DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – It’s a chance to get outside and cure a case of the Winter Blues.
Candlelight Hikes are being held across Wisconsin, including Peninsula State Park in Door County.
Down a quiet trail known as the Yellow Loop, the one-mile trek is the setting for the annual Candlelight Ski and Hike Event at Peninsula State Park.
“Last year, I think they had around 600 people. It’s really a pretty event. If you’ve not ever been out in the snow, with candles, it’s really a great thing to do,” said Chris Holicek, Friends of Peninsula State Park President.
Holicek tells FOX 11 400 candles will be placed along the trail, in small plastic cups. Just before the event, volunteers will light the wicks, setting the scene for skiers, snowshoers, and hikers.
“It’s really kind of a magical feeling of being in nature, when it’s dark outside, yet you have all these candles lining the trail. And when there’s snow on the ground, like we’re fortunate to have this year, it really gives that neat glow and atmosphere to the hike,” said Steve Strucely, Friends of Peninsula State Park Business Manager.
Candlelight hikes date back to the early 1990s at Peninsula State Park. Strucely tells FOX 11 the event ties in well with the recently-formed Department of Natural Resources initiative, called Out-Wi-Go.
“If you want to be active, you got to be willing to do the winter outdoor sports, and the state parks are a great place to be able to do that.”
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Strucely says he will be watching the forecast.
“The weather looks like it will be pretty good this weekend, and cooperate. So we’ll be able to have a good turnout.”
The event is free but a vehicle sticker is needed to get into the state park.
Those may be purchased at the Park Headquarters, or at a self-serve kiosk in the parking lot off Highland Road.
Donations to the Friends of Peninsula State Park are also being accepted.
