Winter Lantern- Lit Night Hikes in Michigan in 2024-2025
2023-2024 Winter Night Hikes Throughout Michigan
Venture outside into a Michigan winter wonderland this year as you enjoy a lantern lit night hike. After an extensive search, we’ve created a list of dozens of events featuring night hikes at Michigan State Parks, nature centers and Michigan recreation areas for the 2024-2025 winter season.
Some hikes include opportunities to snowshoe and cross country ski, while other events coordinate with the full moon, winter solstice and even Valentine’s Day. Don’t miss these magical lighted hikes, which are occurring all across Michigan. Make sure to save and pin this post! This unique winter activity is ideal for individuals, families and children desiring to experience the beauty of Michigan trails in a whole new light.
So bundle up, get some exercise and make the most of these picturesque snowy nights with an invigorating hike. Perhaps you’ll even gain a new appreciation for winter as you Inhale the crisp air, view the starry night sky and experience delight for God’s glorious creation.
COST Entrance to a Michigan State Park requires a Recreation Passport, which is $13.00 with their vehicle registration. Non residents $11/day or $40/year.
TIP Even if you do not have a recreation passport to get into Michigan State Parks, you can obtain a FREE one with your library card using a Michigan Activity Pass .
Some events are free, while others require a small fee and advanced registration. Remember winter weather can be quite fickle so before heading out confirm the event is still happening based on weather and snow conditions.
Map of Michigan Night Hikes
The easiest way to locate a night hike in your area is to click on the map. There 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 to give traction on snow, ice, and slipper surfaces.
Island Lake State Recreation Area | Brighton
Lantern Lit Hikes
Date: Dec 24, 2024; Jan 11, 2025, Feb 8, 2025, March 8, 2025
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. Free event, no advanced registration needed. Dogs are allowed.
Burgess- Shadbush Nature Center | Shelby Twp.
Winter Solstice Hike and Bonfire
Date: Dec 21, 2024
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. Warm yourself up by the fire with hot cocoa and explore solstice lore and traditions from across the world. Children ages 8+. Details here.
Owl Prowl
Date: Jan 24 & 25, 2025
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 WHOO will call back? Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided with info about these amazing bird of prey. Jan 24 ( adults only) Jan 25 (All ages). Find more info here.
Winter Luminaries
Date: Feb 18, 2025
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
Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center | Davison
Trail Of Lights
Time : 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Dates: Dec 7, 13, 14, 20, 22, 2024
Cost: Residents/ $4; Non-Resident/ $6
Take a carefree stroll under the lights throughout December in the evenings. Furry friends are welcome to come along on the walks. All ages are welcome. More info
Trail of Lights Wagon rides
Dates: December 8th & 15th, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 8:30pm
Cost: Resident/ $8 , Non-Resident/ $10 per
Enjoy a wagon ride through the lights, music, and pictures with Santa. Perfect for all ages.
Sleeper State Park | Caseville
Lantern Lit Snowshoe Hike
Date: Jan 25, 2025
Time: 5:30-8:00pm
Starting Location: Park in the day use area. The trail starts near the campground office.
Explore the trails via candlelight through the campground, candlestick, and old dunes nature trail. Cozy up at the campfire with hot cocoa and buttery popcorn. Bring your own skiing or snowshoeing equipment or rental can be obtained at at Port Austin Hardware Store.
Chippewa Nature Center | Midland
Winter Solstice Celebration Snowshoe Hikes
Dates: Dec 21, 2024
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Cost: Free, Ages 15+, under 18 w/adult
warm up at the bonfire
Starting Location: Visitor Center
For many centuries, gathering together with family and friends has been celebrated on the longest night of the year. Join others in creating a beeswax candle, miniature Yule log and an wreath to take home. Then enjoy a walk along the lighted Arbury Trail and warm up by the cozy fire.
Evening Snow Shoe Hikes
Dates: Jan 2, 7, 28, 2025 | Feb 13, 2025
Time: 5-6:30
Experience the charm and wonder of a winter night! Look for signs of animals, find tree silhouettes and enjoy the starry night sky. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Pre-register to make sure and reserve snowshoes online. Weather permitting. Event is FREE and is geared towards Ages 15 and up, under 18 w/adult.
Ionia State Recreation Area | Ionia
Enchanted Borealis Hike
Dates: Dec 13, Dec 14, 2024
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. 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
Valentine’s Candlelight Night Hikes
Date: Feb 14 & Feb 15, 2025
Time: 6-8pm
Fee: $9/Member, $12 /Non-Member, $5/Member Child, $10 for 2 or more/
Registration: Advanced Registration highly recommended
Starting Location : Sundial, KNC parking lot
Join the night hike through the lite forest trails. This is 1 mile self-guided hike is on the most accessible trail. Grab a warm drinks at the start or bring your own travel mug! Staggered start times will occur throughout the night. More info here.
Outdoor Discovery Center | Holland
Holiday Winter Walk
Dates: Tuesdays Dec 2, Dec 30, 2024
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Cost: Free
Enjoy the stars during holiday evenings with a night stroll along lantern lit trails. Gather friends for this self guided hike through a sensory trail to see the starry 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 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 so check the calendar for upcoming events.
Muskegon Winter Sports Complex | Muskegon
Hike the Lights
Dates: Nightly
Time: Sunset-10pm
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.
Ludington State Park | Ludington
Lantern Lit Trails
Dates: Jan 4, Jan 18, Feb 1, Feb 15, 2025
Time: 6-8 pm
Starting Location: Park at the lot at the end of the Amphitheater road near the Skyline Trail.
Lantern Lit hikes in Michigan
Despite the construction occurring at Ludington State Park, the Friends of Ludington State Park will be hosting lantern-lit events this winter utilizing the trail on the south side of the Big Sable River a the open southern part of the park. Follow the path marked with lit lanterns. When you’re done hiking, warm yourself with hot cocoa and a bone fire located at the Amphitheater. Leashed dogs are allowed on trails. For info visit here or https://friendsofludingtonstatepark.org.
Check out the Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing Trails at Ludington State Park. Only an hour and half drive from Grand Rapids, Ludington is a wonderful winter getaway.
Orchard Beach State Park | Manistee
Lantern Lit Hike
Dates: Jan 1, Jan 17, 2024 | Feb 1 , Feb 14, 2025
Time: 5-8pm
Starting Location: Dickinson Picnic Shelter
The Friends of Orchard Beach have several lantern lit night hikes planned this winter. Savor crips winter air on a half-mile lighted trail. After your hike warm yourself at the fireplace in the historic Shelter Building while sipping on a warm drink. This special event is open to all hikers, snowshoers, and xc skiers. No reservations needed.
Mitchell State Park | Cadillac
Lantern Lit Snowshoe Hike
Dates: Jan 3, 2025
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.
Ralph A MacMullan Conference Center | Roscommon
Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Getaway
Dates: Jan 24-26, 2025, Jan 31- Feb 2, 2025
Cost: $250, all-inclusive ticket is $250 and includes two nights of lodging, five meals, snowshoe rentals, and more!
This winter self-guided getaway is perfect for all, including couples and families desiring to embrace the best of Michigan winter. Includes five meals, two nights of cabin-style lodging and snowshoes. Email MacMullanCenter@michigan.gov or call 989-821-6200 to reserve a spot.
Natural Education Reserve | Traverse City
Winter Solstice Lantern-Lit Hike
Dates: Dec 15, 2024
Time: 5- 6:30 PM
Cost: Free
Starting Location: Grand Traverse Conservation District
Savor the beauty of the full moon on winter solstice while you walk along the lantern lit trail at the Natural Education Reserve. Weather permitting, there will be a limited number of snow shoes available for visitors. The event is free, but registration is required. Click here to register.
Mt. Sausba | Charlevoix
Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba
Dates: Every Friday, Dec 2024 - Feb 21, 2025
Time: 5-8pm
Starting Location: Hikes will start at the sledding hill parking lot.
Welcome winter as you journey on self-guided trail at Mt. McSauba. Follow the candle light trail and experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross country skiing. End this memorable night as you warm up at the fire with some hot cocoa. Starting Location. Routes can vary each week.
The Highlands | Harbor Springs
Enchanted Trail
Dates: 2024-2025
December 7 | 13-15 | 20-31
January 1-4 | 9-11 | 16-19| 23 -25 | 30-31
February 1 | 6-8 | 13-16 |20-22
Time : Varies, sign up ahead of time
Cost: $27/Adults, $20/Child
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, This magical one and a half-mile walk along a beautifully lit winter trail allows you to 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. Sign up here.
Moonlite Hike and Sleigh Ride Adventure
Time: 6:30
Cost: $49/ Adults, $35/Youth
Enjoy a magical star-filled night sky as you hike to North Peak. Outfitted with headlamps and snowshoes, trek your way on a guided walk to North Peak’s warming hut, where you will be delighted with kettle corn and hot cocoa to warm up with. Then head down the mountain on a exhilarating sleigh ride. More info here.
Mackinac Island | Mackinac Island
Twilight Turtle Trek
Dates: Jan 11, 2025 | Feb 1, 2025 | March 1, 2025
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
Fayette Historic State Park | Garden
Lantern-lit Hike
Date: Jan 25, 2025
Time: 6-8pm
Starting Location: Visitors are asked to park in the Visitor Center parking lot. From there, a friendly fire will mark your starting point.
Enjoy an old fashion experience on Bluff Trail as you cross country ski, snowshoe, or hike through the crips night air with kerosene lanterns lighting the way! Warm up with hot chocolate around a cozy campfire afterwards. No reservations are needed. Bundle up for this fun event and bring your own skis or snowshoes.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park | Carp Lake
Lantern Lit Snowshoe Hike or Ski
Date: Jan 25, 2025 | Feb 1, Feb 8, Feb 15, 2025
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. Additional details here.
Save the date for Porkies Winter Carnival, plus check out their winter sports complex events.
Closing Thoughts
Experience Michigan magic when everything is covered in a lovely blanket of snow. Add these hikes to your winter outdoor activities. and 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 then with us and we will add them to the list 2024-2025 Michigan Winter Hiking Guide! Make sure to Save and Pin for Later. 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.
