?? finish your winter bucket list with a mix of warm and cold activities





explore minnesota | minnesota explorer | skiing at lutsen mountains in lutsen, mn [ [link removed] ]




enjoy the freeze

Minnesota is about to experience (false?) spring, so take advantage of our winter haven while you still can! Choose from some of our favorite winter outdoor activities, theater, food and drink, seasonal festivals and more.






*explore the trails*
cross-country skiing at Whitetail Woods Regional Park in Farmington, MN [ [link removed] ]

 

Whether you lace up your boots for a winter walk or prefer exploring powdery paths on snowshoes, snowmobile, fat bike or cross-country skis, you'll find plenty of room to roam on Minnesota's thousands of miles of winter trails. More than two dozen Minnesota state parks offer groomed trails for skiing.

 

In the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, some popular cross-country spots are *Elm Creek Park Reserve* [ [link removed] ] in Maple Grove, *Hyland Lake Park Reserve [ [link removed] ]* in Bloomington and *Theodore Wirth Regional Park [ [link removed] ]* in Minneapolis. Snowshoe rentals are common in state and local park systems but call ahead to confirm availability before heading out.

 

Since nature centers are often surrounded by trails, they make a great starting point for snowshoeing, winter hiking, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. Options include the *River Bend Nature Center [ [link removed] ]* in Faribault (skiing and snowmobiling), *Maplewood Nature Center [ [link removed] ]* (snowshoeing) and *Hartley Nature Center [ [link removed] ]* in Duluth (skiing).

 






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enjoy a cozy getaway in minnesota's own stars hollow (the town from gilmore girls), thanks to wabasha's picturesque properties.
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*plan a cozy getaway*
Stone Mill Hotel & Suites in Lanesboro, MN [ [link removed] ]

 

If you’re looking for a cozy lodge to curl up by a fireplace or a hip boutique hotel with great cocktails, you’re bound to find what’s right for you this winter. Warm up in the rooftop hot tub at *Hotel Crosby [ [link removed] ]* in Stillwater, sip handcrafted cocktails from the on-site distillery at *Cantilever [ [link removed] ]* just outside Voyageurs National Park, or dine in an igloo at *Hotel Landing [ [link removed] ]* in Wayzata. Get your hygge on at *Elliot Park Hotel [ [link removed] ]*’s Scandinavian inspired rooms just minutes from the excitement at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis.

 

If cozy resorts and roaring fires are more your style, stay at *Timberlake Lodge [ [link removed] ]* in Grand Rapids, *Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge [ [link removed] ]* in Bemidji or warm up from a day on the snow filled trails at the *Lakes Inn [ [link removed] ]* in Pelican Rapids.

 

If you seek the charm of a bed and breakfast, head to *Lanesboro [ [link removed] ]* — Minnesota’s “bed and breakfast capital” — or explore *Wabasha* [ [link removed] ], which has been compared to one of pop culture’s favorite small towns, Stars Hollow, thanks to picturesque properties like *Turning Waters Bed and Breakfast [ [link removed] ]*. No matter where you stay, exploring a new destination and treating yourself to a relaxing getaway will break your cabin fever.






*go downhill skiing or snowboarding*
ski lift at sunset on Spirit Mountain in Duluth, MN [ [link removed] ]

 

Minnesota features some of the highest hills in the Midwest, and *Minnesota downhill ski areas [ [link removed] ]* offer thrills for any level of skills. From *Spirit Mountain [ [link removed] ]* in Duluth to *Detroit Mountain Recreation Area [ [link removed] ]* in Detroit Lakes, there are opportunities across the state to cruise the runs.






*DON'T MISS THE REST OF THESE WINTER TO-DOS* [ [link removed] ]











related content

DIVE INTO MORE WINTER ADVENTURES

 

?? *Your cross-country skiing 101 guide >> [ [link removed] ]*

 

?? *Don't miss out these top snowshoe trails >> [ [link removed] ]*

 

?? *Stay warm (and busy) with these fun indoor activities >> [ [link removed] ]*






"from top to bottom: Lutsen Mountain in Lutsen, photo by Ryan Taylor  |  Whitetail Woods Regional Park in Farmington, photo by Paul Vincent  |  Stone Mill Hotel & Suites in Lanesboro, photo by Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce  |  Spirit Mountain in Duluth, photo by Visit Duluth  |  Author bio portrait of Caitlin Hannah"






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