2021 Michigan Winter Night Hikes

One of my favorite things to do in the winter is hike or snowshoe in the dark, in the snow. It is one of the most relaxing experiences, especially when the snow is gently falling. How can you make the experience even better? Darkness + lanterns (or candles) and your Hallmark movie has come true. 

I was recently searching for 2021 night snowshoe adventures around Michigan and there is no doubt candlelight hikes are becoming more popular here in Michigan. Below, you will find my list of 2021 night hikes, I hope they inspire you to bundle up and embrace the winter. 

Some events require advanced registration, and as always make sure to double-check that these events are still happening BEFORE traveling. 

2021 Night Hikes in Michigan

January 9
Shelby Township
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Evening snowshoe hike at Stony Creek Metropark

Take an adventure to Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, for an evening of braving the frigid forest via snowshoe. Along the way, you\’ll learn about local history, winter wildlife, and explore the park from a new point of view. After a one-mile trek, you will get to enjoy a warm campfire. $5 per person.
Learn more here.

January 21
Jackson
6:00 pm
3225 4th St., Jackson, MI 48203​
Explore the Night

Join Ella Sharp Museum and the Dahlem Center for a wonderful night under the stars! The night walk led my Dahlem Naturalist Educator Carrie Benham. Afterward, Ella Sharp will be providing guided telescope observation. Telescope observing is dependent on clear skies. $8 for members (either Dahlem or Ella) / $10 for non-members​.​
Learn more here.

January 22
Chelsea
7:00 pm
Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118
Waterloo Recreation Area Lantern Hike

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.
Learn more here.

January 23
Big Rapids
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
701 W. Cloverdale R​d., ​Big Rapids, MI 49058
Candlelight trails under the wolf moon

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
Dexter
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
4800 Dexter-Pinckney Rd., Dexter, MI
Hudson Mills Metropark full wolf moon hike

Take a walk in the full moonlight at Hudson Mills Metropark. During this one-mile guided hike, you’ll discover some moon lore and myths as you explore the park and nature trails. During this time of the year, the trails could be snow-covered and icy. We will be walking in low flashlight and moonlight. 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. $5 per person Pre-registration is required by January 27 at 4 p.m. Pre-register by calling 734-426-8211.
Learn more here.

January 29
Burton
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
2142 N. Genesee Rd., Burton, MI
For-Mar Nature Preserve full moon hike

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 per person. Pre-registration required by January 28 and space is limited to 20 participants.
Learn more here.

February 6
Metamora
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
3871 Herd Road, Metamora, MI 48455
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area – Candlelight Cross-Country Ski

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. If there is a lack of snow this will become a hike. To ensure we are meeting the requirements outlined in the MDHHS gathering order, pre-registration is required this year and will become available on January 15. 

New this year visitors may reserve a fire ring in the campground for their group to warm up by or roast hotdogs and s\’mores for a small donation of $20. A fire circle comes with a bundle of wood but is not pre-started. Food and other supplies are also not provided. 

This event is weather dependent and may be canceled due to poor weather/driving conditions. For more information, call the park at 810-797-4439. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.

Paradise
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Tahquamenon Falls State Park lantern hike

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. Pre-registration is required and will become available on January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.

Shelby Township
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Evening snowshoe hike at Stony Creek Metropark

Take an adventure to Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, for an evening of braving the frigid forest via snowshoe. Along the way, you\’ll learn about local history, winter wildlife, and explore the park from a new point of view. After a one-mile trek, you will get to enjoy a warm campfire. $5 per person.
Learn more here.

February 13
Paradise
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Tahquamenon Falls State Park lantern hike

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. Pre-registration is required and will become available on January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.

February 19
Chelsea
7:00 pm
Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118
Waterloo Recreation Area Lantern Hike

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.
Learn more here.

February 20
Paradise
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Tahquamenon Falls State Park lantern hike

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. Pre-registration is required and will become available on January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.

February 26
Chelsea
7:00 pm
Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118
Waterloo Recreation Area Lantern Hike

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.
Learn more here.

Holly
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly, MI 48442
Seven Lakes State Park – lantern-lit

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. Pre-registration is required this year and will become available on January 1. 

If you think you will work up an appetite while hiking? Bring hotdogs and S\’mores materials, and reserve a campfire for your household. Campfires will be available in the campground for a small donation of $20 which includes a bundle of wood and the fire starting. 

If you have questions please call the park office at 248-634-7271. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.

February 27
Paradise
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Tahquamenon Falls State Park lantern hike

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. Pre-registration is required and will become available on January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.

Shelby Township
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Evening snowshoe hike at Stony Creek Metropark

Take an adventure to Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, for an evening of braving the frigid forest via snowshoe. Along the way, you\’ll learn about local history, winter wildlife, and explore the park from a new point of view. After a one-mile trek, you will get to enjoy a warm campfire. $5 per person.
Learn more here.