Muddy conditions caused Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff to place about 600 candle luminaries on less hilly trails and roads this year for the candlelight trail walks.

“It was going to be a snow-covered event, but with wetness instead of snow, we adjusted our trail system,” said Fort Ridgely Assistant Park Manager Joanne Svendsen.

Trails began at the chalet above the campgrounds. One trail went down the paved road to the campground, past the new shower/lavatory building. The other trail went from the chalet to the upper picnic area.

Bonfires were lit in tree locations including the chalet. Hot cocoa was available for participants.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch A Mankato trio, from left, Nancy Haag, Tim Pulis and Carol Ries walk among 600 candle luminaries at Fort Ridgely State Park Saturday.

“Originally, we had trails going into the prairie and into the woods, but it was just way too wet and muddy for those, so we made last-minute changes with people’s safety in mind,” Svendsen said.

“We got a beautiful night for it with no wind, close to a full moon and clear skies. It’s just gorgeous,” she added.

Kelsie Moe, DNR Area Naturalist presented information on stars in the night sky later in the program.

Candlelight trail participants included Nancy Haag and Tim Pulis of Mankato and Carol Ries of Madison Lake.

“We love coming to this gorgeous park. We really enjoy the trails including the overlook,” Pulis said.

The trio said they are looking forward to the Feb. 24 candlelight trail walk at Minneopa State Park near Mankato.

Other trail-walkers included Elliott and Anna De St. Croix of New Ulm and their young son Lawrence.

“This is our second time here for this. It’s beautiful and fun,” said Elliott De St. Croix.

Svendsen said Fort Ridgely Creek will be stocked at the campground and fish camp with rainbow and brown trout a week before steam trout fishing opens April 13.

The Fort Ridgely State Park chalet is open for reservations year-round. Chalet bathrooms are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The chalet upper level is available by reservation only. Contact the park at 507-426-7840 to make a reservation.

Trails are open for winter hiking. The sledding hill is open for the winter. No toboggans, runner sleds, or large inner-tubes with more than one rider allowed.

For more information including a downloadable, six-page All Seasons Nature Guide in PDF form, visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk0015#. Email fortridgely.statepark@state.mn.us