Valentine’s Day Candlelight Walks at Minnesota State Parks

Dinner reservations are fine. Movie nights are also fine. BUT, if you’re looking to do something that actually feels memorable this Valentine’s Day, Minnesota has a seriously underrated option that feels straight out of a rom-com.

I'm talking snowy trails glowing with candlelight, crackling bonfires in the distance, stargazing, and that quiet, cozy kind of romance you never get in a crowded restaurant.

Several Minnesota state parks are hosting candlelight walks on Valentine’s Day, and honestly, this may just be the most romantic and UNIQUE Valentine's date idea yet!

On Saturday, February 14th, nine parks will light their snowy trails with luminaries for evening walks. Bundle up, walk hand in hand, follow the soft glow through the woods, then warm up by a fire with a hot drink. It’s simple, magical, and just the right amount of special.

Here are the Minnesota State Parks hosting a candlelight event on Valentine's Day:

Forestville Mystery Cave State Park - Follow a 1.5-mile candlelit trail through Historic Forestville and winter woods. Look up at the dark skies for stars and the Milky Way - telescopes included. Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies.
Glacial Lakes State Park - Lantern-lit trails and stargazing and constellation hunting with the Glacial Lakes Astronomy Society if skies cooperate. End the night by a fire with apple cider and cookies.
Glendalough State Park - A mile of trail glows under lanterns and an almost-full moon. Beginner-friendly for hikers and snowshoers. Finish with hot cider by the bonfire.
Gooseberry Falls State Park - Ski, snowshoe, or hike along glowing luminaries. Warm up with a bonfire, marshmallows, and hot drinks at the Visitor Center.
Itasca State Park - Follow lanterns to the Mississippi headwaters, pause at a mid-trail campfire on Lake Itasca, then return through pine forests to the Mary Gibbs Cafe for live music and food.
Jay Cooke State Park - Ski, snowshoe, or hike trails lit by luminaries, then cozy up with hot cocoa by the fire.
Lake Bemidji State Park - Candlelit ski trails through peaceful winter woods. Afterward, roast marshmallows and warm up by the bonfire.
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park - Nearly two miles of candlelit trails perfect for snowshoeing. Complete your night by warming up next to a bonfire with some hot chocolate or cider.
Wild River State Park -Six miles of winter trails will be illuminated by candles to guide you through an annual winter tradition at Wild River. Skiers, walkers and snowshoers are welcome to take to the trails.

Each park puts its own spin on the evening, but the general vibe stays the same. So if you’re trying to do Valentine’s Day a little differently this year, this might be your sign. Grab your warmest boots, someone you like a lot, and let the candlelight do the rest.