Description

Spend a night with family and friends under the stars at Blue Mound State Park for an illuminated hike from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm on Saturday, October 5th. 

Climb the illuminated 40-foot-tall East Tower, navigate the lantern-lit staircase, and hike a 1.4 mile the illuminated John Minix Trail. 

The Friends of Blue Mound State Park will host a bonfire to warm up and refreshments at the picnic shelter at the top of the mound. Visit the open shelter near the playground for refreshments. 

This event is FREE to attend with state park admission. Guests may purchase Friends of Blue Mound State Park merchandise, cookies, snacks, and more. Caution: The staircase from the East Tower is 700 feet and can be challenging for some. For a shorter hike without 700 feet of staircase, visitors are welcome to park at the Friends Shelter, access the illuminated loop, and drive to the top of the mound later.

Route & Map

There is one route for this illuminated 1.4-mile hike. The loop begins at the base of the illuminated East Observation Tower. The full hike loop includes the 700 steps leading to the East Observation Tower as well as the John Minix Trail.

Parking

We encourage guests to park on top of the mound for easier parking and to experience the East Tower illumination. A volunteer will be positioned near the entrance of the East Tower parking lot to assist with directing guests to the trail and the shelter. 

To bypass the 700 feet of stairs up to the tower, guests may also park at the Friends Shelter for the hike and join the bonfire later.

Pets

Leashed pets are welcome on the hike. Pets are not allowed on the observation towers or the playground.

We need volunteers to make this event a success. Please contact friends@friendsofbluemound.org if you are able to help in any of the following areas on the day of the event.

• Candle lighter: walk trail before the event to unpack and turn on the lights
• Greeter/Directional: two stations need to be staffed throughout the night to direct guests along the trail.
• Fire tender: help keep the fire going and the s’more flowing
• Serve hot chocolate & S’mores