Nighttime Programs and Events

Nighttime activities, a campfire, and sunset at Minnesota State Parks and Trails

Adventures after dark

   

Minnesota State Parks and Trails are beautiful at all times of day and night. Nighttime events are a great way to see your favorite parks in a whole new light. Get out and experience the allure of outdoor activities after sunset.

  • Lots of parks schedule special events after dusk, such as nighttime hikes, moonlit paddles, or programs about nocturnal critters, or storytelling programs. See the events calendar below for more information!
  • Make a vacation of it! Reserve a campsite or camper cabin and enjoy the full overnight experience.
  • Get to know the night skies with one of the free 90-minute programs presented by the University of Minnesota Astronomy Department. All you have to bring is your cosmic curiosity - telescopes are provided.
  • Seasonal winter candlelight events are a great way to keep your whole family active during the winter. Learn more!

Purchase a vehicle permit today and get a year of unlimited visits to all of Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas.

Events calendar

Scroll table right to see more »
06/09/23It's Cave Week - Night at the MoviesForestville Mystery Cave State Park
06/09/23Primitive Fire-startingTettegouche State Park
06/10/23Like a Wolf in the NightSt. Croix State Park
06/11/23Itasca's Evening Under the Pines: R. Mark FogelsonItasca State Park
06/16/23Astronomy and Stargazing Glacial Lakes State Park
06/16/23Friday Night Hikes on Bluestem PrairieBuffalo River State Park
06/16/23Like a Wolf in the NightSt. Croix State Park
06/17/23Hike the NightSibley State Park
06/17/23Calls of the NightFlandrau State Park
06/17/23The Common Loon, Evening TalkItasca State Park
06/23/23Did you hear that? Night HikeSt. Croix State Park
06/24/23Hike the NightSibley State Park
06/24/23Like a Wolf in the NightSt. Croix State Park
06/25/23Itasca's Evening Under the Pines: Park Rapids Area Community Band ConcertItasca State Park
06/30/23Friday Night Hikes on Bluestem PrairieBuffalo River State Park
06/30/23Universe in the ParkGooseberry Falls State Park
07/01/23Universe in the ParkTettegouche State Park
07/01/23Hike the NightSibley State Park
07/01/23Itasca's Evening Under the Pines: Songs and Stories of Itasca and Minnesota State Parks with Charlie MaguireItasca State Park
07/02/23Itasca's Evening Under the Pines: Jim and Molly BauerItasca State Park
07/14/23Friday Night Hikes on Bluestem PrairieBuffalo River State Park
07/16/23Itasca's Evening Under the Pines: Julie and Bill KaiserItasca State Park
07/21/23Astronomy and Stargazing Glacial Lakes State Park
07/23/23Itasca's Evening Under the Pines: The Hoot OwlsItasca State Park
07/28/23Friday Night Hikes on Bluestem PrairieBuffalo River State Park
07/28/23Universe in the ParkGooseberry Falls State Park
07/29/23Public Sky ObservationFrontenac State Park
07/29/23Universe in the ParkTettegouche State Park
07/30/23Itasca's Evening Under the Pines: CaleighItasca State Park
08/06/23Itasca's Evening Under the Pines: Jim and Molly BauerItasca State Park
08/09/23Dark Sky CaravanTettegouche State Park
08/11/23 - 08/12/23Dark Sky Festival - Third AnnualForestville Mystery Cave State Park
08/11/23Friday Night Hikes on Bluestem PrairieBuffalo River State Park
08/18/23Astronomy and Stargazing Glacial Lakes State Park
08/19/23Itasca's Evening Under the Pines: Basement BrassItasca State Park
08/27/23Itasca's Evening Under the Pines: Northern BassItasca State Park
09/15/23Astronomy and Stargazing Glacial Lakes State Park
09/23/23Public Sky ObservationFrontenac State Park
10/20/23Astronomy and Stargazing Glacial Lakes State Park