Winter Lantern- Lit Night Hikes in Michigan
2023-2024 Winter Night Hikes Throughout Michigan
Needing some extra motivation to get outside during these cold, long winter days in Michigan. Infuse a little winter wonderland magic as you embrace the season on a lantern lit night hike. After an extensive time spent researching, we found dozens of events featuring night hikes at Michigan State Parks, nature centers and Michigan recreation areas. Some hikes and events even correspond with the full moon and winter solstice. These magical lighted hikes are occurring all over Michigan and are perfect for families and children desiring to explore the beauty of Michigan in the winter.
So layer up and make the most of these picturesque snowy nights with an invigorating hike. It’s great exercise and you’ll gain a new appreciation and wonder at the hidden beauty all around us. Be amazed at the night sky, let your senses be heightened and stand in awe of God’s glorious creation.
Cost
Entrance to a Michigan State Park requires a Recreation Passport. Michigan residents can purchase a yearly pass for $13.00 with their vehicle registration. There's a $5 convenience fee (except for Belle Isle Park) when the Recreation Passport is not purchased at the time of your license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Non residents can purchase a daily pass for $11 and an annual pass for $39 ($40 after 1/1/24).
Some events are free, while others require a small fee and advanced registration. Remember winter can be fickle so double check prior to leaving to confirm the event is still happening based on weather and snowfall.
Map of Michigan Night Hikes
The easiest way to find a night hike near you is to click on the map. Their are additional details provided below. This trip map was created utilizing Wanderlog, which is a great resource for road trip planning on iOS and Android
This post may contain affiliate links that add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to help offset the cost of my blog.
Things to Bring
Flashlight or headlamp, layered warm clothing.
Cross-country Skis / Snowshoes
Yaktraxs Hiking Cleats for your shoes or Yaktraxs for your hiking boots help give traction on snow, ice, and rocks.
Island Lake State Recreation Area | Brighton
Lantern Lit Hikes
Date: Nov 25, Dec 23, 2023 ; Jan 20, Feb 24, 2024
Time: Hikes 6-9 pm
Starting Location: 1st parking lot Kent Lake Unit(go straight past toll booth on west side)
Another year of lantern-lit hikes are happening at Island Lake Recreation Area. Stroll, snowshoe or ski along parts of the one mile Hickory Ridge hiking trail, which has been lit by lanterns. Then enjoy the warming station, complete with a campfire and hot chocolate, near the end at Island Lake State Recreation Area. No headlamps needed, allow the lanterns and the moon to provide the light. Free event, no advanced registration needed. Hike anytime from 6-9pm. Dogs are allowed but need to be leashed at all times.
Burgess- Shadbush Nature Center | Shelby Twp.
Winter Solstice Hike and Bonfire
Date: Dec 21, 2023
Time: 6:30- 8:30pm
Starting Location: Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center
Cost: $3 resident, $5 nonresident
Come join a winter solstice hike, on the longest and darkest night of the year! Start the night under the full moon with a luminary lit night hike. Then warm yourself up by the fire with hot chocolate and explore solstice lore and traditions from across the world. Recommended for children ages 8+.
Owl Prowl
Date: Jan 28, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $3 resident, $5 nonresident
Enjoy a winter hike as the staff call wild owls and find out WHOOOO will call back? Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided with information about these amazing bird of prey. Recommended for children ages 5 +
Winter Luminaries
Date: Feb 11, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Come for a lantern-lit hike, hot chocolate, and stargazing. The Oakland Astronomy Club will provide an orientation of the winter skies and then will share their telescopes with everyone, weather dependent. All ages. Free
warm up at the bonfire
Outdoor Discovery Center | Holland
Holiday Winter Walk
Dates: Every Tuesday Nov 28, Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19, Dec 26, 2023, Jan 2, 2024
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Cost: Free
warm up at the bonfire
Enjoy the stars during holiday evenings with a night stroll along lantern lit trails. Gather your family and friends for this self guided hike through a sensory trail to see the starry night sky. Savor a warm beverages at the pavilion provided by ODC.
The Outdoor Discovery Center is a great place for families to visit with zip lines, nature playscapes, live animals, and nature programming. The best part is to enter it’s all FREE! Check it out here. There are also tons of winter programming from snow shoe hikes, pioneer days and crafts for additional fees, so check calendar dates of all the upcoming events.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park | Paradise
Snow Shoe and Skiing Event
Dates: Every Saturday in February; Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2024
Time: 6-8:30pm
Starting Location: Trail head located at the end of the Upper Falls parking area
Come join the self-guided snowshoeing hike on a 1-mile trail lit by over 70 kerosene lanterns. Each Saturday in February enjoy the beauty of the Upper Peninsula. Skiers are welcome, but no track will be set. Warm up by the bonfire, where refreshments will be provided. Snowshoes will be available to borrow, including children’s sizes, on a first-come-first-served basis. Snowshoes or cross country skis required to participate (wearing only winter boots pokes holes in the packed trail). Dogs are welcome on a leash. Check out there schedule here. They also have daytime Guided Snowshoe Hike (Upper Falls) Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 @ 2 pm. Strap on your snowshoes and experience a free guided hike by the Upper Falls.
Duncan Nature Preserve | Harbor Springs
Lantern Lit Hike
Date: Not Yet Posted
Time: 6-8:00pm
Starting Location: New Sault Ste. Marie Nature Preserve, Parking is available next to Buffalo Wild Wings.
Experience a winter lantern-lit hike at this new preserve. Co-sponsored by the OUTHouse Consortium and the Conservancy, this event will be held open house style. Come any time before 7:30pm to have enough time to get through the trail. More info and event registration here.
Ludington State Park | Ludington
Lantern Lit Trails
Dates: Dec 9, 2023 , Jan 6, Jan 20, Feb 3, Feb 17, March 2, 2024
Time: 6-8 pm
Starting Location: Warming Shelter
Lantern Lit hikes in Michigan
Lantern Lit hikes in Michigan
Imagine exploring a trail at night illuminated by lanterns. You can experience this magical lit trail at Ludington State Park, they offer these special events with a 1 mile lighted trail that winds by a beautiful wooded section near the Big Sable River. When you’re done hiking, warm yourself with hot cocoa and a bone fire located at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater. Come early to enjoy the sunset on Lake Michigan. Dogs are allowed on trails, but must be on a 6 foot leash.
Snowshoe for Free. Snowshoes can be borrowed from the state park, 60 pairs of snowshoes available (fits ages 8 up) on a first come, first serve basis. The trail is groomed for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. The park provides guided programs while you explore the outdoor trails through woods, over bridges and sand dunes. Throughout the winter these hikes start at the warming shelter, located near the parking lot entrance.
Check out the Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing Trails at Ludington State Park. Only an hour and half drive from Grand Rapids, Ludington is an wonderful winter getaway.
Mackinac Island | Mackinac Island
Twilight Turtle Trek
Dates: Jan 13 , Feb 3, March 2, 2024
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Starting Location: Greany Grove (corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road)
Experience the winter beauty of Mackinaw Island as you explore by moonlight among lanterns-lit ski and snowshoe trails. Start at Greany Grove, where they will have a warm bonfire and hot chocolate. The lantern lit trail is two miles long. Read more here
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park | Carp Lake
Lantern Lit Snowshoe Hike or Ski
Date: Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 17, Feb 24, 2024
Time: 6-9:00pm
Starting Location: Porkies Ski Hill: Meet at the White Tail parking lot, across from the ski hill entrance:
Enjoy this one-mile loop trail lit by nearly 70 kerosene lanterns. Wear your cross-country skis, snowshoes or if the snow is packed down you can wear your boots. Snowshoes are available, first come first served.
Save the date for Porkies Winter Carnival, plus check out their winter sports complex for more winter activities.
Van Riper State Park | Champion
Lantern Lit Ski & Snowshoe
Date: Not Yet Posted
Time: 7-9pm
Starting Location: Lighted Loop Trailhead
Van Riper will host the the Lantern-Lit Ski & Snowshoe at Blueberry Ridge! For one night, the lights will be shut off so only the kerosene lanterns will illuminate the way. The self-guided trail follows the 1.7 mile Lighted Loop through the snow-filled woods.
The trail will be groomed and track-set; please bring your skis or snowshoes. You will not be allowed onto the trail without skis or snowshoes on. There will be a limited supply of snowshoes available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Park staff will monitor conditions and cancel the event in the occurrence of inclement weather (severe storms/temperatures). Any cancellation will be posted on the Blueberry Ridge Facebook page.
The Highlands | Harbor Springs
Enchanted Trail
Dates: 2023-2024
December 9 | 15-17 | 22-31
January 1-7 | 12-14 | 19-21 | 26-28
February 2-4 | 9-11 | 16-25
Cost: $19/person
Starting Location: Check-In location is at the hut near the entrance to the Day Lodge parking lot.
The enchanted trail is a unique winter experience at the Highlands, part of Boyne Resort is a magical one and a half-mile roundtrip walk along a beautifully lit winter trail through the woods, where you’ll experience the soft warm glow of lights leading you to a rustic yurt where you can cozy up around a bonfire with s’mores and warm drinks! Make a new memory with this unique and special experience, December- February.
Seven Lakes State Park | Holly
Enchanted Borealis Hike
Dates: Dec 8, Dec 9, Dec 15, Dec 16, 2023
Time: 5-8pm
Starting Location: Dickinson Picnic Shelter
Enjoy four Enchanted Borealis Hikes in December at Seven Lakes State Park in Holly. The hike will take you through forest trails on a one mile path on hilly, uneven terrain through the woods all magically lit up with lanterns. Check prior on the Facebook page for weather conditions or cancellations. This is a free event although register in advance.
Ionia State Recreation Area | Ionia
Enchanted Borealis Hike
Dates: Dec 8, Dec 9, 2023
Time: 5-8 pm
Start Location: Beach Parking lot
Come join the beautiful night hike at the Ionia State Recreation area. There will be a community bonfire for everyone that participates. Enjoy roasting a marshmallow, although please bring your own smore supplies. The hiking trails will be lit with lanterns and lights; If cancelled, a sign will be posted at the beach parking lot. More info here.
Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo
Worm Moon Candlelight Night Hike
Date: Friday, Nov 10, 2023
Time: 6:30-9pm
Fee: $7 /Member, $10 /Non-Member, $4 /Member Child, $7/Non-Member Child, under 3- free
Registration: Required by March 17 at 6 pm for your preferred time slot
Starting Location : Sundial, KNC parking lot
Join the night hike when the full moon is shining on the Habitat Haven trail as you meander through the woods. March’s full Moon goes by the name Worm Moon, is the name for the full moon in March. It earns it’s name from the earthworms that appear as the soil warms and invite robins and other birds to feed—a true sign of spring!
This is 1 mile self-guided hike is on the most accessible trail. Grab a warm drinks at the start, but bring your own travel mug! Staggered start times in 20-minute increments will occur throughout the night.
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area | Metamora
Ski or Snowshoe Hike
Date: Jan 20, Feb 10, 2024
Time: 5:30 - 8:00PM
Starting location: Start at the Red Barn activity building near the camp store parking lot.
Grab your skis or snowshoes and explore a groomed trail through the park illuminated by candle light at night. Then warm up by the fire while you sip on a steaming hot refreshment Snow shoes are welcome to walk along side the groomed ski track as well. This will become a walking event if there is no snow.
Open to all ages. Bring your own skis or snowshoes. Skis and snowshoes will not be available to rent. No advanced registration required.
Hartwick Pines State Park| Grayling
Lantern Lit Snowshoe Hike
Date: Dec 16, Jan 13, Feb 3, Feb 24, March 9, 2024
Time: 5:30-8:30pm, except Feb 24 (8:00pm)
Starting Location: Visitor Center
The Old Growth Trail has been lit by lantern for this special even at Hartwick Pines State Park. The Logging Museum will have a bonfire to warm up after the hike. The Visitor Center will be open and several pairs of snowshoes are available on a first come, first serve basis. Other events at Hartwick Pines include guided snowshoe day hikes Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 10, March 16 @ 10am. Snowshoe building workshops Feb 17, 18; Jan 6, 7 and March 2, 3, 2024 from 9-4 and Full Moon Snowshoe Hike Feb 24 @ 8:00pm.
Mitchell State Park | Cadillac
Lantern Lit Snowshoe Hike
Dates: Dec 29, 2023; Jan 5, Jan 12, Jan 26, Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 16, 2024
Time: 6-9pm
Starting Location: Carl T Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center
Come out for a lantern- lit hike at Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center. After you enjoy the trails warm up at the campfire with some hot chocolate. Snowshoes are available to borrow or bring your own from home. Additional details can be found on their Facebook page.
Chippewa Nature Center | Midland
Snowshoe Hikes
Dates: Dec 27, Jan 4, Jan 16, Feb 6
Feb 22, Feb 27, 2024 Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Cost: Free, Ages 15+, under 18 w/adult
Starting Location: Visitor Center
Winter beauty will be all around on these winter snow shoe night hikes. Search for signs of animals, study tree and enjoy the night sky. Grab a headlamp or flashlight to bring. Visitor Center.
Advanced registration for snowshoes online or call 989.631.0830. The hike will be canceled if snow conditions are poor
Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
Hike the Lights
Dates: Every Night until Dec 17, 2023
Time: Sunset-10pm
Cost: Free
Enjoy the beauty of the night air as you hike along this beautiful lighted path at Muskegon Winter Sports Complex. With tons of winter sport activities from an ice skating path through the woods to a luge track. Check out all their fun winter activities.
Closing Thoughts
Experiencing winter in Michigan is lovely when everything is covered in a blanket of snow, these winter night hikes help create a peaceful and unique outdoor experience. Our hope is that you can find ways to embrace the beauty of winter in Michigan this season! Looking for more winter adventures in Michigan, visit Frankenmuth for holiday events.
If there are any winter hiking events that are not mentioned, please share and we will add them to the list! For more winter adventures and events at state parks, check the The MRN winter activities page.
Follow along at Discovering Anew on Facebook for more hiking, travel and camping adventures in Michigan and beyond. Remember camping reservations can be made 6 months in advance at Michigan DNR Reservations for State Parks, I highly recommend planning ahead for popular state parks. We’ve got tons of camping recommendations below.
