Winter Activities

 

Things To Do | Winter in Minnesota

Northwestern Region

Cross Country Skiing

Minnesota has over 4000 kilometers of cross country ski trails – from rugged backcountry single-track to meticulously groomed, lighted trails. These trails are funded through private, State grant-in-aid program, State general fund, State forest funds, and community sources.Purchase of a Minnesota Ski Pass grants access to all State Park trails and State grant-in-aid trails. Some counties and municipalities require a separate pass and private trail systems have their own fees.
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Snowmobiles

Snowmobiling

Minnesota’s 17,000 miles of snowmobile trails offer a wide variety of environments. In the northern part of the state, the trails wind through snowy woodlands dotted with lakes and streams. The central region of Minnesota is wide-open prairie, while the southeastern bluffs feature limestone cliffs. Minnesota’s trail system runs from the state’s more densely populated areas all the way to its remote, sparsely populated wilderness, providing sledders the opportunity to either get away from it all, or go for a quick ride close to home. There are plenty of small towns along the trails offering food, lodging, equipment rental and other services.
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Buena Vista Ski Area – Bemidi

Downhill Skiers, Snowboarders & Tubers will find Buena Vista to be the area’s premier spot to enjoy their sport. Sitting astride the continental divide, there are 16 downhill runs, the longest 2,000 ft. boasting a 230 ft. drop. The ski area features 4 chairlifts, a beginners tow, and a three-story chalet with warming fireplace and cafe.

Central Region

Mount Ski Gull – Nisswa

We offer skiing, snowboarding and tubing in one convenient location. Helping our community to become a better place to live has been our guiding principle for 50 years. Mount Ski Gull’s mission is to provide challenging activities in a fun and healthy environment which empowers youth to develop confidence, competency and compassion.

Andes Mountain – Kensington

Who would expect a ski hill in the middle of farm country? Well, back in 1980 the Anderson Brothers envisioned just that, a ski area on Tower Hill. They had a vision for a couple of thousand skiers a season. Thirty – plus ski seasons later over a million skiers have visited the Andes Tower Hills Ski Area-one of the finest ski areas for miles around.

Cross Country Skiing

Minnesota has over 4000 kilometers of cross country ski trails – from rugged backcountry single-track to meticulously groomed, lighted trails. These trails are funded through private, State grant-in-aid program, State general fund, State forest funds, and community sources.Purchase of a Minnesota Ski Pass grants access to all State Park trails and State grant-in-aid trails. Some counties and municipalities require a separate pass and private trail systems have their own fees.
More Info

Snowmobiles

Snowmobiling

Minnesota’s 17,000 miles of snowmobile trails offer a wide variety of environments. In the northern part of the state, the trails wind through snowy woodlands dotted with lakes and streams. The central region of Minnesota is wide-open prairie, while the southeastern bluffs feature limestone cliffs. Minnesota’s trail system runs from the state’s more densely populated areas all the way to its remote, sparsely populated wilderness, providing sledders the opportunity to either get away from it all, or go for a quick ride close to home. There are plenty of small towns along the trails offering food, lodging, equipment rental and other services.
More Info

Northeast Region
Snowmobiles

Snowmobiling

Minnesota’s 17,000 miles of snowmobile trails offer a wide variety of environments. In the northern part of the state, the trails wind through snowy woodlands dotted with lakes and streams. The central region of Minnesota is wide-open prairie, while the southeastern bluffs feature limestone cliffs. Minnesota’s trail system runs from the state’s more densely populated areas all the way to its remote, sparsely populated wilderness, providing sledders the opportunity to either get away from it all, or go for a quick ride close to home. There are plenty of small towns along the trails offering food, lodging, equipment rental and other services.
More Info

Cross Country Skiing

Minnesota has over 4000 kilometers of cross country ski trails – from rugged backcountry single-track to meticulously groomed, lighted trails. These trails are funded through private, State grant-in-aid program, State general fund, State forest funds, and community sources.Purchase of a Minnesota Ski Pass grants access to all State Park trails and State grant-in-aid trails. Some counties and municipalities require a separate pass and private trail systems have their own fees.
More Info

Lutsen Mountains – Lutsen

Today, you can ski 92 runs on four sprawling mountains, enjoy endless activities, and choose from an exceptional collection of lodging. Yet the spectacularly beautiful setting has hardly changed since C.A.A. Nelson landed here over a century ago. What has changed is that Lutsen stands alone as the best, the biggest, and by far the most exciting skiing anywhere in Mid-America, giving you the experience of a Western ski resort for a mere fraction of the price.  

Gunflint Lodge Dog Sledding - Gunflint Trail

An exciting experience with an energetic team of huskies is an unforgettable Northwoods adventure in the Boreal forest. Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters offers everything from a short quick ride (about 20 minutes) up to a 1/2 day ride with a professional musher and an opportunity to drive the team yourself. 50 km of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are also available.

Stoney Creek Sled Dogs – Tofte

Take a ride with our team – Experience the thrill of speed in a dog sled!The rides are offered at three different levels, the Joy Ride, Trot Around the Block and The Cruise—visit the Rides link for more information.  Stoney Creek Kennels is home to 42 Alaskan Huskies on the North Shore of Lake Superior near Tofte and Lutsen. We run races, give rides, and offer you the opportunity to become part of the team.

Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips – Ely

Picture yourself traveling through pristine forests, across frozen lakes, and over snow-covered portage trails behind a team of dogs running fast and running far. Only the whisper of wind in the pines and the rhythmic patter of paws packing snow break the silence in the winter woods – quite a contrast from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life!

White Wolf Sled Dogs – Ely

Experience the silent and beautiful world of winter in Northern Minnesota and the thrill of dog sledding with White Wolf Dog Sled Outfitters. Dog sledding is one of the fastest growing sports today. Its popularity has been spurred on by what is known as “The Last Great Race”, The Iditarod, which has received national media attention to a greater degree every year.

Wintergreen Dogsled – Ely

For over 25 years, Wintergreen, Ely, MN, has offered lodge-based dog sledding vacations and dogsled camping adventures. We’re the world’s foremost dogsledding center & the only resort devoted exclusively to dog mushing. Follow our fun-luvin’, tail-waggin’ world on Facebook.

Southern Region

Cross Country Skiing

Minnesota has over 4000 kilometers of cross country ski trails – from rugged backcountry single-track to meticulously groomed, lighted trails. These trails are funded through private, State grant-in-aid program, State general fund, State forest funds, and community sources.Purchase of a Minnesota Ski Pass grants access to all State Park trails and State grant-in-aid trails. Some counties and municipalities require a separate pass and private trail systems have their own fees.
More Info

Snowmobiles

Snowmobiling

Minnesota’s 17,000 miles of snowmobile trails offer a wide variety of environments. In the northern part of the state, the trails wind through snowy woodlands dotted with lakes and streams. The central region of Minnesota is wide-open prairie, while the southeastern bluffs feature limestone cliffs. Minnesota’s trail system runs from the state’s more densely populated areas all the way to its remote, sparsely populated wilderness, providing sledders the opportunity to either get away from it all, or go for a quick ride close to home. There are plenty of small towns along the trails offering food, lodging, equipment rental and other services.
More Info