Wisconsin State Parks Celebrate The Season With Fall Candlelight Hikes
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources invites the public to attend candlelight hikes, fall festivals and other seasonal events being held throughout October and November at Wisconsin’s state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas.
With scenic drives and thousands of miles of trails to explore, the Wisconsin State Park System offers some of the best fall color viewing in the state.
"When evenings cool and nights grow longer, park staff embrace the changing seasons with the warm glow of candles, toasty bonfires and tasty s’mores," said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Parks and Recreation Management director. "Looping around the forest on illuminated trails is a memorable experience for visitors of all ages."
Candlelight hikes are held on trails illuminated by candles, torches or similar light sources. Hikes may be self-guided or led by park staff or knowledgeable volunteers. Trail length and surface types can vary, however, visitors of all experience levels are encouraged to attend.
Most events include additional activities such as pumpkin carving, campfires and other family-friendly entertainment. Hot chocolate, cider and other refreshments will be available for sale or by donation. Some events will have grills for cooking food or fires for roasting marshmallows.
Many candlelight events are organized by Friends Groups, which provide much of the volunteer labor needed for successful candlelight events. Volunteers may set out the lanterns, tend a campfire, help serve s’mores or assist in other ways. If you are interested in volunteering at a candlelight event or other state park events this fall, visit the Volunteer Impact System webpage and search the word "event" or contact a Friends Group.
The DNR's Events calendar has a full list of fall candlelight hikes and other upcoming seasonal events.
Unless otherwise noted, most properties will require a 2026 Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass. A state park daily admission pass may be available for checkout at your local library; check the DNR website for a list of participating libraries.
The DNR is asking participants to help maintain safe and accessible events. Staff remind visitors to park vehicles in designated areas only and wear bright-colored clothing or use glow sticks to be more easily seen.
This time of year, parking and restroom facilities may be limited due to seasonal staffing and weather. For more information on park properties and locations, visit the Find a Park Webpage.
As warm weather winds down and people are setting out for one last fall adventure, parkgoers are reminded that everyone is invited and welcomed at Wisconsin’s state parks, forests and recreation areas. The Wisconsin State Park System continues to partner with The Unity Folks on the mission to provide safe and inclusive outdoor spaces in Wisconsin’s outdoors.
2026 Fall Candlelight And Festival Event Schedule
Additional events may be added throughout the season.
Saturday, Oct. 10
- Governor Dodge State Park Candlelight Hike
- Wildcat Mountain State Park Fall Fest
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit, Leaf Stomp
- Potawatomi State Park, Run Wild
Friday, Oct. 16
- Lakeshore State Park, Strolling Lakeshore At Sunset
Saturday, Oct. 17
- 400 State Trail Spooktacular Bike or Hike
- Mirror Lake State Park Halloween Mystery Candlelight Hike
- New Glarus Woods State Park Fall Bonfire
- Lake Kegonsa State Park Candlelight Hike
- Hartman Creek State Park Pumpkin Hike
Sunday, Oct. 18
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit, Tree Trunk Or Treat
Wednesday, Oct. 21
- Lakeshore State Park Halloween Beach Bonfire
Friday, Oct. 23
- Havenwoods State Forest Autumn Adventure Day
Saturday, Oct. 24
- Buckhorn State Park Fall Fest
- Devil’s Lake State Park Halloween Extravaganza
- Straight Lake State Park Fall Candlelight Hike
Thursday, Oct. 29
- Newport State Park Halloween Nature Hike
Saturday, Oct. 31
- Devil’s Lake State Park Halloween Nature Trivia Walk
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit Nature Adventures, Spooktacular
Operations of the Wisconsin State Park System (WSPS) rely almost entirely on user fees generated by camping reservations, admission and trail pass fees and concession and merchandise sales. These funds directly support the operation and maintenance of outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resource protection on more than 125 state-owned properties.
The resources available to maintain the WSPS have not kept pace with increasing visitation and costs to operate, including increases in utility fees and supplies, resulting in a continuous decline in the department’s ability to maintain these properties.
Sustainable and stable funding for the WSPS would allow for adequate resources to maintain and operate properties, improving access to outdoor recreation on public lands.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
