Itasca State Park’s Twinkle Light Trail – Itasca, MN

Enjoy the beauty of a winter night along 3/4 mile of lighted trail in Bear Paw Campground.

Available for night (or day) snowshoeing and walking. Lighted with electric twinkle lights from dusk to 10 p.m. daily through the winter snow season. This gentle course follows the Basswood Loop (1/4 mile) and Lakeview Loop (1/2 mile) in Bear Paw Campground.

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Wildlife Weathering Our Winter Friends?

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As our friends at Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) always say, “YOU are cold. They have fur. It comes down to three main strategies – leave, adapt or slow down.

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Many bird species migrate south for winter, but so do some bats! Eastern red bats, hoary bats and silver-haired bats leave Minnesota in the fall for warmer parts of the U.S. and northern Mexico.

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Other species, like wolves and moose, are well-adapted to winter and actually thrive during this time of year. Wolves group together more in winter and have an easier time hunting prey, like white-tailed deer, that struggle with deep snow and less food. Moose get a much needed break from pesky ticks and warm temperatures, the latter of which is hard on a big-bodied animal.

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For many animals, like turtles, mussels and badgers the key to surviving winter is hunkering down. Most turtles become relatively dormant, moving very little as they lie along the bottom of a pond, lake, stream or river. Mussels will move from shallow water to deeper to avoid freezing, barely moving the rest of the winter. Badgers do not technically hibernate but sleep away most of the winter underground.

Details/Location

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Trail Use: walking, snowshoeing. Skiers may use the trail but it is only packed, no track will be set.

Trail surface: Packed snow. Groomer will periodically pack the route as needed.

Pets: pets are allowed on the trail. Pets must be on a 6-foot leash. Owner’s must clean up after pets.

Time/Season: Trail illuminated from dusk to 10 p.m. daily (7 days a week) during the winter snow season December 1-approximatley mid-March. Park closes at 10 p.m. users are to be off trail at that time. Day hikers and snowshoers can use the trail during daylight.

General Safety Tips: Suggest bringing a headlamp/flashlight. There are no streetlights in this area. No water available at the site. Bring your own drinking water. Surface is packed snow, but may be uneven depending on volume of use. Wear appropriate winter footgear. Bring a cell phone for emergencies or taking a selfie.

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ICYMI

Winter Market at the Museum – Minneapolis, MN