Candlelight walks
Lake Maria State Park, 5-8 p.m. Saturday: Hike or snowshoe a trail lit with luminary candles. Snowshoe rental available. Save time by getting your vehicle permit in advance at mndnr.gov. (763-878-2325, mndnr.gov)
Afton State Park, 6-8 p.m. Saturday: Hike, followed by campfire and refreshments. (651-436-5391, mndnr.gov)
William O'Brien State Park, 4:30-8 p.m. Saturday: Head down the hill to the shores of Lake Alice and the St. Croix River. Come early to "Meet Mr. William O'Brien" from 3 to 4 p.m. in the visitor center. Local storyteller Dwight Wilcox will explain how the park was started and relate the harrowing events of the Great Hinckley Fire in 1894. (651-433-0500, mndnr.gov)
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday:
It'll be a night to listen for barred owls and other night sounds. The hike is along lighted trails with shorter loops suitable for various age and ability levels. (1-507-333-4840, mndnr.gov)
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday:
Take a 2-mile, self-guided hike. Enjoy the views along the shoreline and then warm up around a bonfire. Call for information about snowshoe rental. (1-218-595-7625, mndnr.gov)
Snowshoe outing
Eastman Nature Center, 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday
Part wildlife tracking, part snowshoe history lesson. Equipment provided. Cost is $5. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation. (threeriversparks.org)
Ski lessons
Family classic, 9:30-11 a.m. Sunday, Elm Creek Park Reserve: Learn the basics: putting on equipment, falling down and getting up, diagonal stride and stopping. Cost is $18 for ages 6-11, $30 for ages 12 and older. Rental gear available. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation.
Classic beginner, noon — 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Elm Creek Park Reserve:  Balance, stride and glide — learn the basics. For novice skiers and those wanting a review. Cost is $24. Rental gear available. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation. (threeriversparks.org)
Night bike
Elm Creek Park Reserve, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday
Challenge yourself in a time trial format racing a 10- to 14-mile single-track loop through trees and snow after sunset. There will be awards and door prizes. Helmets and mounted bike lights are required. Cost is $15 for those who preregister and $20 for same-day registration. Call 763-559-6700 to preregister.
