A beloved winter attraction has returned to Moorhead, bringing a festive glow to the cold, dark nights. The Mary’s Tunnel, a stunning 90-foot light display, is now lighting up Viking Ship Park behind the Hjemkomst Center. Originally created by Moorhead City Manager Dan Mahli and Steve French in 2021, the tunnel had not been featured at the annual Frostival celebration in 2024 or 2025. Its return marks a significant effort to enhance community engagement during winter.
French, who now serves as the community engagement specialist for Moorhead Parks and Recreation, sees the tunnel as an opportunity to make the winter season more enjoyable. “We stack more and more things that make winter fun,” he explained. “This was just another one of those kinds of fun things.” The tunnel is named in honor of Mary Schmitt, a dedicated city employee who passed away unexpectedly in November 2020.
Funding and Community Impact
The inception of the tunnel began as a private initiative by Mahli and French, who initially constructed it outside of official city projects. Mahli acquired the lights after they were discontinued for use on trees in downtown Fargo. Now, with enhanced resources available through the Parks and Recreation Department, French is able to maintain and improve the tunnel.
Support from the local tourism bureau has been instrumental in the tunnel’s revival. Visit Fargo-Moorhead provided a $12,000 grant to fund the light display and additional Frostival activities at Viking Ship Park. Danni Melquist, the bureau’s director of marketing, emphasized the tunnel’s role in enhancing community spirit. “It was lines of people waiting to get a good photo in it or walk through it,” she noted. “It elevates that park and gives people a reason to go there, even after dark.”
The funding has allowed for improvements to the tunnel, including sturdier construction and new lighting options. While the lights are typically set to a warm white, French mentioned they can be adjusted to different colors, adding to the visual appeal.
Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
Mahli expressed a desire for residents to visit the tunnel with friends and family. “I’m kind of a believer that we have to do everything we can to help tear down these spaces where isolation and loneliness is affecting people’s lives,” he said.
French and Mahli also introduced last year’s “Skate Street” in Viking Ship Park, featuring a long patch of ice shaped like a former street. Although they will not be bringing back Skate Street this year, plans are underway for a new skating opportunity at W.H. Davy-Memorial Park later this winter. The trees in Viking Ship Park are already wrapped in lights, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
To further engage the community, Moorhead will host a Holiday Kickoff event on December 2, 2023, at the Hjemkomst Center. The festivities will include caroling, hot cocoa, treats, an ugly sweater contest, and free admission to the museum. The holiday tree will be illuminated by Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson during the event, which will coincide with the monthly Global Market showcasing local vendors from diverse cultures. The Holiday Kickoff starts at 17:00, with the program beginning at 17:30, while the Global Market runs from 17:00 to 19:00.
Mary’s Tunnel will remain illuminated at Viking Ship Park until spring, offering a beacon of light during the winter months and inviting the community to come together.
