FIND SOMETHING NEW
1. tackle trails
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 in Maple Grove, Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington and Theodore Wirth Regional Park 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 in Faribault (skiing and snowmobiling), Maplewood Nature Center (snowshoeing) and Hartley Nature Center in Duluth (skiing).
For the ultimate winter outing, check out a popular luminary event where trails are illuminated by cozy candlelight. These events are suitable for all ages and ability levels.
2. glide on some ice
Lace up your skates and glide onto the Riverbend Skate Path, one of the longest ice-skating trails in the United States. It connects to Doc's Harbor Inn’s public skating rink as well as several private rinks to provide 5 miles of open skating for all to enjoy in Warroad.
You can skate North America’s largest outdoor refrigerated rink in Roseville, or head to Maple Grove to carve your way across one of the country’s only refrigerated ice skating trails. If frozen lakes are more your style, head to Edina, Buffalo, or one of three lakes in Minneapolis - Lake of the Isles, Nokomis and Powderhorn. Lace up at the Infinity Loop on Lake Minnetonka’s Wayzata Bay during the Wayzata Chilly Open in February and you can even watch a movie on a jumbo screen as you skate.
3. shop til you drop
During the holiday season, support local makers marts, European-inspired holiday markets or find festive decorations and celebrations at Mall of America. Stroll through charming downtowns, shop Minnesota-made goods or shop without your coat at one of our many indoor malls. Best of all, there is no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota so go ahead and treat yourself this season.
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