Park goers were encouraged to hike two looped trails, which were marked with luminaries along each path.

“We’ve been doing the hike at Fort Ridgely for seven years now. If hikers are lucky they might expect to see some owls or some little critters running around. I did see some voles hiding in the snow earlier–if you’re quite on the trails, you might see some critters like that,” said Agusta Grumdahl, the Minneopa Area Parks Naturalist.

The first trail was full of hills and one mile in length. It followed the road down into the park. The second trail, which was 0.75 mile in length, was flatter and passed the cemetery. Both trails ended with a bonfire where hikers could mingle and warm up. Free hot cocoa was served at the chalet by park volunteers.

“We try to have the hike coincide as close as possible with the full moon,” said Joanne Svenden, Assistant Park Manager, “and we like to have it in January, when the sky is darker longer.”

Kerry Heinen and Allie Krause strolled hand in hand for the candlelit hike at Fort Ridgely this past Saturday.

Park staff expected a good turnout for the event and prepared for it with over 12 gallons of hot coca, glow in the dark signage marking trails, and over 800 luminaries along the trails. The parking lot at the chalet was full by 5 p.m. and some hikers were parking along the road. Hikers of all ages attended, and some dogs even came along for the walk.

“It took us a couple hours to set up. We started at about 1:30 p.m. and then around 4 o’clock we went out and lit everything.” said Grumdahl. “It’s a great time to be outside and enjoy the peace and quiet of it, to enjoy friends and family. During the cold winters, you kinda stay and sit inside, but today’s been a really great day, kinda invigorating.”

One group of hikers from out of town, stopped to take some photos of each other. Some couples strolled hand in hand, and children rolled in the snow or tried to peek into the luminary bags. Overall, the hike was beautiful, chilly, and as Grumdahl mentioned, invigorating.

“This is my first time at the park. We went down the trail and saw the fire. It was really nice. It was a really good time,” said hiker Kerry Heinen.

Karla Hansel, Duane Hansel, John Olsen, & Barb Olsen pose for a photo before climbing the candlelit hill at Fort Ridgely State Park.

Chad Lund, Amy Lund, Barb (dog), Allie Krause, & Kerry Heinen enjoyed hot coca by the bonfire for Fort Ridgely’s annual Candlelight Hike.

Josie Jacobs & Rayne Hartman, with Wyatt Hartman in background, hiking Fort Ridgely’s 0.75 mile candlelit trail at sunset.

Rayne Hartman and Josie Jacobs take a break alongside Fort Ridgely’s candlelit tail.

Fort Ridgely State Park’s candlelit path had over 800 luminaries placed out for their annual Candlelight Hike.