Candlelight Hike
October 3

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 3. 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.

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Prairie Restoration Work Party
Thursday, September 24 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Join the Friends, Adaptive Restoration, and volunteers for the last prairie work party of the year. Please note the time change to 5:30 – 7:00 PM. We will be hand-collecting seeds. Everyone will meet at the Friends Shelter, then carpool to the site. Please wear long pants, gloves, sturdy shoes/boots, and a hat for sun protection. Tools will be provided.

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Support Our Work

Whether you’re interested in donating or becoming actively involved, you can make a difference in the park in many ways.

Two runners competing during a trail race

Stay Informed

The Friends organize a variety of events each year to bring people to the park and raise funds for many projects. Subscribe to our FREE quarterly newsletter to stay up-to-date on park events, ongoing projects, and volunteer opportunities.

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What’s Happening

  • Making the Friends Shelter Quilt
    The Friends Shelter has become a gathering place in Blue Mound State Park. Whether you’ve rented it for a family gathering or celebration, joined us for an event, or just popped in to enjoy the Read more
  • Horribly Hilly Hundreds
    The 2026 Horribly Hilly Hundreds is in the books! We had a great turnout this year, with riders representing 27 states and four countries. As always, last-minute road construction required a course update to our Read more
  • National Bike Patrol in Blue Mound State Park
    The National Ski and Bike Patrol (NSP) is a national non-profit whose mission is to promote safety and service in outdoor recreation by educating, training, and supporting dedicated patrollers who assist those enjoying mountains, trails, and slopes. Read more

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