If a winter hike by lantern sounds right up your alley, head to the Eagle River Nature Center in Eagle River for a magical winter wonderland walk! Hike through the lovely trails at the nature center that are decorated with glowing ice lanterns that will light your path through the snowy forest.

Ice lanterns are a beautiful tradition in many of the colder climates, and Alaska is no exception.
rimse.nefert / Flickr
With our chilly winter temperatures and the long, dark nights, the tradition of making ice lanterns is a welcome one, especially on Winter Solstice, our darkest day of the year.
You can find these ice lanterns at the Eagle River Nature Center inside Chugach State Park.
Friends of Eagle River Nature Center Facebook
This cool little spot holds education and events for kids all year round. One of the most popular programs is the Jr. Naturalist, a public program open to Alaskan kids.
Every year on Winter Solstice, the Jr. Naturalists meet in the afternoon to build the ice lanterns out of milk cartons.
Eagle River Nature Center official website
The great staff then lines the trails closest to the Visitor Center with ice lanterns. Alaskan families from all over the state drive down to spend a couple of hours wandering this magical winter wonderland.

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The trails by the Visitor Center are easily accessible by most of the members of your family.
Kelly Hayes / Flickr
One of them even heads down to the Beaver Viewing Deck, where the views of the surrounding mountains and countryside are absolutely breathtaking. Take a look behind you into the forest where you can see the lanterns flickering away through the trees.
This tradition is a lovely one that celebrates the magic and wonder of our dark winter days while heralding in the return of daylight.
Hiroyuki Takeda / Flickr
Bringing the family through the snow-filled trails flanked by ice lanterns is captivating, and a great way to get your kids outdoors on the weekend. Your children will truly be mesmerized by the flickering candlelight in these stunning ice lanterns!
The event this year will be a little different from previous years.
Eagle River Nature Center official website
There won't be hot chocolate, bonfires, or the fire dancers. But families are still welcome to wander the beautiful area, and bring their own warm treats with them to ward the chill away!
The trails will be lined with these glowing ice lanterns for two days this year.
Brian colson / flickr
Drive on to the Nature Center on Friday, December 20th and Saturday, December 21st. The lanterns will be lit in the late afternoon as the sun begins to set. The staff will keep them going for a couple of hours for you to enjoy your beautiful stroll through snowy Alaskan woods!

Have you ever had the chance to hike by lantern at the Eagle River Nature Center? What did you think? Are you going to do it again this year? Let us know in the comments below!

Learn more about This Gorgeous Nature Center In Alaska That’s Right In Your Backyard!

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Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA