Let’s chat about one of my favorite things to do in winter: Hike…in the dark…in the snow!
I know I sound crazy, but it is one of the most relaxing experiences, especially when the snow is gently falling. Add darkness + lanterns or candlelight, and the experience is even more magical.
I’m hopeful the list below of 2021 night hikes in Michigan inspires you to bundle up and just embrace the winter with the kids — I promise if you pretend to love the cold, they will learn to love it too 😉
If hiking during the day it more your thing, check out one of these trails in SE Michigan and beyond.
Otherwise, I’ll be adding to this list as events come up, so let me know if you discover any! These are family-friendly, but if you’d rather hike as a couple, these would make for a great date night as well.
As always, make sure to double check that these events are ON before traveling, especially with unpredictable Michigan weather. Also, many of these require pre-registration, so set a reminder so you don’t miss out!
NOTE: If you do not have a recreation passport, you can rent one for FREE with your library card through the Michigan Activity Pass program!
2021 Night Hikes In Michigan
January 1: Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba {Charlevoix}
09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix, MI 49720
Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails on a candlelight hike at Mt. McSauba in Charlevoix from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays in January and February. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey. Follow the candlelight to a roaring fire and hot chocolate. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot. FREE. Learn more here.
January 1: Mackinac Island Turtle Trek {Mackinac Island}
Visit the island for a lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island’s natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greany Grove {corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road} with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and approximately two miles long. FREE. Learn more here.
January 8: Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba {Charlevoix}
09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix, MI 49720
Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails on a candlelight hike at Mt. McSauba in Charlevoix from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays in January and February. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey. Follow the candlelight to a roaring fire and hot chocolate. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot. FREE. Learn more here.
January 9: Evening Snowshoe Hike at Stony Creek Metropark {Shelby Township}
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Adventure to Stony Creek Metropark from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. for an evening of braving the frigid forest on snowshoe. Along the way, learn about local history, winter wildlife, and explore the park from a new point of view. Adventurers will enjoy a warm campfire after a one-mile hike in the woods. Ages 10 and up. $5 per person. Learn more here.
January 15: Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba {Charlevoix}
09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix, MI 49720
Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails on a candlelight hike at Mt. McSauba in Charlevoix from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays in January and February. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey. Follow the candlelight to a roaring fire and hot chocolate. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot. FREE. Learn more here.
January 21: Explore the Night {Jackson}
3225 4th St., Jackson, MI 48203
Join Ella Sharp Museum and the Dahlem Center for a wonderful night under the stars starting at 6 p.m.! The night walk will be led by Dahlem Naturalist Educator Carrie Benham. Afterwards, Ella Sharp will be providing guided telescope observing of the planets, watch the stars come out, and many other celestial wonders. Telescope observing is dependent on clear skies. $8 for members (either Dahlem or Ella) / $10 for non-members. Learn more here.
January 22: Waterloo Recreation Area Lantern Hike {Chelsea}
Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118
Visit the park between 7 and 9 p.m. and embrace a pure Michigan winter with a free healthy, lantern-lit trail adventure. A .5-mile loop will be lit for cross-country skiers {unless snow levels prevent skiing} and a .5-mile loop for walking and snowshoeing will be lit. Pre-registration is required this year with specific arrival times for each household. For more information and to register, please call the Eddy Discovery Center at 734-475-3170. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
January 22: Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba {Charlevoix}
09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix, MI 49720
Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails on a candlelight hike at Mt. McSauba in Charlevoix from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays in January and February. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey. Follow the candlelight to a roaring fire and hot chocolate. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot. FREE. Learn more here.
January 23: Candlelight Trails Under the Wolf Moon at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute {Big Rapids}
701 W. Cloverdale Rd., Big Rapids, MI 49058
Take an evening to enjoy the quiet, peaceful sounds and sights of winter at night along candlelit trails. Choose between a half mile and a two mile trail loop,weaving through prairies, forests, and wetlands. Wrap up the evening with a grab-and-go snack and a take home activity kit. If weather conditions permit, a limited number of snowshoes will be available. Participants must select a start time when registering and space is limited to 50 participants per start time. Pre-registration by Friday, January 22 is required. Learn more here.
January 28: Hudson Mills Metropark Full Wolf Moon Hike {Dexter}
4800 Dexter-Pinckney Rd., Dexter, MI
Take a walk in the full moon light at Hudson Mills Metropark from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. During this one-mile guided hike, you’ll discover some moon lore and myths as we explore the park on the nature trails. During this time of the year, the trails could be snow covered and icy. We will be walking in low flashlight and moon light. If you have them, bring binoculars to view the moon up close and a flashlight wrapped with red cellophane. Social distancing and face coverings are required. Ages 10 and up. $5 per person. Learn more here.
January 29: For-Mar Nature Preserve Full Moon Hike {Burton}
2142 N. Genesee Rd., Burton, MI
Hike at For-Mar under the magical glow of the full moon! Join a naturalist for a full moon hike and see firsthand how beautiful and peaceful the park is after dark. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes or boots. This hike is approximately 2 miles in length. The trail has some small hills and exposed roots. $5/person. All ages welcome. Pre-registration required by 1/28/21 and space is limited to 20 participants. Register here.
January 29: Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba {Charlevoix}
09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix, MI 49720
Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails on a candlelight hike at Mt. McSauba in Charlevoix from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays in January and February. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey. Follow the candlelight to a roaring fire and hot chocolate. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot. FREE. Learn more here.
February 5: Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba {Charlevoix}
09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix, MI 49720
Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails on a candlelight hike at Mt. McSauba in Charlevoix from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays in January and February. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey. Follow the candlelight to a roaring fire and hot chocolate. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot. FREE. Learn more here.
February 6: Mackinac Island Turtle Trek {Mackinac Island}
Visit the island for a lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island’s natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greany Grove {corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road} with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and approximately two miles long. FREE. Learn more here.
February 6: Tahquamenon Falls State Park Lantern Hike {Paradise}
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Visit this state park every Saturday in February from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening in the snow with a lantern-lit snowshoe trail. The trail is illuminated with over 70 kerosene lanterns and loops through the beautiful winter forest. The trail begins and ends near the upper falls trailhead located at the end of the upper falls parking area. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required to participate. Check our Facebook page for event updates. Pre-registration is required and will become available January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
February 6: Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area Candlelight Cross-Country Ski {Metamora}
3871 Herd Road, Metamora, MI 48455
Visit this state park between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to enjoy an evening of cross-country skiing on a groomed trail illuminated by candles. Snowshoers are welcome to walk alongside the groomed ski track as well. Participants should bring skis or snowshoes and dress for the weather. {Check out rental opportunities through Arrive Outdoors if you do not have equipment}. If there is a lack of snow this will become a hike. Pre-registration is required this year and will become available January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
February 6: Evening Snowshoe Hike at Stony Creek Metropark {Shelby Township}
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Adventure to Stony Creek Metropark from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. for an evening of braving the frigid forest on snowshoe. Along the way, learn about local history, winter wildlife, and explore the park from a new point of view. Adventurers will enjoy a warm campfire after a one-mile hike in the woods. Ages 10 and up. $5 per person. Learn more here.
February 12: Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba {Charlevoix}
09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix, MI 49720
Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails on a candlelight hike at Mt. McSauba in Charlevoix from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays in January and February. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey. Follow the candlelight to a roaring fire and hot chocolate. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot. FREE. Learn more here.
February 13: Tahquamenon Falls State Park Lantern Hike {Paradise}
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Visit this state park every Saturday in February from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening in the snow with a lantern-lit snowshoe trail. The trail is illuminated with over 70 kerosene lanterns and loops through the beautiful winter forest. The trail begins and ends near the upper falls trailhead located at the end of the upper falls parking area. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required to participate. Check our Facebook page for event updates. Pre-registration is required and will become available January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
February 18: Explore the Night {Jackson}
3225 4th St., Jackson, MI 48203
Join Ella Sharp Museum and the Dahlem Center for a wonderful night under the stars starting at 6 p.m.! The night walk will be led by Dahlem Naturalist Educator Carrie Benham. Afterwards, Ella Sharp will be providing guided telescope observing of the planets, watch the stars come out, and many other celestial wonders. Telescope observing is dependent on clear skies. $8 for members (either Dahlem or Ella) / $10 for non-members. Learn more here.
February 19: Waterloo Recreation Area Lantern Hike {Chelsea}
Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118
Visit the park between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and embrace a pure Michigan winter with a free healthy, lantern-lit trail adventure. A .5-mile loop will be lit for cross-country skiers {unless snow levels prevent skiing} and a .5-mile loop for walking and snowshoeing will be lit. Pre-registration is required this year with specific arrival times for each household. For more information and to register, please call the Eddy Discovery Center at 734-475-3170. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
February 19: Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba {Charlevoix}
09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix, MI 49720
Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails on a candlelight hike at Mt. McSauba in Charlevoix from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays in January and February. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey. Follow the candlelight to a roaring fire and hot chocolate. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot. FREE. Learn more here.
February 20: Tahquamenon Falls State Park Lantern Hike {Paradise}
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Visit this state park every Saturday in February from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening in the snow with a lantern-lit snowshoe trail. The trail is illuminated with over 70 kerosene lanterns and loops through the beautiful winter forest. The trail begins and ends near the upper falls trailhead located at the end of the upper falls parking area. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required to participate. Check our Facebook page for event updates. Pre-registration is required and will become available January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
February 26: Seven Lakes State Park Lantern Hike {Holly}
14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly, MI 48442
Visit the park between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. for a self-guided lantern-lit hike through the snow covered forests of Seven Lakes State Park. There will be 1.5 miles of trail lit with lanterns to guide visitors over forested hills. The trail will start and finish at the Dickinson Picnic Shelter. Pre-registration is required this year and will become available February 1. Visit HERE. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
February 26: Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba {Charlevoix}
09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix, MI 49720
Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails on a candlelight hike at Mt. McSauba in Charlevoix from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays in January and February. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey. Follow the candlelight to a roaring fire and hot chocolate. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot. FREE. Learn more here.
February 27: Tahquamenon Falls State Park Lantern Hike {Paradise}
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Visit this state park every Saturday in February from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening in the snow with a lantern-lit snowshoe trail. The trail is illuminated with over 70 kerosene lanterns and loops through the beautiful winter forest. The trail begins and ends near the upper falls trailhead located at the end of the upper falls parking area. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required to participate. Check our Facebook page for event updates. Pre-registration is required and will become available January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
February 27: Evening Snowshoe Hike at Stony Creek Metropark {Shelby Township}
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Adventure to Stony Creek Metropark from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. for an evening of braving the frigid forest on snowshoe. Along the way, learn about local history, winter wildlife, and explore the park from a new point of view. Adventurers will enjoy a warm campfire after a one-mile hike in the woods. Ages 10 and up. $5 per person. Learn more here.
March 6: Mackinac Island Turtle Trek {Mackinac Island}
Visit the island for a lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island’s natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greany Grove {corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road} with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and approximately two miles long. FREE. Learn more here.
March 18: Explore the Night {Jackson}
3225 4th St., Jackson, MI 48203
Join Ella Sharp Museum and the Dahlem Center for a wonderful night under the stars starting at 6 p.m.! The night walk will be led by Dahlem Naturalist Educator Carrie Benham. Afterwards, Ella Sharp will be providing guided telescope observing of the planets, watch the stars come out, and many other celestial wonders. Telescope observing is dependent on clear skies. $8 for members (either Dahlem or Ella) / $10 for non-members. Learn more here.
Other Ideas for Winter Fun
In addition to lantern hikes, check out this post full of winter fun, including snow tubing, sledding hills, and more. Don’t forget about winter disc golfing and ice fishing, too!
What types of activities help your family get outside and embrace winter?
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