Start Off 2021 With A Lantern-Lit First Day Hike In North Dakota’s Fort Stevenson State Park

There's nothing quite as refreshing as a winter hike. The crisp air, the sound of snow under your boots - just being out of the house and in nature is a nice mental break from everything going on. You can start off 2021 with exactly that as you follow a beautiful lantern trail in North Dakota on New Years Day. Clear your mind, take a deep breath of fresh air, and embark on a new journey for a new year during this event.

Embrace the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 by taking a brisk, beautiful hike in North Dakota.

Fort Stevenson State Park, located in Garrison, North Dakota, hosts an annual First Day Hike after the sun sets on January 1. The hike begins at 6 p.m.

The trail is about one mile long and, if snow conditions allow it, can be trekked on foot, cross-country skis, or snowshoes.

One of the coolest things about this hike is the luminaries that will guide you through the hike.

Stroll along the illuminated trail for a picturesque, quiet hike that is the perfect way to reflect back on the year and look towards the future.

Families are welcome to enjoy the hike in their own groups and stop by the Visitor's Center afterwards with socially distanced precautions in place.

If you plan on attending, be sure to dress for the weather and enjoy!

You can find more information on this lantern trail in North Dakota on this webpage. They also list other First Day Hikes happening across North Dakota, though keep in mind not all of them include lanterns. Visit the Fort Stevenson State Park Facebook page to keep up to date in case anything changes.

What are your goals for the New Year? North Dakota has many hiking destinations if you want to keep up the trend by taking trails all year long.