Great Parks Spark in the Dark Events Light up Miami Whitewater Forest

Great Parks will paint the water at Miami Whitewater Forest with a kaleidoscope of colors as the popular Spark in the Dark event returns this spring and summer, packed with dusk and evening activities showing off life in the park as the sun goes down.

At Spark in the Dark, the pedal boats from Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor are decorated with colorful lights. When they push out into the lake, they reflect a sparkling rainbow of light across the waves and under the setting sun. As the sunlight fades, the Cincinnati Astronomical Society will have telescopes trained on the stars, planets and comets in the sky for everyone to enjoy. 

Guests can try their hand at light up lawn games around the harbor. For a small fee, guests can register for a short hike led by Great Parks interpreters to learn about nocturnal wildlife at Miami Whitewater Forest.

With more than 4,600 acres, Miami Whitewater Forest is the largest of the Great Parks, and offers everything from trails to fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, golfing and camping.

Spark in the Dark will take place from 8-11 p.m. on the weekends of May 22-23, and Aug. 7-8. Admission to the event is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Light up pedal boat rental is first-come, first-served and costs $15/half hour.

The presenting sponsor of Spark in the Dark is brightz, and Cincinnati Mini and Hearth Brewing are supporting sponsors.

(Note: Valid Motor Vehicle Permits are required for every vehicle entering Miami Whitewater Forest. Information about purchasing MVPs, and accessing free or discounted MVPs, is available at greatparks.org.)