Since 2016, the Winter Solstice Bonfire has been a cherished tradition at Belwin, bringing people together on the longest night of the year for music, storytelling, and community. We’re incredibly grateful to the performers, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who have made this event so special over the years.

After much consideration, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue the Winter Solstice Bonfire. The reason is simple but significant: the snow cover we need for a safe event is no longer predictable. Minnesota winters are becoming shorter and milder, and in the past two years, we’ve had to forgo the bonfire due to a lack of snow. Climate change is affecting our region in complex ways, but one clear trend is less reliable and predictable snow cover. If you’d like to learn more about the changing winters in our area, we recommend these resources:

While we say goodbye to this event, there are still many ways to connect with nature at Belwin. We invite you to join us for the Bison Festival on May 17, Music in the Trees on August 16–17, and our many naturalist programs all year long. Belwin events invite you to explore the diverse and resilient ecosystems found at Belwin, and learn more about the ways we can all participate in their conservation. Visit our events page to discover more opportunities to experience the beauty of Belwin throughout the year.

Thank you for being part of our community. We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events!

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We spark passion for wild places through conservation, education, and immersive experiences on more than 1,600 acres in Minnesota’s Saint Croix Valley.

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1553 Stagecoach Trail South
Afton, MN 55001
651-436-5189
info@belwin.org

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