Your guide to winter fun at Minnesota state parks and trails.



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"December 2024"

??️❄️Snow Much Fun! ❄️✨

Last year may have been light on snow, but this season we’re feeling optimistic and ready for the perfect powder for winter adventures. Whether you're dreaming of skiing, snowshoeing, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of a snowy landscape, there’s so much to look forward to. Here’s to a season filled with snow-covered memories—let the winter fun [ [link removed] ] at Minnesota state parks and trails begin!

A child slides on a sled down a snowy path through a grassy area leading to a forest. [ [link removed] ]

??: Jessika Lupan, Glacial Lakes State Park - taken 1/23/21

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Tips and Tricks
Trail Conditions & Snow Status ❄️

"Move over Fall Colors - the Snow Depth Map is here"

A map of Minnesota is color coded to show how much snow has fallen. [ [link removed] ]

Are the ski trails open at Afton? How is the snowmobiling at Zippel Bay? How much snow does southwest Minnesota have right now? We have a webpage for that!

This winter, bookmark the Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions webpage [ [link removed] ] for quick access to the latest snow information. Updated on Thursday afternoons in the winter by staff, the map and trail notes help visitors know what to expect on a weekly basis. 

Click on a park or trail from the groomed trail conditions list to learn more about that location's winter offerings. On each trail report page you'll find trail mileage (for skiing and snowmobiling), ski trail difficulty level, recent updates, how to get there, facilities, and detailed descriptions of the area. We'll see you out there!



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Map Out Your Adventure ??️

"ParkFinder shows you winter recreation options"

GIF shows how to filter ParkFinder by winter recreation and select a park. [ [link removed] ]

Have you used ParkFinder yet?! ParkFinder [ [link removed] ] is an incredible tool for finding your next state park adventure. The free, interactive map allows you to filter by options including things to see, camping season, winter recreation, and more! During the winter months, filter by 'winter recreation' to see what parks have groomed/packed trails, warming shelters, or sledding hills. Don't forget to check out the 'rentals' filter to see where snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals are available!

Once you pick your destination, always check the park's visitor alerts and seasonal information before heading out. Severe weather and equipment malfunctions can impact the availability of offerings—individual park webpages [ [link removed] ] will have the latest information on closures or changes.

Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Out and About
'Tis the Ski-son! ??

"Explore a state park or trail on skis this winter"

A person on skis smiles at the camera surrounded by pine trees. [ [link removed] ]

With both classic and skate skiing options, state parks and trails across Minnesota offer miles of groomed ski trails for all levels. State parks like *Lake Maria [ [link removed] ]*, *Sibley [ [link removed] ]* and *Glendalough [ [link removed] ]* are popular destinations after a fresh snowfall. No skis? No problem! Select state parks offer cross-country ski rentals—use the 'rentals' options on ParkFinder [ [link removed] ] to see which ones. 

Trails are initially packed when there is approximately five inches or more of snow. The trails are groomed after the next snowfall. Want to know what conditions are like? Check the snow depth and trail conditions website [ [link removed] ] for reports directly from staff on the ground.

And remember, anyone 16 or older needs a Great Minnesota Ski Pass [ [link removed] ] to access groomed trails in state parks, state forests, or grant-in-aid trails. Sales from the passes directly fund grooming and maintenance of trails. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful glide or an invigorating workout, Minnesota’s parks and trails provide the perfect winter escape for skiers.



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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90+ Destinations, One Pass. Get your ski pass today! [ [link removed] ]
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Snowy Slopes ??

"Discover sledding hills in state parks"

Two children run up a snowy hill with sleds. [ [link removed] ]

Break out your sleds and head to a Minnesota state park this winter for an unforgettable sledding experience! With 10 state parks featuring sledding hills [ [link removed] ], there’s no shortage of fun for all ages. Among these parks, *Fort Ridgely State Park [ [link removed] ]* stands out with two sledding areas located next to its cozy Chalet. On winter weekends, visitors can reserve the Chalet for an extra special winter day and overnight stay. The Chalet is the perfect spot to warm up between runs, making Fort Ridgely State Park an ideal destination for a full day of sledding.



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Winter on Wheels ??

"Fat biking Minnesota's snowy terrain"

Two people fat bike through a snowy forest. [ [link removed] ]

Winter is prime time for fat biking in Minnesota! Although they may look similar to mountain bikes, fat bikes thrive on snow, thanks to their large tires designed to grip snowy trails and provide excellent traction. Ready to give fat biking a try? Start by choosing your destination. Winter fat biking is allowed on trails designated for biking in state forests, parks, and recreation areas, including some multi-use trails and state park roads open to motor vehicles. However, fat biking is "not permitted" on trails groomed exclusively for cross-country skiing or snowmobiling.

For a unique winter excursion, ride at *Split Rock Lighthouse State Park [ [link removed] ]* which offers 8.7 miles of shared-use trails that can be fat biked on near the Lake Superior shoreline. Next, roll over to *Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area [ [link removed] ]* which has over 40 miles of packed trail to ride once the snow falls. These trails provide a perfect way to explore the outdoors on your fat bike this winter!



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Full Throttle Fun ??

"Rev up your winter with a snowmobile ride"

Minnesota has over 22,000 miles of state and grant-in-aid snowmobile trails—for comparison, that’s over five laps around the Great Lakes!

Grant-in-Aid trails open up to riders on December 1 each year (and as snow conditions allow). In state parks and recreation areas, as well as some state trails, select hiking and biking trails transform into snowmobile routes for the winter months. Popular destinations like *Lake Carlos [ [link removed] ]* and *Itasca [ [link removed] ] state parks* offer scenic rides with winding paths through Minnesota’s stunning winter landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a first-timer, it's essential to reacquaint yourself with each park’s map and be mindful of any changes to trails and routes before setting off on a winter adventure.

A person rides a snowmobile up over a snowy hill in a frosty forest. [ [link removed] ]

Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Snowshoe Between the Trees ??

"Snowshoe rentals and naturalist led events await"

Two children and a parent smile and wink at the camera while holding up a snowshoe each. [ [link removed] ]

Snowshoeing is a family friendly way to experience Minnesota’s state parks and trails in a whole new light this winter. It’s a peaceful and invigorating activity that allows you to explore snow-covered landscapes off the beaten path. 

If you’re new to snowshoeing or don’t have your own pair, many Minnesota state parks offer affordable rentals for just $6 per day. You can find rentals at state parks including *St. Croix* [ [link removed] ], *Lake Bemidji [ [link removed] ]*, *Lake Shetek [ [link removed] ]*, and *Forestville/Mystery Cave [ [link removed] ]*, among others. Just remember, snowshoeing is allowed everywhere in the parks and recreation areas "except" on groomed trails. Groomed trails are designated for other activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, and it’s essential to preserve these paths for those uses.

Keep an eye on the events calendar [ [link removed] ] for beginner snowshoeing programs and guided hikes offered at various parks throughout the season! These events provide a fun, supportive environment to hone your snowshoeing skills and meet fellow winter enthusiasts.



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Walking in a Winter Wonderland ☃️

"Plowed and packed trails offer winter hiking opportunities"

Don't let a little snow keep you inside. Many state parks have trails that are plowed or packed for hiking. Explore winter hiking options on our website [ [link removed] ] or through ParkFinder [ [link removed] ]. 

*Start your year off right with a First Day Hike!*

Join a Minnesota state park naturalist for a guided hike on January 1, 2025. You'll burn off some of those holiday calories, cure cabin fever, and enjoy the winter landscape and wildlife. All First Day Hikes are free, but you will need a vehicle permit [ [link removed] ] to enter the park. Find a First Day Hike near you [ [link removed] ]. 

 

A person wearing a maroon hat walking on a lightly snowy boardwalk into a forest. [ [link removed] ]

Learn More [ [link removed] ]



Layer Up to Stay Warm

Winter winds can go from frosty to frostbite fast! Always check the weather forecast before heading out, and dress appropriately for the conditions. The DNR has a guide to dressing for Minnesota winters [ [link removed] ].

??: Lake Bemidji State Park's assistant manager shows off her super cool lashes—pun intended ?? 

A person wearing a neck gaiter and hat has frozen eye lashes. [ [link removed] ]



Share the Joy of the Great Outdoors ??

This holiday season, give the gift of camping under the stars, a ride through the bison range, or a sweatshirt featuring your loved one's favorite state park!

With a state park gift card [ [link removed] ], you can gift it all. Gift cards can be used for camping and rustic cabin stays, vehicle park permits, nature tours, and a wide range of recreational rentals. And don't forget the awesome park apparel and souvenirs you can snag at our gift stores! 

Gift cards can be purchased online or at staffed Minnesota state park offices. *Gift cards are sent by USPS and typically take two full weeks to arrive—order now to ensure you receive them in time for holiday exchanges. *

Give the gift of adventure. Buy a gift card! [ [link removed] ]


Footer graphic with four icons, a tent in the woods, a compass, pines and binoculars.

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*Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  |  mndnr.gov [ [link removed] ] *

Email us: [email protected]  |  Call 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367

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