Candlelight Hike Festival in Schmeeckle Reserve
Candlelight Hikes feature trails and boardwalks lit by torches

Candlelight Hike Festivals

Schmeeckle's biannual Candlelight Hike Festivals are popular nature-themed community events. Walk several beautiful trail loops lit by torches. Watch character programs presented by UW-Stevens Point students. Roast marshmallows around a campfire, explore hands-on activity stations, and make crafts to take home. Family events take place throughout the evening.

Due to coronavirus guidelines at UW-Stevens Point, the in-person spring 2021 Candlelight Hike Festival has been cancelled. However, our students and Friends volunteers have been busy bees putting together another great option for you to enjoy the Reserve this spring. Through May 31st check out our first Discovery Hike: Things that Sting and get acquainted with some of Wisconsin’s stinging residents. 

Follow the trails and a few helpful directions to discover 12 stops that will introduce you to these misunderstood insects. To access the printable directions click here or printed copies will be available in the Visitor Center after the reopening on May 17th.  

Be sure to tune in to our Facebook page May 20th, World Bee Day, to meet some of these critters during a virtual, student-led program!

We apologize for the cancellation. Our number one priority is to keep everyone safe and healthy. If you have any questions, please contact us at 715-346-4992. 


Candlelight Hike Festival in Schmeeckle Reserve



Candlelight Hike Festival in Schmeeckle Reserve
Candlelight Hikes feature trails and boardwalks lit by torches

Spring 2021 Candlelight Hike Festival

Sponsored by the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Friday, May 1
6-9 p.m.

Celebrate May Day at Schmeeckle!

Schmeeckle's biannual Candlelight Hike Festivals are popular nature-themed community events. Walk several beautiful trail loops lit by torches. Watch character programs presented by UW-Stevens Point students. Roast marshmallows around a campfire, explore hands-on activity stations, and make crafts to take home. Family events take place throughout the evening.

A suggested donation of $2/person or $5/family helps fund future programs and events sponsored by the Friends. Event maps and schedules will be available at all trail entrances.

"May Day Celebrations" character programs: 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Ring in spring with the May Queen and her forest friends. Join in the festivities as Schmeeckle’s plants and animals celebrate the new season!

The same family-friendly program will be presented twice at the new Pankowski Friends Amphitheater.

Other events all evening:

  • Passport Stations featuring hands-on activities
  • S'mores around the campfire
  • Live raptors
  • Free face painting and crafts
  • Snacks for sale in the visitor center
  • Spring sale in the gift shop

Event Information:

Parking: The Candlelight Hike Festivals are popular, so please plan ahead for parking. The visitor center parking lot is reserved for people with disabilties or other special needs. Street parking is allowed on North Point Drive, Michigan Avenue, and Maria Drive during the evening of the event.

Cost: A donation of $2/person or $5/family is suggested. Donation bins will be available at all main trail entrances to the event. Donations directly support future events, programs, and projects of the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve.

No Pets: Pets are not allowed in the Reserve at any time, with the exception of service animals.

Strollers: While strollers are always welcome on Schmeeckle's trails, they can cause congestion during the Candlelight Hike Festival due to the number of trail users.

Flashlights: The tiki torches provide enough light for comfortably walking the trails without a flashlight. However, a flashlight is recommended as a backup for darker areas or trails without torches.


For more information, please contact us.  

 

Candlelight Hike sponsors

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact us.