GAYLORD – Light of the Trail returns Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. EST (11/29/2025, 5–7 p.m.) at the Sturgeon River Nature Preserve on Whitmarsh Road in Vanderbilt—and everyone is invited. This free, family-friendly event is a perfect way to chase away the winter blues and brighten the darker days of the season.
Stroll along a beautifully lit trail, take in the quiet magic of a Northern Michigan winter evening, and then warm up with hot cocoa and great conversation with friends, neighbors, and family. It’s a simple, joyful way to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, even during the shortest days of the year.
The lights will remain up through the end of January, so the preserve will continue to glow long after the event. Come and go as you please—this is your evening to enjoy at your own pace.
For more information, visit www.headwatersconservancy.org or contact HeadWaters Land Conservancy, 110 South Elm Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735, at 989-731-0573.
