February 2009 Events at Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Trails
Watchable Wildlife Opportunities and Interpretive Programs

Note: Events and times may change due to weather and other factors beyond our control; please call ahead. Most events are free of charge; State Parks Vehicle Admission Sticker required unless stated otherwise. Check at the park office for additional events not listed.

Take a moonlight hike in a state park or forest when there's a full moon.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Black River State Forest, Black R. Falls, (715) 284-4103 - Candlelight Ski.
Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe. Ski the John Minix or Willow Springs trails or take the snowshoe/hiking trail that meanders a maple forest. Enjoy a fire at the warming shelter. Roast marshmallows and have hot chocolate while supporting the Friends of Blue Mound. Sponsored by Friends of Blue Mound State Park. The candlelight events will start at the trailhead in the pool parking lot. 6-9 p.m.
Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike. A candlelight ski/hike through the woods and around Quarry Lake. Refreshments served by the Friends of Harrington Beach State Park. Sponsored by Friends of Harrington Beach and Northern Cross Science Foundation. Trail head at Adolph and Marie Ansay Welcome Center. 6-9 p.m.
Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or <a href='mailto:judy.klippel@wi.gov'>e-mail</a> - Family Hike: Shh! Listen. During our hike, we'll listen for the sounds of nature--wind through the trees, the crunch of our feet through the snow, even the rustle of the dried grass. It's amazing what we can discover if we are quiet and we listen. New in 2009! Spend an hour on a family-friendly hike through Havenwoods. We'll use magnifiers, binoculars, and super-duper outdoor lookers to spend the morning in nature. 10:30-11:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit , Campbellsport, (262) 626-2116 - Candlelight Ski.
Mirror Lake State Park , Baraboo, (608) 254-2333 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe. There will be 2 miles of trail lighted for skiing and 1 mile for hiking and snowshoeing. Come and join us for a fun-filled, relaxing night! The friends group will have food and beverages for sale and two roaring bonfires to relax and warm by. Sponsored by Friends of Mirror Lake State Park. 6-8 p.m.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or <a href='mailto:judy.klippel@wi.gov'>e-mail</a> - Preschool Storytime: Nature’s Night Light. The moon looks different every night! Celebrate our changing neighbor! Take a look at moon maps and imagine frogs, polar bears, and cheese! This program is for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult, not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or <a href='mailto:judy.klippel@wi.gov'>e-mail</a> - Discovery Saturday: Become a Nature Detective. Test your detective skills with some animal mystery boxes before you head outside and see what mysteries you can find. These activities are for everyone! Just drop in the building anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to participate in the fun. No admission sticker required.
Interstate State Park , St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Candlelight Hike, Ski, and Snowshoe. 6-9 p.m.
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Valentine Candlelight Ski and Hike. Celebrate Valentine's Day a bit early while enjoying the winter wonderland at night with family and friends. Ski or hike the 2-mile cross-country trail lit by almost 200 tiki torches. Warm up afterwards by the fireplace. Refreshments will be available in the heated shelter building. Please, no pets or sleds allowed. Cross-country Ski Trail. 6-9 p.m.
Lake Kegonsa State Park , Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 or e-mail - Valentines Day Candlelight Ski. Spend a beautiful winter evening cross country skiing along 2 miles of wooded and prairie trails, which will be lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. When you are finished, warm up by the bonfire. Grills will be available to cook on. The park friends group will provide drinks and baked goods. Sorry, no pets are allowed on ski trails. This event is snow and weather conditions permitting. 6-9 p.m.
Newport State Park, (920) 854-2500 or e-mail - 18th Annual Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe. Experience Newport State Park in a different light. Ski, hike, or snowshoe on a 1-mile trail lit by homemade candles. A bonfire, refreshments and lit grills will greet participants at the end of the trail. Meet at the picnic area by parking lot 3, near the Fern/Europe Bay Trail. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Peshtigo River State Forest, Crivitz, (715) 757-3965 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski along the Peshtigo River. Ski 2 miles of groomed trail along the Peshtigo River lit by beautiful candle luminaries. If you don't ski, there will be 1-mile of candlelit trail for hikers. Warming fires and hot chocolate will be provided. Spring Rapids Trailhead, 5 miles west of Crivitz on County Road W to Kirby Lake Lane. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or <a href='mailto:judy.klippel@wi.gov'>e-mail</a> - Winter NatureFest - Winter is for the Birds. Meet the birds of winter and find out how they survive the cold. Learn how to give them a helping hand by making bird feeders and how to stock them with healthy food choices. Join us for hikes, nature activities, crafts, and lots of fun indoors and out. This festival is for all ages. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. No admission sticker required.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or <a href='mailto:judy.klippel@wi.gov'>e-mail</a> - Preschool Storytime: Let’s See Your Teeth. Smile and say "Ahhhh!" We’ll take a close look at our teeth and the teeth of some wild animals. Touch real skulls and discover how animals use their teeth. This program is for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult, not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz, (715) 757-3979 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski and Hike. An easy 1-mile candlelit trail groomed for both diagonal striding and skate skiing weaves through the woods. Non-skiers are welcome to hike another 1-mile candlelit trail with scenic views over Woods Lake. Hikers and pets are not allowed on the ski trail, but are welcome on the hiking trail. A warming fire and hot chocolate will be available for everyone. A vehicle admission sticker is required and can be purchased at the park office. Meet at the Woods Lake Picnic Area. 6-9 p.m.
Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or <a href='mailto:judy.klippel@wi.gov'>e-mail</a> - Wildlife in Need - Helping Wisconsin Wildlife. Havenwoods welcomes the staff from the Wildlife in Need Center. Visit with a variety of Wisconsin wildlife and find out about human and wildlife interactions. This free l event is for people of all ages. 10-11 a.m.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Boulder Junction, (715) 542-3923 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski-Hike-Snowshoe. Enchanting wooded trails, great people, warm cozy fires. Raven trails will be lit by hundreds of candles—1.5- and 3-mile loops for skiing and a 1-mile loop for hiking and snowshoeing. Meet at the Clear Lake Ranger Station off Woodruff Road and the Raven Ski Trail. 6-9 p.m.

For more information, ask Wisconsin State Parks, (608) 266-2181.

Last Revised: Monday November 17 2008

February 2009 Events at Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Trails Watchable Wildlife Opportunities and Interpretive Programs