Winter Activities

STAR TRAIL

The Star Trail consists of 140 miles of snowmobile trails between Scandia and Hastings. For some added fun, the trails and feeder trails run right up to a few restaurants in Cottage Grove: the VFW Post 8752 and Carbone’s Kitchen and Pub. You can also pull into the Cottage Grove Holiday Station to fill up on gas and snacks.

AFTON ALPS

Located just 10 miles from Cottage Grove, Afton Alps is the perfect place for winter thrill seekers. With a variety of terrain features, there’s something for downhill skiers and snowboarders of all skills and abilities.

HIKING

Our parks have miles of paved hiking trails, in addition to the Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor and the Central Greenway Regional Trail. If you’re in need of a short hike, head to Highlands Park that has 2-plus miles of paved trails, or try Hamlet Park for a 1 or 2 mile walk around the gorgeous pond. Opting for unpaved natural trails? Head to Ravine Regional Park or Grey Cloud Sand Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, for a hike through nature in its purest form.

ICE FISHING

Two ponds in Cottage Grove provide ample opportunities for ice fishing; Ravine Regional Park, stocking Walleye and Sunfish, and Hidden Valley Park, which stocks Sunfish.

SNOWSHOEING

Strap on your snowshoes and embrace the cold and snow in Cottage Grove. The city offers 33 neighborhood parks and 10 trails where you can spend some time in nature during the winter months. River Oaks Golf Course and Event Center turns its golf course into trails in the winter, making it a beautiful option for cross country skiing or snowshoeing.

SLEDDING & SKATING

The city’s numerous parks offer a variety of sledding hills from small to large. Not a fan of sledding? Strap on your skates and head to the outdoor rinks available at Hamlet, Hearthside, Highlands, Peter Thompson, Woodridge and Pine Tree Valley parks. The city’s ice arena is also an option.