Winter Lantern- Lit Night Hikes in Michigan in 2025-2026
2025-2026 Winter Night Hikes Throughout Michigan
Looking for a little extra motivation to get outside during Michigan’s cold, long winter days? Add a touch of winter wonder by embracing the season on a lantern-lit night hike. After extensive research, we discovered dozens of night hike events hosted at Michigan state parks, nature centers, and recreation areas. Here is the current 2025–2026 list of night hikes in Michigan for you to explore.
Some hikes are even timed with the full moon or the winter solstice, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience. These illuminated winter hikes take place all across Michigan and are perfect for families and children eager to discover the beauty of the state in winter.
So bundle up and take advantage of these picturesque, snowy nights with an invigorating hike. It’s a great way to stay active and gain a fresh appreciation for the hidden beauty that surrounds us. Gaze at the night sky, awaken your senses, and stand in awe of 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: Jan 3 & 31; Feb 28, 2026
Time: 6-9 PM for all Lantern Hikes, except 2/28 will start at 7 PM because each day keeps getting lighter
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. Free event, no advanced registration needed. Dogs are allowed.
Holliday Nature Preserve | Westland
Date: Jan 8, 2026
Time: 7:00 -8:30 PM
Start Location: Nankin Mills Interpretive Center/ Firepit
Cost: The cost is $5 per person ($6 per person if out of county) and is recommended for ages five and older.
This naturalist led hike through the Holliday Nature Preserve promises quiet of the winter woods as you listen to tales from our naturalists. Hike 1.5 miles, along small hills on a snow covered trail and boardwalk trail. Flashlights will help your nighttime vision. Pre-registration is required (734) 261-1990
Burgess- Shadbush Nature Center | Shelby Twp.
Date: Feb 7, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Starting Location: Burgess-Shadbush Nature
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. All ages. Free
Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center | Davison
Twilight Trail
Time : 6-8:00 pm
Dates: Feb 13, 2026
Start Location: Karen Miller Event Center
Come out and see the Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center hiking trails lit up in the winter, during the Twilight Trail self guide hike. There will be a beautiful lantern-lit trail to hike with a campfire and hot chocolate available to buy. No registration required. Additional programs like Owl Prowl are occurring on January 10, 2026 from 5:00 pm–6:30 pm, so check their calendar.
Sleeper State Park | Caseville
Date: Jan 24, 2026
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 & snowshoeing equipment or rentals can be obtained at Port Austin Hardware Store.
Chippewa Nature Center | Midland
Dates: Thursday, Feb 12, 2026
Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Cost: Free
warm up at the bonfire
Starting Location: Visitor Center
Enjoy a crisp winter walk along the Trail and warm up by the cozy fire. Ages 9+, under 18 w/adult | Register by Feb 11.
Kalamazoo Nature Center | Kalamazoo
Date: Jan 24 & Feb 28, 2026
Time: 2 pm
Starting Location : Visitor center front desk
All ages welcome on a guided hike through our favorite trail areas. Each winter month will feature a different trail. Cost: Member free, $12 /Non-Member, $10
Outdoor Discovery Center | Holland
Winter Snowshoe Hike (at Dragonflies)
Dates: Thursday Feb 12, 2026
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Cost: Free
Start Location: Dragonflies Preschool parking lot
We are partnering with Park Township to offer a snowshoe hike. Hikers will explore the natural areas surrounding Cooper-Van Wieren Park in wooden, Ojibwa-style snowshoes. The snowshoes are ideal for people aged 8 years and up. Participants are welcome to wear their own snowshoes and/or bring a sled for little ones to be pulled while hiking. The Outdoor Discovery Center is ideal 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.
Muskegon Winter Sports Complex | Muskegon
Dates: Nightly
Time: Sunset-10pm
Enjoy the beauty of the night air as you hike, snowshoe or cross country ski 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. Trail Passes and rentals are available at the Winter Sports Complex.
Ludington State Park | Ludington
Lantern Lit Trails
Dates: Dec 13, 2025, Jan 10 & 24, Feb 7 & 21, March 7, 2026
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.
Mitchell State Park | Cadillac
Lantern Lit Snowshoe Hike
Dates: January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; February 6 & 13, 2026
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: January 7-9 , 2026 3:00 PM
Start/ End: 3:00pm
Cost: $375 per person (or $355 if you share a room) all-inclusive which includes two nights of lodging, five meals, snowshoe rentals, and more!
This winter self-guided getaway is perfect for all looking to embrace adventure during Michigan’s winter weather. Includes five meals, two nights of cabin-style lodging and snowshoe rental. Email MacMullanCenter@michigan.gov or call 989-821-6200 to reserve a spot.
Grass River Natural Area | Bellaire
Date: Friday, Jan 9, 2026
Time: 6:30pm
Cost: $5/person
Enjoy a self-guided lantern-lit hike, or an evening ski or snowshoe on GRNA's trails & boardwalks if there is snow. There will be a campfire at the Center pavilion & the heated building will be open & staffed. Click for more information
Hickory Meadows | Traverse City, MI
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 5pm – 8pm
Cost: This event has a registration fee of $5 per person. 12 and under are free.
Bring your friends on a lanterns guided path on this unforgettable winter night. Dress warm and prepare for a quite night of beauty as you enjoy the moon and stars.
Mt. Sausba | Charlevoix
Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba
Dates: Every Friday, Dec 12, 2025 - Feb 18, 2026
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.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park | Paradise
Lantern-Lit Snowshoe Hikes & Guided Snowshoe Hikes
Dates: Every Saturday in February 2026
Time: Lantern-Lit Snowshoe Hikes: 6 – 8 pm
Guided Snowshoe Hikes: 2 – 3 pm (Join a park ranger on our 1-mile snowshoe trail)
Starting Location: Meet at the Fact Shack
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a winter paradise. Winter 2026 Snowshoe loop Hikes & Lantern-lit Trail allow stunning views of the Upper Falls in full winter glory. After a cozy bonfire, head to the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub for an extended social time. Come and borrow a free pair of snowshoes or take part in a guided afternoon snowshoe hike. There is a 1-mile lantern-lit snowshoe trail, along with a 4-mile groomed cross country ski trail, marked snowshoe trails, and a packed walking trail to view the falls without snowshoes.
Mackinac Island | Mackinac Island
Dates: Jan 10 & 31, Feb 28, 2026
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
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!
Waterloo Recreation Area | Chelsea, MI
Self-led Snowshoe Hikes
Dates: Jan 17, Jan 31, 2026
Time: 10:00am
Winter Orienteering
Date: Sunday, Feb 1, 2026
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Start Location: Eddy Discovery Center
Cost: $2/person or $5/family.
Winter Orienteering & Snowshoe hikes are wonderful ways to savor winter at Waterloo Recreation Area. The trails are well groomed and draw families from the area. 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: Every Saturday, Jan 25 - Feb 22, 2026
Every Saturday the lanterns will be lit from 6-8 p.m., running from January 25 to February 22.
Time: 6-8:00pm
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.
Van Riper State Park | Negaunee
Date: Jan 9, 2026
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Starting Location: Michigan Iron Industry Museum
Featuring something new for 2026, the lanterns are leading the way somewhere new. Rather than a traditional park trail, this snowshoe hike winds through the grounds of the Michigan Iron Industry Museum near Van Riper State Park. Lanterns illuminate the woods before the evening transitions indoors, where the museum opens its doors for a rare after-hours experience. Part winter hike, part history, this one-of-a-kind event is happening only once.
Closing Thoughts
Experience Michigan magic this winter on a snow lit trail. Looking for more winter adventures in Michigan, visit Frankenmuth for holiday events or check the best winter towns to explore this year in Michigan from Boyne to the Upper Peninsula there is endless adventures to have this winter.
If you know of any winter hiking events not included here, please share then with us- we’d love to add them to the list 2025-2026 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 inspiration across Michigan and beyond. And don’t forget- Michigan State Park camping reservations open 6 months in advance through Michigan DNR Reservations System. Planning ahead is highly recommended, especially for popular parks. You’ll find plenty of camping recommendations below to help you get started.
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