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.

Prairie Restoration Work Party
Thursday, September 26 | 6 – 8 PM
Join the Friends, Adaptive Restoration, and volunteers for the last prairie work party of the year. Everyone will meet at the Friends Shelter and then carpool to each location. Please wear long pants, gloves, sturdy shoes/boots, and a hat for sun protection. Tools will be provided.


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

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.
What’s Happening
- 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 - Prairie Restoration Work Parties 2026
Join the Friends and Adaptive Restoration on the last Thursday of the month from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Volunteers will meet at the Friends Shelter and then carpool to each location. Please wear long pants, gloves, sturdy Read more