Wisconsin's Blue Mound, Kohler-Andrae State Parks to host candlelight events

Blue Mound State Park candlelight event to be held Feb. 6
Blue Mound State Park will hold its next candlelight ski and snowshoe hike 5:30-8:30 p.m., Feb. 6.

There will be one wooded loop groomed for cross-country skiing and a 3/4-mile snowshoeing and hiking trail each illuminated by hundreds of candles. Guided hikes through the illuminated woods with the park naturalist start at 6 and 7 p.m.

The only cost for this fun filled family event is a daily or annual park sticker, which may be purchased upon entry to the park.

Warm up with free hot drinks inside the heated friends' shelter, and enjoy some hot food, baked goods and commemorative shirts for sale. Enjoy the bonfire and free marshmallows for roasting. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Blue Mound State Park.

Members of the Nordic ski patrol will be on hand to assist skiers. Contact Blue Mound State Park for updated trail and event information at 608-437-5711.

For more information about Blue Mound State Park, search the Department of Natural Resources website, dnr.wi.gov, for keywords "Blue Mound."

Valentine candlelight ski and hike Feb. 13 at Kohler-Andrae State Park
A special Valentine candlelight ski and hike will be held 6-9 p.m., Feb. 13 at Kohler-Andrae State Park located just south of Sheboygan. The park's 2-mile trail will be illuminated with 200 tiki torches set out by park staff and volunteers. Park volunteers from the Friends of Kohler-Andrae will offer hot chocolate, cider and snacks at the heated shelter building along the ski route. The park shelter fireplace room and an outside fire ring will also be open to the public that evening.

"Past candlelight ski events have been very popular with hundreds of skiers and hikers enjoying the unique experience of visiting the park on a winter evening," said Carolyn Morgan, park superintendent. "Some visitors even stay in the park to winter camp."

Those planning to hike or snowshoe are encouraged to walk on the side of the trail to allow skiers to pass on the groomed trail. Sleds and pets are not allowed on the trail. No ski or snowshoe rentals are available at the park.

There are no special fees charged for the candlelight event although the regular vehicle admission sticker is required to enter the park. Annual park stickers for 2016 will be available at the park office. Donations for beverages and snacks will be accepted by the Friends of Kohler-Andrae to help support the cost of the candlelight event.

For more information, call the park office at 920-451-4080.

Kohler-Andrae is located on the shores of Lake Michigan about 2 miles south of Sheboygan on County Highway V. For more information about the park, search the Department of Natural Resources website, dnr.wi.gov, for keywords "Kohler-Andrae."