Hike Into Moonlight & Campfire at Richardson Nature Center

Please join us for a "Hike Into Moonlight and Campfire" at Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington on Saturday, April 4, 2026 for our first Moonlight Hike of the spring season.

We will meet at 7:00 pm at the courtyard near the west entrance to the Nature Center for a 5-6 mile hike, mostly in light and twilight. Hikers who prefer a shorter hike will be given the option to leave the trail early and help get the campfire started. Don't be late. We will start hiking by 7:10 pm.

Headlamps (or flashlights) are required for a moderately brisk pace for a night time hike - 17 to 18 minute miles. Make sure you can keep up. We don't want to lose anyone in the dark.

Our route will take us on grass and wood chip trails, with a section of paved trails if it's a clear sky. With a nearly full moon, we should be able to turn off our headlamps for a while on the paved trails and hike au natural.

We will hike in light rain (no wimps on this hike) but not heavy rain or a thunderstorm. If it looks like bad weather, we'll cancel the hike by 6:00 pm.

Your hosts will obtain the permit for use of the fire ring ($25 fee includes firewood and kindling) and bring the makings for s'mores for the campfire after the hike. A small donation ($2-3) to help cover costs is not required but will be gratefully accepted.

Please bring your own beverage (beer, wine and hard ciders are permitted in the park) and perhaps a snack to share. Bring a camp chair or lawn chair and maybe a blanket to keep warm after the hike.

If your plans have changed and you are unable to attend, please update your RSVP in a timely manner so we are not waiting for you at the start and to allow those on the waitlist to attend.

If you sign up for this hike, we will expect to see you! Cancellations on the day of the hike make planning more difficult and prevent other hikers from attending.

Questions? Send the hosts a message or post your questions in the comments section after you RSVP.

Hike at your own risk: By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts, and other members of the venue, from any liability.

Hope to see you at the Full Moon Hike!