Wisconsin requires a certain amount of resilience in the wintertime. The harsh conditions inspire creative activities to occupy the time that would in summer months be spent lounging on patios and beaches.

But just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean you have to abandon your outdoor weekend fun. Many state park and forests around the state have organized candlelight hikes, a calming (albeit chilly) way to spend a night off.

Lapham Peak is nestled in the northern end of Kettle Moraine State Forest. On Jan. 10 volunteers, Friends of Lapham Peak, and state park employees lit more than two miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and opened the paths to hikers, snowshoers and skiers.

The cloudy sky blocked the moon that night, but the wind was silent and the thermometer sat at a reasonable 20 degrees. After a week of subzero temperatures, this nighttime outdoor stroll felt like a trip to the beach. Cars were parked above and patrons could then wander down a path toward lighted trails and small warming house.

Friends of Lapham Peak, a volunteer group that aids the park, provided warm treats to sip and snack on. Fresh popped popcorn, hot cider, cocoa and plates of cookies kept hikers returning to the shelter after prospecting the trails.

Donations for the snacks benefit the park. This year’s proceeds from the two candlelight hikes will serve as seed money for a large shelter. Currently, there is no such structure at the park that could provide a space where people could gather in large groups, and use the park for wedding, graduations and other celebrations.

At the event people congregated both indoors and out. Some folks brought their own picnic, and the tables in shelter were filled with sausages, cheese curds, and beer. Families unpacked their kids’ juice boxes near old men in ski hats, drinking Miller. Wisconsin is never too cold for beer.

Grills outside roasted hot dogs and people warmed their chilly fingers near the crackling fire outside. Everyone was happy to be there, and there was a secret solidarity in the air that night.

What kind of people choose to leave their warm homes in the dark of night mid-January to wander around the woods? Good people. People who understand that being cold is a small price to pay for breathing air untainted by traffic and enjoying the silence of snow over last years grass. There are lots of those people in Wisconsin.

More candlelight hikes are happening soon. On Saturday, Jan. 24, there are hikes at Governor Dodge State Park and Hartman Creek State Park. There will be dozens of events like these scheduled throughout March. Take a friend and maybe make a new tradition. The trails are waiting. More information is available at dnr.wi.gov.