling or gear-sharing when possible, and checking with the park about any assistance programs or volunteer opportunities.

For Otter Tail County residents planning to attend, plan ahead: obtain the required vehicle permit before you drive to the park, arrive after snowshoe rental opens at 10:00 a.m. if you need gear, and call (218) 261-6900 if weather threatens cancellation. The Candlelight Walk offers a simple, low-cost way to gather safely outdoors during winter, and the season’s slate of statewide events signals a broader push to keep Minnesotans moving and connected through the colder months.