Now that the holiday season is upon us, it’s time to start making plans to do all the festive things we look forward to year after year. There are plenty of amazing attractions, but one of the most impressive is Bentleyville. This twinkling attraction is the largest, free walk-through lights display in the United States. It lights up the night in Duluth every winter, and this year is no exception. It appeals to anyone who loves holiday lights and festive music. Read on to learn more about the best winter hike in Minnesota.
Bentleyville is located at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, Minnesota. It is right next to Lake Superior.
Run Raider/Flickr
The light display is free to visit, though a donation is requested to help fund future events.
Bentleyville USA/Facebook
The event started at a private home in Esko in 2001 and soon grew into the enormous walk-through light display that so many love today.
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Bentleyville is made up of more than 4 million lights strung across the 20-acre park.
Rick T./Yelp
You are free to go at your own pace, but it takes about 30 minutes on average to get through the entire display.
Rick T./Yelp
Along the way, you’ll take a walk through a long tunnel of lights.
Aaron Fulkerson/Flickr
It will lead you to many popular displays. Each year there is something different, from classic Christmas cartoons to military troop tributes.
Bentleyville USA/Facebook
Among the most popular displays are those focused on a Minnesota landmark. Everything from the Duluth train depot to Split Rock Lighthouse have been immortalized in lights.
Bentleyville USA/Facebook
The huge tree at the center of Bentleyville is one of the highlights of this winter walk. The lights dance along with music, adding a dramatic effect to the festive display.
JesseWhite/TripAdvisor
There are other attractions, too. Guests can enjoy free snacks at the fire pits about halfway through Bentleyville. Young guests will also enjoy visiting when Santa is there.
Bentleyville USA/Facebook
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Bentleyville is beautiful from above, too. The twinkling lights mingle with the water and the Lift Bridge to create an unforgettable scene.
Bentleyville USA/Facebook
In 2019, Bentleyville is open November 23 to December 28. The hours are 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sundays - Thursdays and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Rick T./Yelp If you want to learn more about the best Christmas light hike in Minnesota, check out Bentleyville’s website here.
Have you ever been to Bentleyville? What are your favorite things to do in winter in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments below! Also be sure to check out the North Pole train ride in Minnesota that will take you on an unforgettable adventure.
Run Raider/Flickr
Bentleyville USA/Facebook
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Rick T./Yelp
Aaron Fulkerson/Flickr
JesseWhite/TripAdvisor
If you want to learn more about the best Christmas light hike in Minnesota, check out Bentleyville’s website here.
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Address: Railroad Street, Railroad St, Duluth, MN 55802, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best winter hike in Minnesota October 21, 2019 Elisa Regulski What are the best walk through light displays in Minnesota? For another Christmas light hike in Minnesota, venture to Rice Park in St. Paul. This gorgeous area is home to a massive Christmas tree that’s illuminated with 15,000 lights! You’ll also find plenty of jolly decorations around the nearby skating rink. For another whimsical adventure, visit the Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato. You can either walk or drive through this stunning free display. It’s perfect for the whole family! After an evening exploring the spectacles, you’ll really feel like a kid again. Can I go hiking in the winter in Minnesota? There are so many great places for winter hiking in Minnesota. The River Trail inside Wild River State Park is one of the most spectacular. This 1.5 mile trail is the perfect length for a chilly winter’s stroll. When snow covers the trees, the views are astounding. Be sure to wear good shoes on this hike. In the winter, these paths can get slippery. For another gorgeous winter hike, head to the North Shore State Trail. This hike will show you Lake Superior in all it’s wintry glory. For more information about winter hiking in Minnesota, read our feature article here. What are the best parks to visit in the winter in Minnesota? Gooseberry Falls State Park is a stunning place to visit during winter in Minnesota. Yes, you can still see the falls even in the winter. Believe us, it’s an astonishing view. Itasca State Park is also full of spellbinding sights during the colder months. It’s full of snow-capped trees and peaceful surroundings. If you loved visiting this natural area, you should also make plans to visit Jay Cooke State Park. The iconic swinging bridge looks especially lovely when snow surrounds it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best winter hike in Minnesota
October 21, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What are the best walk through light displays in Minnesota? For another Christmas light hike in Minnesota, venture to Rice Park in St. Paul. This gorgeous area is home to a massive Christmas tree that’s illuminated with 15,000 lights! You’ll also find plenty of jolly decorations around the nearby skating rink. For another whimsical adventure, visit the Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato. You can either walk or drive through this stunning free display. It’s perfect for the whole family! After an evening exploring the spectacles, you’ll really feel like a kid again. Can I go hiking in the winter in Minnesota? There are so many great places for winter hiking in Minnesota. The River Trail inside Wild River State Park is one of the most spectacular. This 1.5 mile trail is the perfect length for a chilly winter’s stroll. When snow covers the trees, the views are astounding. Be sure to wear good shoes on this hike. In the winter, these paths can get slippery. For another gorgeous winter hike, head to the North Shore State Trail. This hike will show you Lake Superior in all it’s wintry glory. For more information about winter hiking in Minnesota, read our feature article here. What are the best parks to visit in the winter in Minnesota? Gooseberry Falls State Park is a stunning place to visit during winter in Minnesota. Yes, you can still see the falls even in the winter. Believe us, it’s an astonishing view. Itasca State Park is also full of spellbinding sights during the colder months. It’s full of snow-capped trees and peaceful surroundings. If you loved visiting this natural area, you should also make plans to visit Jay Cooke State Park. The iconic swinging bridge looks especially lovely when snow surrounds it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
For another Christmas light hike in Minnesota, venture to Rice Park in St. Paul. This gorgeous area is home to a massive Christmas tree that’s illuminated with 15,000 lights! You’ll also find plenty of jolly decorations around the nearby skating rink. For another whimsical adventure, visit the Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato. You can either walk or drive through this stunning free display. It’s perfect for the whole family! After an evening exploring the spectacles, you’ll really feel like a kid again.
Can I go hiking in the winter in Minnesota?
There are so many great places for winter hiking in Minnesota. The River Trail inside Wild River State Park is one of the most spectacular. This 1.5 mile trail is the perfect length for a chilly winter’s stroll. When snow covers the trees, the views are astounding. Be sure to wear good shoes on this hike. In the winter, these paths can get slippery. For another gorgeous winter hike, head to the North Shore State Trail. This hike will show you Lake Superior in all it’s wintry glory. For more information about winter hiking in Minnesota, read our feature article here.
What are the best parks to visit in the winter in Minnesota?
Gooseberry Falls State Park is a stunning place to visit during winter in Minnesota. Yes, you can still see the falls even in the winter. Believe us, it’s an astonishing view. Itasca State Park is also full of spellbinding sights during the colder months. It’s full of snow-capped trees and peaceful surroundings. If you loved visiting this natural area, you should also make plans to visit Jay Cooke State Park. The iconic swinging bridge looks especially lovely when snow surrounds it.
