Several Minnesota State Parks Offering Romantic ‘Candlelight Events’ For Valentine’s Day

If you and your special someone are both lovers of the outdoors, here's an interesting idea for a Valentine's Day date night from the Minnesota DNR.

A total of 9 different Minnesota State Parks will be hosting special candlelight hikes or other candlelit events on Valentine's Day this year, mixing some of Minnesota's most beautiful spaces with some romantic lighting for a memorable evening activity.

Each participating park has a slightly different plan for these candlelight events. They all involve spending time exploring the outdoor spaces of the park, but some include things like hot cocoa, bonfires, or s'mores as part of the outing.

Aside from the required vehicle permit that you'd need to visit any state park throughout the year, these events are all free to attend.

READ MORE: What To Know About Minnesota's Annual 'Kites On Ice' Festival This February

Here's a look at the various Valentine's Day candlelight events planned for this year:

2026 Minnesota State Park Valentine's Day Candlelight Events

Forestville Mystery Cave State Park is welcoming guests from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm to enjoy a 1.5-mile candlelit hike through the park's wilderness and along the river. Telescopes will also be available to check out the night sky, and hot chocolate and cookies will be waiting at the picnic shelter.

Glacial Lakes State Park will have lantern-lit trails available for hiking from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm and, if the weather cooperates, local astronomy experts will be on site to point out some of the cool things in the night sky. Bonfires, apple cider, and cookies will be available to enjoy.

Glendalough State Park is hosting a candlelight hike from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm. A mile of trail will be lit, with snowshoes available for rent and free hot cider and a bonfire to enjoy as part of your evening.

Gooseberry Falls State Park is welcoming visitors for an illuminated evening hike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe adventure that starts at the visitor center between the hours of 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. A bonfire with marshmallows will be available at the Lady Slipper Amphitheater, and cookies and hot beverages will be waiting at the visitor center. Park officials do note that traction devices are a good idea due to icy conditions.

Itasca State Park will be lighting the half-mile Headwaters Trail for an evening stroll to the Mississippi Headwaters from 5:30 pm until 8 pm. The on-site cafe will be open with hot beverages, food, and live music available, and a mid-trail bonfire will be waiting for you to warm up on your walk.

Jay Cooke State Park will welcome visitors from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm looking to hike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe along the 1.8-mile candlelit round trip, with a shorter option also available. Park officials encourage you to bring your own mug for hot chocolate (they'll have disposable cups available if you forget yours) and fires to warm up by. You can bring your own marshmallows for roasting if you'd like.

Lake Bemidji State Park is hosting a twilight candlelight ski event, offering a unique cross-country skiing outing along the park's groomed trails from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm. A bonfire and marshmallows will be available near the dining hall, and live music and refreshments will be at the visitor center.

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Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is hosting a candlelight event from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm with nearly 2 miles of trail lit by candles on the side of the trail. There will be a one-mile loop and a separate one-mile out-and-back trail. While you can wear boots or bring your own snowshoes, a limited number of snowshoes are available for rent. There will also be a bonfire, hot chocolate, and cider to enjoy.

Wild River State Park will have 6 miles of trails lit by candles, welcoming walkers and snowshoers to enjoy from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. An "enormous" bonfire will be at the trail center, along wth refreshments, live music, and a telescope to gaze into the night sky.

Now, to be fair, you can also come with friends, bring your kids, and enjoy this event any way you'd like. You don't have to make it a couples-only thing. The Minnesota DNR also has a few other candlelight events besides Valentine's Day planned for this winter!

Other Minnesota State Parks 2026 Winter Candlelight Events

A total of 18 candlelight events are planned for the month of February, with half of them scheduled for Valentine's Day.

The remaining 9 events are spread throughout the month, with the first of the series on February 7 at Afton State Park, and the last three of the month scheduled for February 28 at various parks.

You can see the full schedule and get all of the details about each of them on the Minnesota DNR's candlelight events page.