Minnesota Trails Winter 2017/18

Northland Fat Bike Rally • Ancient Winter Tech • Snowshoe State Parks

Minnesota

TRAILS w w w . M n Tr a i l s . c o m

Minnesota’s Top

200 26 SKI TRAILS

FAT BIKE EVENTS

Tr ai Pa l Bu ge ild 5 er

T h e P a r k s & Tr a i l s J o u r n a l

WINTER 2017-18

Crosby - Ironton - Deerwood Bay Lake - Cuyuna - Emily

~ LODGING ~ Country Inn Deerwood 23884 Front St., Deerwood 218-534-3101 www.countryinndeerwood.com

522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue Sauk Centre, MN 56378

Deerwood Motel 23688 Forest Rd., Deerwood 218-534-3163 www.deerwoodmotel.com

www.MnTrails.com

Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge 25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd., Deerwood (Open April-November) 218-678-2885 www.ruttgers.com

Minnesota Trails Staff

Woodland Beach Resort 15596 Woodland Beach Lane, Deerwood 218-866-0711 www.woodlandbeachresort.com

Jan Lasar Editor/Publisher

~ EAT & DRINK ~ Dave Simpkins Past Editor/Publisher

Cuyuna Brewing Co. 1 E Main M Main Street, Street Str e ,C ee eet Crosby rosby ros by 218 218 8-86 8 6-0 86 6- 914 91 9 14 218-866-0914 ww www w .cu cuyun cuyun unabr abrewi abr ewi ew w ng. wi ng g.com co www.cuyunabrewing.com

Joyce Frericks Accounting

Deerstand Restaurant and Bar 24188 241 2 188 8 Moh Mo Mohs o s Street, Stre t eet, et, De D Deerwood erw rw wood d 218 1 -53 534-9 9253 253 218-534-9253 www.de www .de d ers e tan er t dre d staaura urant. ra t..com com www.deerstandrestaurant.com

Brian Dingmann Page Layout & Design

Mixed Company - A Kava House 128 28 W Main Maa n St., Mai St., t Cr Crosb Crosby osb by 218 8-54 455-1010 5-1 01 218-545-1010 Cof o fee e Sh ee SShop op p·P an ani n ni//San a dwiiche he es · So Soups ups Coffee Panini/Sandwiches

Amanda Thooft Graphic Artist

North Country Café 12 W Main n St., S ., Cro St Crosby osby 218-545-9 -9 -9908 9908 90 218-545-9908 Homestyle cooking w/friendly g w/f w/ rie ie end ndl d y service. sserv e ice ce. ce

Editorial Board

Woodtick Inn 24916 Minnesota Minnessota Av Ave., A e.,, Cuyuna Cuyun Cu C yu yu a 218 8-77 772-0 0252 218-772-0252 All trails llead ead a to ad t tth e ttick. ic . ick the

Brett Feldman Executive Director Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Vol. 22, No. 4 November 2017 Minnesota Trails magazine is a continuation of Minnesota Bike Trails & Rides, published quarterly in cooperation with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that acquires, protects and enhances critical lands for public enjoyment. Your $35 membership subscription supports this work.

Minnesota Trails is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials and reserves the right to reject unsuitable advertising. Information in this publication is as accurate as possible.

Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not of Minnesota Trails.

Continuing the

~ SERVICES ~ Cuyuna Lakes Chamber 221 4th St SW, Iro Ironton onto nton n 218-546-8131 www.cuyun y alakes.com www.cuyunalakes.com Cuyuna Regional Medical Center 320 E Main St., Crosby 218-546-7000 www.cuyunamed.org Cycle Path & Paddle 115 3rd Ave SW, Crosby 218-545-4545 www.cyclepathpaddle.com Deerwood Bank Deerwood-Garrison-Brainerd-Baxter 800-291-6597 www.deerwoodbank.com Jacobs Realty Hwy. 6 & 210, Crosby 218-546-8346 www.jacobsrealtymn.com Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union 117 W Main St., Crosby 218-546-5428 www.mmfcu.org g

Contact Us for More Information

218-546-8131 • www.cuyunalakes.com 2 Winter 2017-2018

Minnesota Trails

Features

Columns

Departments

8

Northland Fat Bike Rally

4

14

Northeastern Ski Trails

Laura Hintzen

5

18

Central Ski Trails

22

Northwestern Ski Trails

24

Metro Ski Trails

26

Southern Ski Trails

10

Ancient Tech all New Tom Watson

12

12 Reasons to Go Snowshoeing this Winter Tom Watson

Changing Camps Jan Lasar

Parks & Trails Council Brett Feldman

6-7 Photo Contest Winners

28

Fat Bike Event Guide Rides November through March

29

Minnesota Trails Map The State at a Glance

Cover Art: Minneapolis skyline view on the ski trails at Theodore Wirth Park.

Illustration by Greg Feinberg, www.distractednaturalist.com

30

Index photo:

Spring: March 2018 Bike Rides and Tours, Mountain Bike Trails, State Parks

Young skier at Hyland Park Reserve in Bloomington, MN. Three Rivers Parks District photo

Business Directory Find Trail-Friendly Destinations

Upcoming Issues

Summer: May 2018 Bike Rides and Tours, Bike Trails, State Parks Fall: August 2018 Bike Rides and Tours, Scenic Byways, Hiking Trails

Thank you!

Minnesota Trails

Find us on:

Winter 2017-2018 3

CHANGING CAMPS

You’ll see them pop up Minnesota Miles standing on cross-country on your social media feeds skis surrounded by some as soon as the leaves are classmates, wearing a puffy off the trees: screenshots parka with the hood cinched of weather forecast tight against the cold. A huge PDSV SUHGLFWLQJ WKH Ă€UVW scarf covered most of my snowfall of the season. face and what little you could Authors of these posts see of it, was completely usually fall into one of encrusted in ice, eyelashes two camps. “I am so not and all. You couldn’t see it, ready for this!â€? is the but I remember smiling for Jan Lasar one side of the universe the photo.

Trails Editor/Publisher and “So stoked for snow, As far as I can EULQJ LW RQ Âľ LV WKH RWKHU 7KH Ă€UVW tell, that got the ball rolling. group will retreat and watch the The next week my wife Jen and I weather change from their couch, rented cross-country skis and made our wrapped in blankets, clutching mugs Ă€UVW WLPLG VWULGHV DW &UDQH 0HDGRZV of pumpkin spice, then peppermint National Wildlife Refuge near Little lattĂŠ, as the season progresses. Falls. We fell a lot, but came home 7KH RWKHU FURZG ZLOO DW WKH Ă€UVW glowing with new energy and soaked in dusting of snow, assemble all of their sweat. Later, we tried Lake Maria State winter gear and pose for a photo Park, skied the Soaring Eagle trails in the backyard wearing skis while near Park Rapids and ventured out to standing on frosted grass, grinning Goose Lake by Longville. At the end ear to ear. of the season we had racked up nearly I was in the couch camp for 50 miles in places all over Minnesota. many years and I get it. The arrival of We bought our own skis very soon cold weather and snow meant misery after that, expanded our range and to me. There was the constant ice skied almost 100 miles one winter. scraping and shoveling, biting cold, Today the cold season is no longer a IUR]HQ Ă€QJHUV GHDG FDU EDWWHULHV DQG sentence, but a reason to get out and seemingly perpetual darkness that H[SORUH QHZ WHUULWRU\ DQG , DP Ă€UPO\ LQ made winter a wretched time that the winter embracer camp. came to haunt me every year.

But how can we help the people One day I came across an old on the other side, those poor souls who photo that was taken when I was on retreat and hibernate? We can’t just let a 7th grade class trip in Germany’s WKHP VWHZ RQ WKH FRXFK IRU ÀYH PRQWKV Harz Mountains. There I was, can we? Ultimately, it’s up to them to get up and go outside, but you can start byy

4 Winter 2017-2018

telling them your Minnesota winter story. Talk about the time you skied through Lake Bemidji State Park and had a picnic of sandwiches and hot coffee (or peppermint lattĂŠ) while you listened to the wind rush through the pines in the middle of the woods.

What about the day you snowVKRHG WKURXJK /DNH &DUORV 6WDWH 3DUN and thawed out with a cracking hot ÀUH E\ WKH VWRYH LQ WKH ZDUPLQJ KXW" 7HOO WKHP KRZ \RX FOLPEHG WKH ÀUH tower at Lake Itasca State Park on a crystal-clear January morning and you heard nothing but quiet. They’ll also love the story of how you rode your fat bike on the Douglas State Trail near Pine Island in February.

Better yet, bring them along, take lots of pictures and post them as a comment on Facebook every time you read “Six inches of snow in the forecast-Ughâ€? (frowning emoji.) ,Q WKLV LVVXH RI 7UDLOV \RX¡OO Ă€QG great suggestions on where to go and what to do with your couch camp friend this winter. Make some tracks in Bemidji and ride the Northland )DW %LNH 5DOO\ OLNH Ă€UVW WLPHU /DXUD Hintzen or follow Tom Watson’s footsteps and try one of his 12 suggested snowshoe outings. And don’t forget our list of 200 ski trails all over the state.

Get out there and bring a friend this winter. They may just change camps.

Minnesota Trails

people eoo saving special places

www.parksandtrails.org

Letter from the executive director

Frontenac State Park’s next big addition On a rainy Saturday in early October I had the great privilege of hiking to the top of Waconia Cliff with 85 fellow state park loving people.

While hiking always makes me feel good, I was feeling especially inspired on this day as we shared in a moment of marveling at the spectacular panoramic views. It became clear that we were all on the same mission.

So just where is Waconia Cliff and what exactly is our shared mission?

Waconia Cliff is the focal point of an amazing oak savanna overlooking Pleasant Valley Lakelet and Creek. It occupies a highly visible location near the entrance to Frontenac State Park, and our mission is to make sure this special place becomes the next big addition to the park.

Minnesota Trails magazine readers may recall that Parks & Trails Council purchased this land in May because the previous owners needed to sell it before the park was in a position to even consider acquiring it. We purchased the land in that moment because experience tells us that when land like this ends up in the wrong hands it can be lost by the public forever. We acquired the land based on our conviction that we owe future generations access to land that showcases our natural

Parks & Trails Council members along with supporters of Frontenac State Park Association stand atop Waconia Cliff to show support for adding this land into the park.

heritage and that provides unparalleled opportunities to experience the outdoors.

When the 2018 Legislature convenes in February we hope you will join us in encouraging legislators to pass a Lands Bill that expands the Frontenac State Park boundaries so that it includes the land now held by the Parks & Trails Council.

Thanks to the vocal support from Sen. Mike Goggin, who represents

the community where the park is located, we are well on our way.

For more information on Frontenac State Park’s next big addition and how you can help make it possible, please visit www.parksandtrails.org.

Brett Feldman Executive Director, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

We’re the parks and trails people.

Join Today! www.ParksAndTrails.org

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota would like to thank the following sponsor Minnesota Trails

www.pincushiontrailsinn.com

Winter 2017-2018 5

people saving special places

www.parksandtrails.org

Parks & Trails 2017 Photo Contest

Winners Announced

h HANGES S EASONAL C

1ST PLACE

ABOUT THE PHOTO CONTEST Thank you to everyone who participated in our 3nd annual photo contest! We received 209 photos showcasing parks and trails in Minnesota. A panel selected the winning photos from three categories.

We will host another contest in 2018, so start snapping photos of your adventures in parks and trails!

BY AT

Jussi Lehti Upper Sioux Agency State Park

Living a short distance from the park, amateur photographer Jussi Lehti is a frequent visitor to Upper Sioux Agency State Park–sometimes up to a couple times a week.

As such, it’s one of his favorites.

And he has plenty to compare it to, having visited nearly all the state parks in Minnesota. The day this photo was taken was a particularly dreary day in late November, Lehti says. “Those are some of the best for taking photos,” because the lighting cooperates with the camera better on those days. This shot

required going a short distance off the beaten path, down a bluff to the Yellow Medicine River. Lehti says that he takes photos because it forces him to look more closely at his surroundings and really analyze what he’s seeing. And while he always has his camera with him, there’s plenty of times he doesn’t take a photo the whole time he’s out. He wants to make sure there’s a good shot to be had. Clearly this shot was a good one.

See all the photos at

www.parksandtrails.org/ events/2017-events/photo-contest 6 Winter 2017-2018

Minnesota Trails

people saving special places

www.parksandtrails.org

h NA FLORA & FAU

1ST PLACE

Jimmy Rollins AT Judge C. R. Magney State Park BY

Just seeing wildlife in the park takes patience and know-how, so Jimmy Rollins’ ability to capture elusive animals on camera is thrilling. Rollins says he just puts himself where a photo opportunity might arise and has his camera ready to capture whatever happens. This photo came when he and his brother, a fellow photographer who received 2nd and 3rd place in our contest, were walking on the trail leading to Devil’s Kettle “when suddenly a small family of mink were running all over, almost

underneath the feet of hikers! One happened to pause just long enough for a photo.”

Rollins remembers his first trip to a state park when his mom brought the family to Mille Lacs Kathio

when he was 13 years old. “I’ve been hooked ever since,” he says, and adds, “I’m very happy that I live in a state that loves nature as much as I do.

h REATION OUTDOOR RECIATION & APPREC

1ST PLACE

Manda Baldwin AT Frontenac State Park BY

Manda Baldwin is a frequent visitor to the state parks, and she goes in all seasons to experience the changes that can transform the landscape. This photograph was taken after her and her daughter hiked one of the lesser used trails at Frontenac State Park-Sand Point Trail. This trail winds through the woods and emerges along the shore of Lake Pepin. Here a person can walk along the ice (or in the lake in summer) to Sand Minnesota Trails

Point, where this image was taken. scenery is just as gorgeous with the The water is very shallow here, only ever changing ice heaves and moveinches deep, and in summer, it’s ment of the shallow water,” says The panel of judges discussing the photos possible to walk out quite a distance Baldwin. on the sand bar. “In winter, the Winter 2017-2018 7

Northland Fat Bike Rally First time on a fat tire bike

I

have never been one for winter outdoor sports, but I have tried downhill skiing and snowshoeing to get out of the house during Minnesota’s short, cold days. Last year, I decided to get outside again, learn about fat tire biking and ride the 10k course in the Northland Fat Bike Rally at Lake Bemidji State Park with my friend Jesse.

0\ Ă€UVW WKRXJKW ZDV “Where am I going to get a fat tire bike and will one month be enough time to practice?â€?

I borrowed a friend’s Surly Pugsley and took it out one

winter afternoon on the Lake Wobegon Trail in Sauk Centre. $W ÀUVW LW IHOW OLNH , was sitting on a normal mountain bike, until I started pedaling and hit P\ ÀUVW REVWDFOH , KDG WR shift my gears way down in order to make it across, but soon I was biking over 2-foot snow drifts, which is possible with the four-inch WLUHV , RQO\ WRRN LW RXW ÀYH times before rally day, but I felt prepared.

The March 4 event was put on by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Bemidji Area Mountain Bikers

by Laura Hintzen

(BAMB) and, while timed, it was a rally, not a race.

On a sunny, 44-degree day at Lake Bemidji State Park nearly 70 bikers were unloading their bikes and heading towards the chalet for the pre-race meeting to discuss routes and safety issues.

We lined up at the start on frozen Lake Bemidji. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was so excited to do P\ ÀUVW UDOO\ DQG VR ZDV everyone else – evident by the smiles on their faces.

Some of the riders were out for the experience and others to get a good race time.

At 11 a.m. the starting

JXQ ÀUHG DQG HYHU\RQH took off in sync. Jesse and I watched for a minute for the ÀHOG WR PRYH RQ WKHQ ZH started pedaling, too.

The course was slick at ÀUVW EXW RQFH ZH UHDFKHG the trail, the riding became easier with occasional bumps and snowdrifts.

After a mile on the lake, the trail turned into the park where the course looped through Rocky Point, Balsam and Fish Hawk trails and the Old Logging Trail. It was moderate with few hills, good for people of all ages.

But I didn’t train on inclined trails and soon found out how important

Celebrating after a successful first rally. Laura Hintzen photos 8 Winter 2017-2018

Minnesota Trails

it was to know how to switch gears quickly to make it up some of the hills.

As we made our way along the paths, I noticed the trees were dusted in snow and the sunshine shimmered off of it. Jesse and I were passed up multiple times because I stopped frequently along the course to take pictures. But we came for the experience, and I was happy I decided to do the bike rally.

1HDUO\ ÀYH PLOHV LQWR LW , KLW DQ ice patch and pulled the breaks hard, something I found out you should QHYHU GR Next thing I knew, my right shoulder hit the ground, my tires skidded to the left and my bike landed on top of me.

-HVVH NHSW JRLQJ DQG \HOOHG RYHU KLV VKRXOGHU ´<RX VKRXOG KDYH OLVWHQHG LQ the meeting. They warned us about that ice patch!â&#x20AC;? +H ZDV ULJKW , VKRXOG KDYH WDNHQ it a little more seriously.

With just a few minor bruises, I was up and riding again.

We took last place, with a time RYHU WZR KRXUV EXW ZKHQ ZH Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ ZREEOHG RYHU WKH Ă&#x20AC;QLVK OLQH SHRSOH

Matt Sundquist of Brainerd at the turnaround for the 28km course.

were still waiting for us with a cup of hot cocoa, cheering us on.

The Northland Fat Bike Rally was D JUHDW HYHQW IRU D EHJLQQHU DQG , UHDOO\ enjoyed my ride. Biking through the

woods on a sunny winter day, stopping for photos and hearing the birds chirp made me happy I decided to learn about fat tire biking. Some lessons were painful, but winter is just around the corner and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to do it again.

Mass start on Lake Bemidji at the Northland Fat Bike Rally.

Minnesota Min nnes n ota Tr ne TTrails aills

Winter 2017-2018 9

Ancient Tech All new:

The Ski-Shoe

by T by Tom om mW Watson attsso a on

Imagine Im maaggin gin ine tr ttraveling rav avel eellin ing ng acro aacross ac croosss Mi M Minnesota’s innes nneessot nn sot o aa’’s ssn snow-covered now ow-ccoovver verred ed llandscape aannds dsccaape pe on a ccrisp on risp ri ispp w winter intteer da in day. day. y. Y You’re ouu’re ’’rre mo m moving ovviingg aabout bouutt ffast bo ast bbu as but ut yyo you’re ou’ u’re re nnot oott we w wearing eear aarrinng cross-country ccrrros osssos s--co couunnt nttrr y sk sskis. kiss. You’ Yo You’re ou’ u’re re ccutting cu cutt uttttiinng th through hro roug ugh th the he de deep eep ep ssnow nnoow ooff tthe th he bba backcountry, ackco cckkco couunnntr ttrr y, y, bbut utt yyou’re ouu’r ’re nno not ot oonn ot ssnowshoes, sn noow w wsh shoe sh oes, s, eeither. ithheerr.. it Chances are you might Chhan C hannce ces aar re yyo ou m mi igghht bbee winter eenvisioning en nvi visi sionin oninng the on tthhe latest laatteestt iinn w wi int nteerr ggear, eaar, r, the ski-shoe. tth he sk kii-sshhooee. looks with IItt lloo oooks ooks ks llike ike ik ke a short, shhor ort, t, bbroad t, road ro ad sski kkii w iitth a hi hhint inntt ooff sno ssnowshoe sn noow wsshhoee aand ndd iitt co ccombines om mbbin ines es tth the he gl gglide lid ide ooff a sski kkii w wit with iitth tth the he tr ttraction raaccti cti tionn aand ndd weight w we eiiggght ht ddisplacement ht isppllaaccem is emeennt ooff a ssnowshoe. nnoows wshhooe. e.

Matthew Davis Minnesota Ma M att tthe hew Da D avi vis iss tthe hhee M innne neso sota ta Dakota Trail aand an nd North North No rth D rt Da akkoota ta Regional Reggio ionaal Tr T raaiiill Co Coordinator oor ordi dinnaator tor ffo to for or th tthe he N No North ortth C Co Country ountr untr un tryy T Tr Trail rai aiil A As Association ssooci c at a ion ioon and annd ann avid avi vid skivid skkiish shoer. hoe oer. rr.. H Hee w wa was as in as introduced ntr troodduuccedd ttoo th trod this hiiss ssport port po ort rt

a few feew years y ar ye a s ago ago wh ag w when henn hhee jo joined oin ined e ffriends fr rie iend ndds on o a sshort hhoorrtt ttri trip riip to a ser series e iess o frozen of fro roze zen w we wetlands. etllaannndds ds. “T “There Theere r w were eree er poor ppo oorr snow snnoow conditions, conddiittioons co ns, only onnlyy about one inches aab boouut oon ne orr ttwo woo iinc nchhe nc hes onn the the he gground.” roun ro unndd..” H Hee quickly qu uic ickl kly found foun fo unnd that skitth hat at tthe he sski he kwere sshoes sh oees w we eere rree “faster and ““f faassteer aan nd eeasier ea easi assiieerr tthan th haann walking” wa w alkkiinng” g” and an nd has has ha ssince si inncce become bbe eccoome me an an advocate. ad advo dvoocate ccaate te. e.

Davis Da avi vis is sa says says ys skiuusing us sin inng ssk ing kiisshoes sh hooees tta takes akkees aadvantage ad dva vant annttag age

of those of tho hosee w win winters nters te s te “when ““w whe hen we we don’t don oonn’t ’ gget eett a enough ennouugghh snowfall sno n w wffaalll for ffoor snowshoeing snoow sn wsshhoeeiinng oorr grooming ggrroooomi ming ng N Nordic orddiic ski or ski sk trai tr rai ails ls.” .” trails.”

The us Th uuse se ooff The skisk i-sh i-sh shoe oes dda attees es ski-shoes dates back ba ck at at least leas le ast back 10,0 10 ,000 00000 years, yeaars rs, s, 10,000 originating o iggin or inaattinng in in tthe he he Altai Altaai mountain Al mounta mo uunnta tain in range ranngge bbo ra bordering ord rder erin ing ng China, Chhiinna, C a, Mongolia, Mong Mo ngol olia ia, and aannd Kazakhstan.

Kaza Ka zakhhssttan an.

Mongolian Mongol Mo ngol ng o ian iaan nomadic noomadi maddiic ma warriors warr wa arrrrio iorss aand nd nd horssem ho men en horsemen used us ed tthe hee used skkii--shoe shhoee to to ski-shoe

Jim and Jeri Rakness on the North Country Trail near JJim Detroit Lakes. Jan Lasar photo 10 Winter 2017-2018

Minnesota Trails

Matthew Davis shows the underside of a ski-shoe. Jan Lasar photo

travel, forage and hunt in the winter landscapes of North Asia and their descendants use them to this day.

Modern day ski-shoes range in lengths from 125 cm to 145 cm, about two-thirds the span of a regular ski, DQG D SDLU ZHLJKV DERXW Ă&#x20AC;YH SRXQGV Bindings are either the 3-pin XC type or a universal binding, similar to those used on a snowboard, which work with most winter boots.

Traditionally, the center section of the ski-shoe was covered in horsehide for traction. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skiVKRH XVHV D V\QWKHWLF Ă&#x20AC;EHU ZKLFK keeps it from sliding backwards, much like the scales of a regular cross-country ski. The skins make it easier to go uphill but as Davis points out, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Glide is important, too, because unlike a traditional snowshoe, the skiVKRH VOLGHV GRZQKLOO MXVW Ă&#x20AC;QH Âľ Ski-shoers sometimes opt to use a single, long pole for balance while sliding down slopes or to aid in climbing, but regular cross-country ski poles work, too.

Davis says there are currently very few manufacturers of ski-shoes, some offering a variety of models, others only one choice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Which type of binding you need depends on how you intend to use the skis and what Minnesota Trails

IRRWZHDU \RX KDYH Âľ KH VD\V Opportunities to ski-shoe already exist in our state parks, and new options are being introduced as more users take to the snowy woods. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can go exploring on frozen lakes and LQ ZHWODQGV Âľ VD\V 'DYLV ´ZKHUH \RX FDQ¡W JR RQ IRRW LQ VXPPHU Âľ Davis says more state parks are now grooming fewer miles of Nordic ski trails and it opens up more trail opportunities for ski-shoers. And long-distance hiking trails such as the North Country Trail and the Superior Hiking Trail offer â&#x20AC;&#x153;miles of RSSRUWXQLWLHVÂľ KH VD\V Ski-shoeing is most popular in the western US and in Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s XSSHU SHQLQVXOD 'DYLV LV FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQW that Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state parks would do well introducing ski-shoeing as a new activity. Even those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t FXUUHQWO\ VNL RU VQRZVKRH DUH Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ this sport a fun and easy opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy light snowfalls.

Ski-shoeing combines the HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQF\ DQG IXQ RI VNLV ZLWK WKH ease and mobility of snow-shoes and our state parks provide an ideal setting to enjoy our Minnesota winter wonderland, even in less than dreamy snow conditions.

Winter 2017-2018 11

Ȋ 5ȝ$ȫ2Ȧ6

by Tom Watson

Wɇ Jɇ VɆRɏVɀRȽLɆJ WɀLɋ ZɁQɌHɊ In Minnesota’s state parks you can create your own trail and trek through forested hillsides, across prairie grasslands, over frozen, reed-lined marshes anywhere a mantle of snow might invite you. While some parks offer groomed snowshoeing trails, you are free to blaze your own trail through these winter wonderlands all across Minnesota and your routes are nearly limitless. Nearly half of the state parks in the system offer snowshoe rentals and of those, eight parks even have groomed trails specifically dedicated to snowshoeing.

Many summer hiking trails take on a whole new personality once trees drop their leaves, the understory opens up and snow blankets the landscape.

Corridors that were overgrown with summer lushness now provide uncluttered pathways, opening access to areas within parks that are much more inviting in the cold months.

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Fort Snelling - Pike Island offers a pleasant loop along the banks of the Mississippi River, following alongside the designated ski trail.

Snowshoers can also cut through the interior of the island.

Afton - The meadows and wooded sections of the high bluff country above the St. Croix River make the hills and valleys of Afton State Park an adventurous network of snowshoeing route options, many of which offer stunning vistas.

Frontenac – There are more than two miles of designated ungroomed trails, but snowshoers can also skirt around the ski loops for many more miles of snow trekking across the hills overlooking Lake Pepin.

Great River Bluffs - Trail spurs beneath a broad and grand latticework of maple branches take you to expansive and lofty panoramas of the Mississippi River Valley south of Winona.

Nerstrand Big Woods - Besides the wooded hillsides and a trek along Prairie Creek, a special treat is a short hike to the frozen curtain of water at Hidden Falls.

Flandrau - The nearly 3-mile out-and-back River Trail in the southeastern section of this park is a designated snowshoe route along the lowlands of the Cottonwood River.

Lake Maria - Snowshoers who are also avid winter campers will especially enjoy the wooded hills and backcountry spirit of this park. Like several other great snowshoe destinations, Lake Maria offers camper cabins for a great, cozy base camp during extended snowshoeing treks along more than seven miles of designated trails.

8.

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Jay Cooke - Carlton, Forbay Lake, Ogantz and Grand Portage Trails provide more than seven miles of snowshoeing options along the ruggedly beautiful St. Louis River and other waters within this northern Minnesota state park. The string of parks along the North Shore of Lake Superior, as well as those further inland, offer some of the best Northwoods snowshoeing landscapes in the entire state.

Itasca – This park is in a league of its own when it comes to designated, ungroomed winter ski, snowshoe, and hiking trails. More than 25 miles of winter routes cross through this incredible park from border to border, offering treks among towering red pines and around, even over, remote lakes.

10. Lac Qui Parle - Perhaps one of the best parks in Minnesota to see whitetail deer throughout the winter, it offers miles of looped trails through the grassy bottomlands along the banks of the Lac Qui Parle River where it flows into the Minnesota River north of Montevideo. This is one of the best examples of prairie region river systems, and great snowshoeing.

11. Upper Sioux Agency - Rolling, grasscovered hills, scattered oak forests and a trail along the banks of the Minnesota River make this a prime prairie park for winter snowshoeing adventures. (A side note: this park also has a great sliding hill) 12. Minneopa - Worth a trip just to get a chance sighting of bison in winter. A trek around the outside of the bison herd enclosure along the Minnesota River Bluff Trail leads to Seppmann Mill, a historic stone-built grist mill on the western edge of the park.

)ȭ1 )ș&Ȭ6Ȓ • 260,000 acres in the Minnesota state park system are open to snowshoeing.

• 31 parks offer snowshoe rentals. Some parks even offer introductory clinics.

• Snowshoeing is an inexpensive way to enjoy Minnesota’s winter treasure chest of outdoor fun.

Remember: Do not walk on cross-country ski tracks, groomed or otherwise.

12 Winter 2017-2018

Minnesota Trails

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Minnesota Trails

Winter 2017-2018 13

Northeastern Trails

MINNESOTA

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

14 Winter 2017-2018

SKI TRAIL GUIDE Northeast Ski Region: Miles of Trails Along the North Shore of Lake Superior, throughout the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area (BWCWA), to the Chippewa National Forest, northeastern Minnesota has some of the biggest snowfalls in Minnesota and many well-groomed trail systems. Area resorts offer winter ski packages and many state parks rent camper cabins in the winter.

Biwabik | Giants Ridge 60km - All levels, US Ski Team training center using the Superior National Forest with views and roller coaster rides. 3km lit for Nordic skiing and some of the trails can be reached by chairlift.

Carlton | Jay Cooke State Park 51km - Beginner to advanced with a wide variety of trails. White Pine Trail is an intermediate trail offering an overlook of St. Louis River Valley. CCC Trail is the easiest trail running along the river.

Warming shelter with a woodstove and bathrooms open seven days a week.

Candlelight ski and snowshoe event held annually. Groomed classic with multiuse trail at Oldenburg Point. Snowshoe rentals. MN ski pass required.

Chisholm | Sturgeon River Trails 35km - Excellent beginner trail in the Superior National Forest. Long stretches of solitary trails. Two Adirondack shelters, groomed, scenic views of Sturgeon river.

Cloquet | Pine Valley 10km - Intermediate to advanced, challenging with difďŹ cult climbs, yet gradual, rolling sections. Partially lit, adjacent to Cloquet Area recreational center. 2.5k lighted. The back of the 5K loop across Spring Lake Road is skate and classic groomed.

Coleraine | Itasca Trails (Mount Itasca) 10km - Beginner to expert, groomed for skate and classic skiing on ďŹ&#x201A;at to very hilly terrain. MN Ski Pass required on west public trails. Additional fee for east biathlon course with man-made snow.

Cohasset | MN Power Blackwater Trails 3.4km - Beginner trails groomed for skate and classic skiing. Lighted. MN Ski Pass required.

Cohasset | Portage Park 4km - Beginner classic trails near the Mississippi River. MN Ski Pass required.

Cook | Ashawa 40km - Beginner to advanced on the west side of Lake Vermilion. 5 miles north of Cook, new 3km trail around golf course. MN ski pass required.

Deer River | Blueberry Hills 12km - Beginner to expert with many loops. Classic and skate groomed trails. 5 miles northeast of Deer River. MN ski pass required.

Deer River | Simpson Creek 20km - Beginner to intermediate trail along Lake Winnibigoshish in the Chippewa National Forest.

Minnesota Trails

Duluth | Bagley Nature Area 3km - Two intermediate classic loops on the UMD campus.

Duluth | Boulder Lake 21km - Beginner to advanced, 8km of skate ski with Wolfskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ski Den warming shack, open sunrise to sunset. Groomed daily for classic and skate ski, very well maintained by Minnesota Power.

Duluth | Chester Bowl Park 3km - Intermediate to advanced. MN ski pass required.

Duluth | Hartley Trail 5km - Beginner to intermediate with some gentle slopes. Classic only. MN ski pass required.

Duluth | Korkki Nordic 11km - Intermediate to advanced single track classic trails, groomed daily. Steep hills, designed for racing. MN ski pass required.

Duluth | Lester Amity Trail 15km - Beginner to advanced trail of varied terrain through pine, aspen, and birch forests. Additional 3km circles the Lester Park Golf Course and is accessible from the main Lester-Amity Trail. 5km trail lit mornings and evenings. MN ski pass required.

Duluth | Magney-Snively Trail 14km - Intermediate to advanced, beautiful hardwood forest with large hills.

A rugged trail not recommended for beginners. MN ski pass required.

Duluth | Piedmont Trail 5km - Beginner to intermediate trail through aspen, birch and hardwood forest. Beautiful overlook of St. Louis River Valley. MN ski pass required.

Duluth | SnowďŹ&#x201A;ake Nordic Ski Center 15km - Intermediate classic and skate ski trails, groomed daily. Lessons and rentals available. Warming chalet with showers, sauna, changing rooms, lounge, and snacks.

Duluth | Spirit Mountain 22km - All skill levels. Beautifully wooded cross-country ski trails groomed daily.

Ely | Bear Head Lake State Park 11km - Beginner trails through boreal forest circling Norberg Lake, groomed for classic ski. Trail center with toilets, water and warming house. MN ski pass required.

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Northeastern Trails

Ely | Birch Lake Plantation Trail 8.5km - Beginner to intermediate groomed trail through Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest red pine plantation crosses several bridges and edges Birch Lake. MN ski pass required.

Ely | Hegman Lake Trail 6km - Beginner, user-tracked trail on several lakes surrounded by rock and pine ridges. View unique Native American pictographs on west shore of North Hegman Lake. Need BWCAW day use permit available free at trailhead.

Ely | Hidden Valley/Hidden Valley Extension Trails 15km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic and skate trails. Rolling to hilly terrain, through birch and pine stands. Connects to 8km Hidden Valley Extension. Scenic overlook at Farm Lake, access behind Fall Lake Town Hall. Hidden Valley Chalet available for rent. MN ski pass required.

Ely | North Arm Trails 42km - User-tracked, beginner to advanced. Some trails go through BWCAW. Rocky hills, ridges, majestic pines and wilderness lakes are highlights of this trail system. Many loops and wildlife viewing opportunities. Need BWCAW day use permit, available for free at trailhead.

Ely | North Junction Trail 13km - User-tracked, beginner to advanced, series of loops through meadows, spruce swamps, ridges and around beaver ponds.

Ely | South Farm Trail 8km - Beginner to intermediate, user tracked. Gently-rolling terrain through BWCAW with some lake travel. Ski around a muskeg swamp. Need BWCAW day use permit, available for free at trail head.

Ely | Trezona Ski Trail 6.5km - Beginner trail groomed for classic and skate ski. Relatively ďŹ&#x201A;at with some rolling terrain. Starts in town, circles Minerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lake with views of remains of Pioneer Mine.

Grand Marais | Banadad Trail 30km - Intermediate, groomed singletrack trail in BWCAW. Yurt to yurt skiing available. Connects Central GunďŹ&#x201A;int Trails with Upper GunďŹ&#x201A;int Trails, for one of the longest trail systems in the state. MN ski pass required.

Grand Marais | Bally Creek Trails 25km - All skill levels, mostly classic.

Connects to Cascade River State Park.

MN ski pass required.

Grand Marais | Central GunďŹ&#x201A;int Trail System 70km - All skill levels, 27 miles groomed north of Grand Marais close to BWCAW. Lighted sections at Bearskin & Golden Eagle lodges.

Grand Marais | Pincushion Mountain Trails 25km - Beginner to advanced, welldesigned classic and skate trail 2 miles north of Grand Marais with beautiful Lake Superior views and separate snowshoe trail. 1.6km lighted trail. MN ski pass required.

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Northeastern Trails Grand Marais | Upper GunďŹ&#x201A;int Trail 70km - All levels, 45 miles north of Grand Marais. This large system near Canada and BWCAW has mostly classic trails with 30km of skate skiing, a trailside restaurant and three trailside lodges: GunďŹ&#x201A;int Lodge, GunďŹ&#x201A;int Pines Resort, Hestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lodge. Upper GunďŹ&#x201A;int Trail Passes required, available at the resorts.

Grand Rapids | Alder Pond Trail 10km - Beginner, groomed classic ski trail through aspen and coniferous forest. MN Ski Pass required.

Grand Rapids | Amen Lake Trail 7km - Intermediate, groomed, classic ski trail 13 miles north of Grand Rapids. Ski through hardwood forest with rolling hills.

Connects to south end of Suomi Hills ski trails. MN ski pass required.

Grand Rapids | Golden Anniversary State Forest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cowhorn Lake 8km - Intermediate, classic ski trail with rolling hills through old growth aspen forest. MN ski pass required.

Grand Rapids | Golden Anniversary State Forest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Boomer-Blue Trail 7km - Beginner, classic ski trail, doubletracked. Connects with Cowhorn Trail.

MN ski pass required.

Grand Rapids | Golden Anniversary State Forest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; River Road Trail 3km - Intermediate, classic ski trail with rolling hills through majestic pines. MN ski pass required.

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Trail Shelter at Cascade River State Park. Kurt Zuppke photo Grand Rapids | Forest History Center 8km - Beginner, classic ski trail through 1900s logging camp and virgin timber forest. MN ski pass required on one main trail.

Grand Rapids | Legion Trails 3.5km - Intermediate trail, groomed for both classic and skate skiing. 3 km lit. MN ski pass required.

Grand Rapids | Sugar Hills 28km - Intermediate to expert trail, groomed for both classic and skate skiing on hilly terrain through hardwood forest. Thunder Peak provides excellent panoramic views. MN ski pass required.

Grand Rapids | Suomi Hills 35km - Intermediate to expert classic, groomed ski trail on rolling hills through the Chippewa National Forest. Connects with Amen Lake Trail.

Grand Rapids | Sylvan Point Trail 6km - Beginner classic trail. Connects Grand Itasca Hospital to Forest History Center.

Grand Rapids | Trout Lake Recreation Area 10km - Intermediate, double track, classic ski trail through the Chippewa National Forest. 3 miles from historic Joyce Estate, a 6,000-acre SNA with Adirondack buildings.

Grand Rapids | Wabana Trails 10km - Intermediate, classic trails wind through rolling hills. MN ski pass required.

Goodland | Big Ridge Trail 10km - Intermediate, groomed, classic ski trail with rolling hills through hardwood, evergreens and aspen. MN ski pass required.

Hibbing | Carey Lake 22km - Beginner to advanced groomed trails with 10km side-by-side classic and skate skiing with views of the lake, lowlands, bogs, and jack pine stands. 3.8 km Black Forest loop is lit from 5-10 pm daily.

Hinckley | St. Croix State Park 17km - Groomed, classic ski trail with many loops for all skill levels. MN ski pass required.

Hoyt Lakes | Bird Lake Trail 18km - Beginner to intermediate trail over birch and aspen hills with views of Bird and Lillian Lakes.

Hoyt Lakes | Colby Lake Trail 3.2km - Beautiful hilly terrain with birch and aspen forest and views of Colby Lake. Start at Birch Cove Beach parking lot.

Smoothies Soup and Sandwiches Espresso Breakfast Bagels Baked Goods Ice Cream

Stop in and warm up after skiing Jay Cooke State Park!

Carlton, MN | (218) 461-2262

magnoliacafecarlton.com 16 Winter 2017-2018

Minnesota Trails

International Falls | Tilson Creek Ski Trail 16.4km - Intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails in the Koochiching State Forest. MN ski pass required.

International Falls | Voyageurs National Park 53km - This National Park has three trail systems: Black Bay Trails-three loops totaling 13km with a 1km connector to Tilson Creek Trails. Access is at Rainy Lake Visitor Center via ice road. Echo Bay Trail-4km loop accessible through Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center. KabAsh Trail-A 35km system accessible near Ash River Visitor Center.

Isabella | Flathorn Gegoka Trail 30km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, single-tracked in the Superior National Forest. Some paths on old logging roads.

Accommodations available at National Forest Lodge. MN ski pass required.

Lutsen | Cascade River State Park 27km - Beginner to advanced, classic, single tracked, groomed weekly. Heavily forested trails along Cascade River and several little creeks. The only place in Cook County to ski along Lake Superior.

Spot moose and wolves down the river valley from Lookout Mountain. Woodheated warming house available.

Connects to Bally Creek and Sugarbush trail systems. MN ski pass required.

Lutsen | Lutsen Mountains to Spruce Creek 35km - Groomed for both classic and skate ski with resorts along the way.

Includes the Massie, Hall, Meadows, and Golf Course loops of the North Shore ski trails, loops around Solbakken Resort, and connections to Sugarbush and Cascade systems. MN ski pass required.

Mora | Vasaloppet Nordic Center Trails 15km - Classic and skate ski, beginner trails, 5km lit, starts and ends at Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center which offers waxing room, showers, sauna, and is open throughout the season.

Mora | Vasaloppet Public Ski Area 25km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails with separate loops.

Nashwauk | Stoney Ridge Trail 10km - Intermediate trails, groomed for classic skiing. Mostly ďŹ&#x201A;at with a few rolling hills through woods. MN ski pass required.

Silver Bay | Northwoods Ski Trail 19km - Intermediate, groomed single track classic trail through ďŹ&#x201A;at woods.

Connects to Tettegouche State Park. Trail head is on west edge of Silver Bay with parking at Beaver Creek.

Silver Bay | Tettegouche State Park 31km - Intermediate to advanced, classic trails with many loops and good views of lakes and hills. About 4km of skate ski trail. Four historic ski-in cabins at Mic Mac Lake. Take a side trip to 70-foot High Falls on the Baptism River. Warming house is the lodge at Tettegouche Camp. MN ski pass required.

SKI TRAIL GUIDE Tofte | Sugarbush Trail System 65km - Extensive trail network for all skill levels. Groomed for both classic and skate skiing with spectacular views of Lake Superior. Trail heads at Britton Peak and Moose Fence on the western side.

Ski-through from Onion River Rd/Oberg Mountain trails and trailhead on the eastern edge. 5km connector hooks up with Superior National Golf Course Nordic Center trails. Club house trail head offers ski rentals. Trails maintained

by Sugarbush Trail Association. MN ski pass required.

Togo | Thistledew Trail 16km - Mostly expert trails for classic skiing only. Beautiful and remote trail in the George Washington State Forest. MN ski pass required Tower | Howard Wagoner Trail 10km - Beginner trails groomed for classic ski only. View big Norway pines, deer and wolves. Skiers can start in city of Tower at Civic Center. MN ski pass required.

Two Harbors | Gooseberry Falls State Park 19km - Groomed, classic ski trail with many loops on gradual hills and unique views of frozen waterfalls. Ski over the bridge at Fifth Falls. MN ski pass required.

Two Harbors | Erkki Harju Trail 10.5km - Intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trail through scenic city forest. 3km lit until 10 pm daily. MN ski pass required.

Northeastern Trails Virginia | Big Aspen Recreation Area 33km - Beginner to intermediate trail with shelters and a beautiful overlook on old logging roads and abandoned RR grades of the Virginia and Rainy Lake Lumber Co. Virginia | Lookout Mountain Trail 24km - Classic, user-groomed trails run along the Laurentian Divide on the crest of low, rocky hills dividing the Red River and Rainy River basins from the Minnesota River and Lake Superior basins.

On the Suomi Ski Trail near Grand Rapids.

Kim Young photo

Sources: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Nordic Ski Association, Skinnyski & Individual Trails Minnesota Trails

Winter 2017-2018 17

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Central Trails Central Ski Region: A Variety of Trails State parks, forests, wetlands and private resorts offer a ski experience ranging from remote to all-inclusive.

Aitkin | No Achen Trail 10.1km - Beginner to advanced, groomed classic and skate trails through rustic forest. MN ski pass required.

Alexandria | Spruce Hill Park 5km - 97 acre park with gentle wooded hills through tamarack. MN ski pass required.

Alexandria | Trollskogen Ski Trail 9km - Intermediate level loops around two lakes. MN ski pass required.

Battle Lake | Glendalough State Park 13km - Beginner to intermediate, classic trails on rolling hills over prairie and northern hardwoods that pass several lakes. Weekend shelter with ďŹ replace, historic lodge rental, camper cabins. Ski and snowshoe rentals. MN ski pass required.

Brainerd | French Rapids 16km - Expert only. Well-groomed and challenging trails in glaciated area with great views of Mississippi River Valley. MN ski pass required.

Brainerd | Northland Arboretum 20km - Beginner to intermediate, classic and skate ski with nearly 5 km lighted trail. MN ski pass required.

At Brainerdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northland Arboretum.

Jan Lasar photo Brainerd | Pine Beach Trail 40km - Mostly beginner to intermediate with some advanced loops. Varied terrain through pine and hardwood forest around lakes. Trail links Kavanaughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Cragunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resorts. MN ski pass required.

Carlos | Lake Carlos State Park 9.5km - Intermediate, groomed classic only, rolling terrain through tamarack bog, marshes, woodland ponds and lakes. MN ski pass required.

Crosby | Wolf Lake Ski Trail 13km - Beginner to advanced, groomed classic with challenging hills through hardwood forest and mature pine.

Shelter along trail, maps at intersections.

Deerwood | Larson Lake Ski Trails 20km - Beginner, skate and classic, with some advanced loops, rolling hills, wooded area with oak trees, pines, wetlands and tamarack bogs in the Lansin R. Hamilton Memorial Forest.

Elk River | Woodland Trails 15km - Beginner to advanced, groomed skate and classic ski trails with many loops. Maintained by Elk River Nordic Ski Club. MN Ski Pass required.

Elk River | Otsego Regional Park 2.5km - Classic/skate trails through hardwood forest and prairie restoration area, adjacent to Mississippi River. MN Ski Pass required.

Fergus Falls | Spidahl Skigaard 30km - All levels. Groomed classic and skate through 340 acres of hardwoods and prairie near Maplewood State Park.

Privately owned. Fee applies. Ski and snowshoe rentals.

Kensington | Andes Tower Hills Ski Area 15km - All levels of classic and skate through forest and around lakes. Adjacent to downhill ski area with 1.5km lit trail. Ski rentals available.

Little Falls | Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge 5.6km - Beginner trail, groomed with two parallel tracks, with gentle hills.

Trail follows Platte River, skirts around several wetlands, winds through mixed hardwoods, crosses ďŹ elds restored with prairie grasses. Waterfowl observation deck along trail overlooking Skunk Lake.

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18 Winter 2017-2018

Minnesota Trails

Milaca | Milaca Trails 8km - City of Milaca trails are groomed single track.

Monticello | Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park 3.5km - Great beginner trail through pines next to the Mississippi River.

Groomed classic ski only. MN ski pass required.

Monticello | Harry Larson County Forest 3.2km - Intermediate, classic ski only.

Close to Lake Maria State Park. MN ski pass required.

Monticello | Lake Maria State Park 9km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic trails through rolling terrain, wooded areas, old growth forest areas and past lakes and ponds. MN ski pass required.

New London | Sibley State Park 13km - Intermediate to advanced with hills and curves. Ski to the top of Mt. Tom for the best view of the countryside. 4km skate ski trails. MN ski pass required.

Nisswa | Grand View Lodge 8km - All levels over three loops, groomed for classic, through 360 acres of pines, prairie and wetland. 1.1km skate loop.

Onamia | Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 20km - Beginner to advanced, several loops through wooded terrain. Ski rentals available. MN ski pass required.

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Central Trails

Palisade | Long Lake Conservation Center 7.2km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic ski trails through rustic forest. MN ski pass required.

Pelican Rapids | Maplewood State Park 8km - Intermediate to advanced, four loops of classic ski through hardwood forest, over hills and around many lakes.

Additional 8km backcountry trail. MN ski pass required.

Pine River | Cut Lake Trail 16km - Beginner to advanced skiing around Deer and Cut Lake.

Rice | Mississippi River County Park 6km - All beginner trails, groomed for classic skiing right along the Mississippi River.

Saint Augusta | Warner Lake Park 6km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic through woods with some challenging hills. 41-acre site surrounding Warner Lake.

Saint Cloud | Graystone Trails 17km - Beginner to intermediate with a few challenging hills. Many loops through scenic woods, pastures and apple orchards. Maintained by the Nordic Ski Club of Central Minnesota. MN Ski Pass required.

Saint Cloud | Riverside Park 5km - Beginner to intermediate trails with ďŹ&#x201A;at to rolling hills along the Mississippi River near downtown St. Cloud.

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Winter 2017-2018 19

Central Trails Saint Joseph | Kraemer Lake-Wildwood County Park 6km - Beginner to advanced. Six classic ski loops that wind through a wooded setting. MN ski pass required.

Sauk Centre | High School Trail 2.25km - Groomed classic and skate ski trails next to the Sauk River. Rated easy to moderate with cut-offs to avoid the few large hills.

Spicer | Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center 10km - Beginner to advanced, groomed classic and skate. Trails within 500-acre environmental learning center campus.

Wide trails suitable for skate ski, tracked for classic when snow is sufďŹ cient. Rentals available. MN ski pass required.

Wadena | Blackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grove 9km - Beginner to advanced, classic ski trails that wind through a wooded setting.

Waite Park | Quarry Park & Nature Preserve 6.3km - Beginner to intermediate with a skating loop and classic loops. Ski past granite quarries and rock piles on lighted trails. 323 acre State ScientiďŹ c and Natural Area within park with additional 5km of ungroomed rustic trail shared by snowshoers and hikers. Quarry Park parking pass required.

Willmar | Swan Lake Ski Trails 5km - Groomed, classic and skate for all levels on Eagle Creek Golf Course.

MN ski pass required.

20 Winter 2017-2018

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Ski trails at Waite Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Quarry Park wind around rock piles taken from granite quarries.

Jan Lasar photo

Minnesota Trails

TrailsQ&A

TRAILS Q & A

Trails Q&A

Snapshots of people we meet along the trail

Andrew Hoffmann

Kent Montgomery

Dan Shaffer

Connie Burns

Springfield, MN

Salt Lake City, UT

St. Rosa, MN

Alexandria, MN

Occupation: Student in the eleventh grade, Eagle Scout, and proprietor of Andyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bike Shop.

Seen: Night Hiking with his family at Flandrau State Park on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve. Gear: Spy goggles, Grenade gloves, Sessions coat.

Why do you come here? My mom, Mary, and my dad, Lynn, have been taking my brothers, Joseph and James, and me to the same cabin at Flandrau for the last three New Years eves. :H XVXDOO\ KDYH D ERQĆ&#x201C;UH JR for night hikes and hang out at the cabin.

Favorite State Park? Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

We could see the lighthouse, Lake Superior, and the Apostle Islands right from our tent. The night we camped there, they turned on the lighthouse for the 100-year anniversary.

Best Minnesota Experience?

Going to Dent Lake in the Boundary Waters. Our scout troop canoed a 50-mile loop in four days with a 480-rod portage. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the quietest places I have ever been to.

Favorite Minnesota Trail? The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail, because of the scenery.

One day soon, I hope weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go to Cuyuna.

Trail Treat: Anything I can get my hands on. One time I ate an ant on a dare.

Advice for someone travelling outdoors: Be prepared and bring a pocketknife.

With $1000 I would: Buy a fatbike.

Do you really have a bike shop? Yes. My parents bought me a full Park Tools set and I started my own shop where I do repairs. There is a lot of demand for service in our area.

Occupation: Instructor in the Natural Resources Department at Central Lakes College and volunteer ski coach at Brainerd Junior High School.

Occupation: Health Ed Coordinator and Dietitian.

Seen: Skiing at Lake Carlos State Seen: Skate skiing at the Sauk Park.

Centre Ski Trail.

Gear: Atomic Nordic skis.

How often do you ski? Three to four times a week.

How many miles do you ski per year? About 50.

Most Memorable Ski: Going Best MN experience: An down Deathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Door trail at overnight stay at a yurt at Bearskin Lake on the North Glendalough State Park.

Shore. It â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s straight down and I went what felt like Mach 8 speed. Favorite MN place: The Favorite Trail: I like Saint Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boundary Waters because the canoeing is so incredible.

University trails but my all time favorite trail is Korkki Nordic near Trail Treat: Anything with peanut Two Harbors. butter.

Advice: Keep going, go easy, Advice for the novice skier: pick yourself up when you fall Take it slow and work out your DQG JR DJDLQ <RXĹ?OO VRRQ Ć&#x201C;QG upper body before the ski yourself smiling in your living season. room, so tired from the good Future MN plans: I want to exercise. visit Maplewood State Park and With $1,000: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d clear a trail explore southeastern Minnesota. out my backdoor and buy a groomer.

Occupation: Science teacher and track coach.

QA

Minnesota Trails

Seen: Skiing at the Brainerd Arboretum ski trails

Gear: Alpina ski boots, Atomic VNLV DQG <RKR SROHV b Best Skiing Experience: My best time is anytime Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m out there skiing with the kids.

Worst Skiing Experience: None. What do they say? The ZRUVW GD\ Ć&#x201C;VKLQJ VWLOO EHDWV WKH best day at work.

Advice for new skiers: Hook up with a club or a team. We learn from each other and keep each other going.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your favorite trail at the Arboretum? Big Ben. It has lots of climbs and drops.

Why do you ski? Because it keeps me in shape. And because I still can.

Trail Treat: Peanuts or a chocolate granola bar.

How did you get started skiing? In tenth grade my dad bought me a set of skis and I joined the high school team. He must have known something I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t back then.

Trail Treat: A nice pint of Fenceline beer from Jackpine Brewery in Baxter.

With $1000 I would: Buy a few more sets of high-end skis for the high school kids.

Winter 2017 2017-2018 2018 21

Northwestern Trails

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Northwest Ski Region: Plenty of Choices From Lake of the Woods to the Headwaters of the Mississippi to the prairies around Crookston, northwestern Minnesota has the widest variety of cross country ski trails in the state. Ski resorts and lodging outlets offer packages that include meals and a hot sauna.

Bemidji | Buena Vista Ski Trail 25km - Intermediate to advanced loops through woods. Family resort since 1949 with downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sleigh rides, replica logging village, large lodge, kitchen and shops.

Home of the Minnesota Finlandia and Snowjourn races. Also downhill skiing. MN ski pass required.

Bemidji | C.V. Hobson Forest Trail 7km - Beginner, groomed for classic. Red and white pine and tamarack bog along Lake Lyra. MN ski pass required.

Bemidji | High School Trail 7km - Easy beginner trail, groomed classic and skate. MN ski pass required.

Bemidji | Lake Bemidji State Park 17.6km - Beginner to advanced, four loops, groomed double classic near Lake Bemidji. Warming shelter during ofďŹ ce hours, annual candlelight ski. 28 miles of skate ski within 5 miles of park. MN ski pass required.

Maplelag Resort offers nearly 70km of trails on over 650 acres. Jay Richards photo Bemidji | Montebello Trail 4.5km - Beginner, gentle course in the city of Bemidji with 2km of lighted trail.

Close to hotels and restaurants. MN ski pass required.

Bemidji | Movil Maze Trail 14km - Intermediate to advanced, classic and skate. Steep and rolling hills through black spruce bog, red pines and hardwoods. MN ski pass required.

Bemidji | Three Island Park 28km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic and skate with beautiful views of Three Island Lake and Turtle River. MN ski pass required.

Bemidji | Fern Lake Trail 3.5km - Intermediate to advanced, groomed classic ski trail.

MN ski pass required.

Callaway | Maplelag Resort 66km - All levels, many well-groomed loops through maple forest with rolling hills. Mostly classic with some skate ski.

Privately-owned cross-country ski resort with lessons and rentals. Sauna and hot tub.

Detroit Lakes | Detroit Mountain 7km - Ski trails ranging from skate and classic to classic only. Beginner to advanced. No MN Ski Pass currently required. See website for details.

Detroit Lakes | Dunton Locks 6.1km - Beginner with some hills, west of Detroit Lakes, groomed classic all levels.

Detroit Lakes | East Frazee Ski Trails 16km - Mostly beginner with loops for all levels, groomed single-track through pines, lakeshore, forest and meadows.

Detroit Lakes | Mountain View Recreation Area 5k - All levels, both classic and skate skiing on wide, regularly-groomed trails through hardwood forest.

Detroit Lakes | Pickerel Lake 9km - Narrow single track trails through hardwood forests. Groomed occasionally.

Spend a Day, a W k or a Lifetime

Thief River Falls offers miles of snowmobile and cross-country ski trails.

Contact us for trail maps today.

ZZZ YLVLWWUI FRP 22 Winter 2017-2018

Minnesota Trails

Detroit Lakes | Pine Lake 12km - Beginner to intermediate, even terrain with a few short hills. Occasionally groomed, plus 20 miles of ungroomed trails. Located in the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. MN ski pass required.

Hackensack | Deep Portage 18km - Beginner to advanced through rolling hills. 6km groomed for skate ski. Located in the Deep Portage Conservation Reserve. Interpretive center open all week. MN ski pass required.

Hackensack | Hiram Ski Trail 8km - Beginner to advanced, inside Foot Hills State Forest. MN ski pass required.

Longville | Goose Lake Recreation Area 15km - Beginner to intermediate trails through woods, over gently-rolling hills and around wetlands. MN ski pass required.

Outing | Washburn Lake Solitude Area 11km - Beginner to advanced trail in the Land Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Lakes State Forest.

Park Rapids | Itasca State Park 20km - Beginner to advanced, groomed with many loops. Ski to the headwaters of the Mississippi River amongst towering white pines on easy rolling hills. Visitor center with ďŹ replace is open year round.

MN ski pass required.

Park Rapids | Soaring Eagle Trail 10km - Beginner to advanced trails that wind through a varied forest with rolling hills. Skate and classic. MN ski pass required.

SKI TRAIL GUIDE Thief River Falls | Greenwood Trails 1.5km - Beginner classic ski trails that wind through a wooded setting along the Red Lake River.

Thief River Falls | Golf Course Trail 12km - Beginner to intermediate classic trail. Ski on the frozen Thief River from Red Robe Park to the golf course. Monthly moonlight ski event.

Walker | Shingobee Recreation Area 9km - Beginner to expert trails on the slopes of the Shingobee River Valley.

Groomed for classic and skate skiing. MN Ski Pass required.

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Trails groomed daily Fat Biking - Skiing - Lodging - Sauna - Spa - Fireplace - Home Cooked Meals - Sledding - Skatingg

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Winter 2017-2018 23

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Metro Trails

Metro Ski Region: Urban Trails Wonderland The many communities that make up the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul provide an extensive network of well-groomed cross-country ski trails.

Many regional parks make snow and offer skiing at night on lit trails.

Annandale | Stanley Eddy Regional Park 12km - Advanced, classic ski only. MN ski pass required.

Afton | Afton State Park 19km - A variety of groomed, classic loops, featuring 2 miles of easy trails and 13 miles of trails rated intermediate to advanced. Trails overlook the St. Croix River near Afton Alps Ski Resort and have trail shelters. Heated visitors center has parking and bathrooms. The park also has snowshoe trails and holds an annual candlelight ski. MN ski pass required.

Bloomington | Hyland Lake Park Reserve 15km - Beginner to expert, groomed, classic and skate trails over rolling hills and prairie. 9km lighted trail. 5km manmade snow. Ski Chalet serves as a warming house and offers ski rentals.

Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Burnsville | Alimagnet Park 6km - Short and ďŹ&#x201A;at beginner trails.

Burnsville | Terrace Oaks Park 10.9km - Beginner to expert. Groomed, classic ski trails along lakes and ponds through hills and woods. Chalet available.

Cambridge | Spirit River Nature Area 5-8km - Beginner classic and skate ski trails through prairie, deciduous forest, and wetlands, parking and restrooms at college.

Cokato | Collinwood Regional Park 8km - Intermediate, groomed, classic trail on open ďŹ elds with some wooded areas.

Coon Rapids | Bunker Hills Regional Park 20km - Intermediate trail loops on ďŹ&#x201A;at to slightly hilly terrain. Rental skis available at Bunker Hills Campground Visitors Center. Warm up inside the Bunker Hills Activity Center. MN ski pass required.

Coon Rapids | Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park 10km - Beginner to intermediate trails on relatively ďŹ&#x201A;at terrain along Mississippi River. Rentals available at Coon Rapids Dam Visitor Center. MN ski pass required.

uth of Just minuteCsitsoies in the Twin s heaven! winter sport

The chalet at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. Three Rivers Parks District photo Cottage Grove | Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park 8k - Intermediate to advanced trails with some steep slopes and heavily-wooded ravines. 4.5 km skate ski loop. MN ski pass required.

Eagan | Lebanon Hills Regional Park 23km - Beginner to advanced trails, groomed for classic and skate ski.

Trails wind through the hilly, wooded countryside and around scenic lakes and ponds. Dakota County ski pass required.

Farmington | Whitetail Woods Regional Park 10km - Intermediate trails around Empire Lake. Connects with Lone Rock Trail in Rosemount. Camper cabins and ďŹ re rings available. Dakota County ski pass required.

Hanover | Crow-Hassan Park Reserve 4.5km - Ungroomed trails through restored prairie. User tracked.

Hastings | Spring Lake Park Reserve 8.2km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic (5.6km) and skate (1.6km) ski trails. Schaarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bluff offers views of the Mississippi River Valley.

Dakota County ski pass required.

Hastings | St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park 10.5km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic ski trails on the wild and scenic St. Croix River. 1.8km skate loop.

MN ski pass required.

Lake Elmo | Lake Elmo Park Reserve 20km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails on gently-rolling hills offering a variety of experiences and challenges. 8.7k lighted. MN ski pass required.

â&#x20AC;˘ Downhill skiing â&#x20AC;˘ Cross Country Skiing â&#x20AC;˘ Snowshoeing â&#x20AC;˘ Snowboarding â&#x20AC;˘ Explore Afton State Park, Carpenter Nature Center & Spring Lake Park

Hastings Area

Chamber of Commerce & To Tour T ourris ism m Bure reau rea auu

For more info. visit www.HastingsMN.org or call 651-437-6775 24 Winter 2017-2018

Lake Elmo | SunďŹ sh Lake Park 13.1km - All skill levels. Camel Back provides some fun hills, but Oak Run is particularly exciting.

Lakeville | Ritter Farm Park Ski Trail 10km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic and skate ski with hills through the woods. MN ski pass required.

Lino Lakes | Chomonix Golf Club 10km - Beginner to intermediate trails on ďŹ&#x201A;at terrain. Rent skis at Chomonix Golf Course club house. MN ski pass required.

Maple Grove | Elm Creek Park Reserve 18km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic and skate trails. Some of the best ski trails in the metro area with fantastic night skiing on lighted trails and a 2.5 km loop with man-made snow. Elm Creek Chalet offers ski rentals, snack bar, and woodstove. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Maple Lake | Robert Ney Regional Park 7km - Intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails over small hills and ďŹ&#x201A;at areas. Nature center offers rentals weekends January-March. Moonlight ski events. MN Ski Pass required.

Maple Plain | Baker Park Reserve 14.5km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic and skate trails through woods and meadows. Ski rentals, warming house, and snack bar at Chalet. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Maplewood | Battle Creek Regional Park - East 6km - Beginner to intermediate classic ski trail through mature woods. MN ski pass required.

Maplewood | Battle Creek Regional Park - West 9.8km - Beginner to advanced, classic and skate ski trail. 4 km lit trail. MN ski pass required.

Marine | Big Marine Park Reserve 2.5k - Easy beginner loop along Big Marine Lake. Classic only. MN ski pass required.

Marine on St. Croix | William Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien State Park 19km - Multi-trail system, for all skill levels of classic and skate skiers with views of St. Croix River. Heated trail center has a wood stove. MN ski pass required.

Minneapolis | Columbia Golf Course 3.5km - Groomed, classic trails on rolling golf course hills. MN ski pass required.

Minnesota Trails

Minneapolis | Hiawatha Golf Course 4km - Groomed, classic and skate trails on rolling golf course hills. MN ski pass required.

Minneapolis | Francis Gross Golf Course 3.7km - Groomed, classic and skate trails on rolling golf course hills. MN ski pass required.

Minneapolis | Theodore Wirth Regional Park 25km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic and skate ski trails. 3km lighted trails. One of the largest venues with snow-making capabilities in the Twin Cities features some incredible hills on the north while the south side is primarily ďŹ&#x201A;at. Connects to Brownie and Cedar Lakes, Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun. Ski rentals available. MN ski pass required.

Minnetonka | Glen Lake Golf Center 2.4km - Groomed, classic and skate trails through rolling golf course hills. Rentals and concessions available at the club house. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

North Branch | Wild River State Park 48km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic ski trail along St. Croix River.

Heated trail center has rentals available.

The park holds an annual candlelight ski and bonďŹ re. MN ski pass required.

Plymouth | Eagle Lake Regional Park 6km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails through woods and meadows. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Plymouth | French Regional Park 8km - Variety of terrains from beginner to advanced. Groomed, classic and skate trails over rolling hills. Lighted trails attract many after-work skiers. Rentals and concessions available at visitor center.

Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Metro Trails

Prior Lake | Cleary Lake Regional Park 9.5km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails. Visitor center with ski rentals, vending machine, and ďŹ replace. 4.5km lighted daily until 10 pm. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Ramsey | Rum River Central Regional Park 8km - Mostly ďŹ&#x201A;at trail loops. MN ski pass required.

Rosemount | Lone Rock Trail 18km - Intermediate trails groomed for both classic and skate ski on gentlyrolling terrain through woods, agricultural land and two wetlands in UMore Park.

MN ski pass required.

Saint Paul | Fort Snelling State Park 19km - The park offers ďŹ&#x201A;at, classic trails.

Most popular trail is the Pike Island Loop.

It offers views of the conďŹ&#x201A;uence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Visitor center open daily 8 am to 4 pm. MN ski pass required.

Saint Paul | Phalen Regional Park and Golf Course 7km - Intermediate classic and skate trails, open and fairly ďŹ&#x201A;at. Equipment rentals.

Saint Paul | Como Golf Course 5km - Intermediate to advanced classic and skate trails. 1.7k lighted. Equipment rentals.

Saint Paul | Highland 9 Golf Course 3.5km - Beginner to intermediate classic and skate trail loop. Equipment rentals.

Savage | Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve 15km - Some of the most exciting and challenging trails in the metro. Groomed, classic and skate trails. Snacks, rentals and wax available at trail head building. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Shoreview | Snail/Grass Lakes 3km - Beginner trails through woods and marshland, classic ski only. MN ski pass required.

Stillwater | Pine Point Regional Park 7km - Beginner to intermediate trails groomed for classic ski only. This small park near the end of the Gateway Trail has beautiful scenery with trails winding through large pine plantation, by small lakes and picturesque farms. MN ski pass required.

Stillwater | Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek Nature Preserve 4.5km - Beginner classic and skate trails on moderate hills. MN ski pass required.

Vadnais Heights | Vadnais/Sucker Lakes 7.3km - Beginner to advanced, classiconly trail on moderate hills through woods. MN ski pass required.

Victoria | Carver Park Reserve 18km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails through hardwood forests and marshlands. Lowry Nature Center offers a warming place and has ski rentals on weekends. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

White Bear Lake | Tamarack Nature Center 8km - Beginner to intermediate, classiconly trails through prairie, woodland, and marsh. Ski rentals available. MN ski pass required.

Sources: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Nordic Ski Association, Skinnyski & Individual Trails

Before visiting any state park or trail, check on local snow and grooming conditions at www.dnr.state.mn.us/skiing or call the park directly.

Skiers enjoy freshly fallen snow at Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain. Three Rivers Parks District photo Minnesota Trails

Winter 2017-2018 25

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Southern Trails

Southern Ski Region: Skiing with a View Southern Minnesota has a wide variety of state parks, forests and recreational trails [OH[ VMMLY Ă&#x201E;UL JYVZZ JV\U[Y` ZRPPUN ;OL ZV\[OLYU OHSM VM [OL Z[H[L VMMLYZ YVSSPUN bluff country in the east and wide-open WYHPYPLZ PU [OL ^LZ[ ^P[O YLNPVUZ VM VSK NYV^[O MVYLZ[ PU IL[^LLU Austin | Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 15km - Beginner to intermediate, classic and skate trails through woods and prairie. Interpretive building with rentals.

Faribault | River Bend Nature Center 10km - Beginner to advanced, groomed classic through ďŹ&#x201A;at prairie and woods with some challenging hills. MN ski pass required.

Frontenac | Frontenac State Park 11km - All levels, groomed classic with overlooks of Lake Pepin. MN ski pass required.

Lanesboro | Lanesboro Golf Course 4km - Beginner to advanced skate and classic loops on the Lanesboro bluffs.

Great views of the river valley.

Lanesboro | Root River State Trail 67km - Beginner to intermediate trail offering views of tall bluffs and abundant wildlife. 40km track set between Fountain and Preston, the rest is groomed ďŹ&#x201A;at. MN ski pass required.

Saint Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University ski trails in Winona. Mary Farrell courtesy Visit Winona photo NorthďŹ eld | Carleton College Arboretum 18km - 6km are groomed for skating and classic skiing, the remainder are classic only.

Owatonna | Brooktree Golf Course 2km - Easy skate ski and classic loop.

EXPLORE

TA MINNESO

[ 26 Winter 2017-2018

Faribault [fair-uh-boh] French n 1852 translates; great people, incredible fun.

]

Owatonna | Kaplanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Woods 13km - Intermediate, ravine terrain provides challenging hills through forest.

Wide trails suitable for skate ski and tracked for classic when snow is sufďŹ cient with 3km lit trail. MN ski pass required.

Preston | Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail 29km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, with some challenging hills.

Connects communities of Harmony and Preston. MN ski pass required.

Red Wing | Cannon Valley Trail 32km - Mostly intermediate, groomed classic and skate. Trail offers views of overhanging cliffs and stunning scenery.

Connects communities of Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing. MN ski pass required.

Red Wing | Mississippi National Ski Trails 11km - Beginner to advanced, groomed for classic and skate. 8km classic loop through wooded terrain offers extensive views of Mississippi River, considered one of the most spectacular in the state. MN ski pass required.

Rochester | Chester Woods Park 8km - All levels, groomed trails through a wooded and hilly county park with views of Chester Lake. Trails are well marked with maps at most intersections.

Rochester | Eastwood Golf Course 9km - All levels, groomed classic and skate ski with 1km lighted trail. Main training course in Rochester.

Rochester | Essex Park 8.5km - Groomed classic and skate ski through woods and restored prairie.

Rochester | Soldierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Field Golf Course 5 km - Intermediate, groomed classic and skate ski. Quiet city trails with lights offer good night skiing.

Minnesota Trails

Rochester | Quarry Hill Park 10 km - Relatively ďŹ&#x201A;at, groomed trails through rolling hills around an old quarry.

Quarry Hill Nature Center is open all year and has equipment rentals. A trail fee applies.

Winona | Great River Bluffs State Park 15km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic with overlooks of the Mississippi River Valley. 1.6km skate ski trail. Area has sledding hill. MN ski pass required.

Winona | Holzinger Lodge 6.75km - Beginner to advanced trails on former logging trails along a bluff overlooking Lake Winona. Rustic cabin with ďŹ replace available to rent.

Winona | Saint Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University 14.5km - Mostly intermediate to advanced with some ďŹ&#x201A;at terrain for beginners. Groomed classic and skate ski, through hardwood forest. Some lit sections.

Winona | Prairie Island 2.4km - Beginner trail through stands of pine offers a near-wilderness experience close to town.

Winona | WestďŹ eld Golf Club 1.6km - Beginner trail on gently-rolling golf course terrain.

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Southern Trails

At Jay C. Hormel Nature Center in Austin, MN. Austin Daily Herald photo

Outdoor fun for everyone Share your winter photos: jan@mntrails.com

Minnesota Trails

www.RedWing.org

Winter 2017-2018 27

Fat Bike Events

FAT BIKE EVENT GUIDE

The Pie Burner November 25, 2017 Palmers Tavern, Hibbing, MN: 5th annual fat bike ride on the Iron Range.

More info on facebook Faturdays with Maple Grove Cycling December 2, 2017: Minnesota River Bottoms, Bloomington, MN January 27, 2018: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, Rockford, MN February 27, 2018: Elm Creek Park Reserve, Champlin, MN gus@maplegrovecycling.com Global Fat Bike Day December 2, 2017 Little Falls, MN: Ride around Little Falls and enjoy donuts, pizza and coffee.

Hosted by Touright Bicycle Shop. david@tourightbicycleshop.com Global Fat Bike Day December 2, 2017 NorthďŹ eld, MN: 4th annual group ride with snacks and craft beer. Hosted by Downtown Bicycles. www.downtownbicyclesllc.com Superfat Crit December 2, 2017 Minneapolis, MN: Fat Tire Bike Race with cash prizes. Hosted by Freewheel Midtown Bike Center. www.winterbikeexpo.com/#superfat Global Fat Bike Day December 3, 2017 Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Brooklyn Park, MN: Ride trails along the Mississippi River. Hosted by Trailhead Cycling. www.trailheadcycling.com Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race December 16, 2017 Elm Creek Park Reserve, Champlin, MN: Time trial race of 10 to 14 miles. Hosted

by Outdoor Recreation School of Three Rivers Parks. www.threeriversparks.org

Norpine Fat Bike Classic January 6, 2018 Lutsen, MN: 16 or 24 mile race, part of the Great Lakes Fat Bike Series.

Hosted by Lutsen Resort. www.norpinefatbikeclassic.com Framed Bikes Pre-Loppet January 7, 2018 Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, MN: 15km or 7.5km race as part of the annual Loppet ski races. www.loppet.org Freezer Burn Fat Bike Race January 13, 2018 Springvale County Park, Cambridge, MN: 6,12 or 18 mile race. Hosted by Outdoor Edge Bike Shop. info@outdooredgemn.com Snow Crush January 13, 2018 River Bend Nature Center, Faribault, MN: 6, 12 or 18 mile race with after-party at F-Town Brewing. Hosted by Cannon River Offroad Cycling and Trails (CROCT). www.rbnc.org Frosted Fatty January 20, 2018 Spirit Mountain, Duluth, MN: 11km or 25km race and a lift-served downhill slalom. www.spiritmt.com Get Phat with Pat Race 1: January 20, 2018 Race 2: January 27, 2018 Minnesota River Bottoms, Bloomington, MN: One, two or three lap races for beginner to advanced fat bikers.

Hosted by Penn Cycle. www.penncycle.com QBP Fat Bike Rennet January 20, 2018 Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington, MN: 39km or 13km race on Hyland Lake Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ski trails. Hosted by Three Rivers Parks Signature Races. www.threeriversparks.org Carver Lake Cold CatďŹ sh Cup January 21, 2018 Carver Lake Mountain Bike Trail, Woodbury, MN: 12 or 18 mile race or four-hour marathon. Hosted by Angry CatďŹ sh Bicycle and Coffee Bar. More info on Facebook Arrowhead 135 January 29-31, 2018 International Falls, MN: 135-mile ski, bike and run endurance race on the Arrowhead State Trail. www.arrowheadultra.com 45NRTH Whiteout February 2-3, 2018 Cuyuna Country Recreation Area, Ironton, MN: 10km, 20km or 30km race, part of the Great Lakes Fat Bike Series. Hosted by the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew. www.cuyunalakesmtb.com

'15 )DW %LNH 7UDLOV In 2015 the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) started a pilot project for grooming winter fat bike trails. All trails, with the exception of the groomed singletrack of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, are shared with other non-motorized users such as hikers, snowshoers and skiers.

Two Harbors Split Rock Lighthouse State Park 8.7 miles St. Paul Fort Snelling State Park 6 miles Crosby/Ironton Cuyuna Lakes State Recreation Area 20 miles

28 Winter 2017-2018

Carlton Jay Cooke State Park 5.4 miles Winona Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest-Bronk Unit 7.5 miles Rochester Douglas State Trail 13 miles

Fired up Fat Bike Tour February 3, 2018 The Jewel Golf Club, Lake City, MN: Second annual ride with a 6-mile course. Hosted by Lake City Chamber of Commerce. www.lakecity.org Penn Cycle Fat Tire Loppet and Puoli Loppet February 4, 2018 Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, MN: Loppet race of 35km or Puoli Loppet of 21km. Hosted by Penn Cycle. www.loppet.org Ham Lake Snow Bowl Fat Tire Race February 10, 2018 Ham Lake City Park, Ham Lake, MN: Fat tire race as part of Ham Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Snowbowl event. Hosted by Ham Lake Chamber of Commerce. www.pjwracing.com Fat Bike Frozen 40 February 10, 2018 Elm Creek Park Reserve, Champlin, MN:20 or 40 mile race, part of the Great Lakes Fat Bike Series. Hosted by Penn Cycle. www.frozen-events.com/frozen-40 Fat Bike Vasaloppet February 11, 2018 Lake Mora, Mora, MN: 38km race or 10km poker ride with checkpoints and prizes. Hosted by Vasaloppet Ski Organization. www.vasalopet.us/fat-tire-race-details Northland Fat Bike Rally March 3, 2018 Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji, MN: 10km or 28km route on trails at Lake Bemidji State Park. Hosted by Bemidji Area Mountain Bikers (BAMB). www.facebook.com/bemidjimtb

Minnesota Trails

Northwest Angle

Lake of the Woods Roseau River

Lost River

Garden Island Zippel Bay

Lake Bronson

Parks, Trails, Forests, Rivers

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Beltrami Island

International Falls

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LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAILS

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Marshall Camden

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Maps • Guides • Features

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Moose Lake

Willard Munger Trail

River

Lake Carlos

Soo Line

Big Stone National

Lake Mille Lacs Mille Lacs Kathio

Long Prairie River

Lak e

Big Stone Lake

Brainerd Crow Wing

Alexandria

Rice Lake National

Solana

io

ng

Duluth

Fond du Lac

Snake

Ce nt ra lL ak es Tr ail

North Country Trail

Savanna Portage

Wealthwood

Wing River

Glendalough Trail

Ottertail River

iss

Cuyuna Country Rec. Area

Pillsbury

Crow

Glendalough

M

r ve

Ri

ip

iss

Paul Bunyan Trail

Maplewood

pi

Su

r pe

ki Hi

Che ngw ata na

Foot Hills

Gooseberry Falls

iver

Clou

Savanna

Sunrise Prairie Hardwood Creek Trail

Park Rapids

Kettl e

Walker

Smoky Hills

North Country Trail

l rai rT

Buffalo River

Heartland Trail

tR que

iT ra i

Cloquet Valley Whiteface River

am

Leech Lake

ive

Moorhead

Tettegouche Split Rock Lighthouse

iR ipp

Two Inlets

r

Rive

iss

Tamarac National

George H. Crosby Manitou

l

ouis St. L

Hill Annex Mine

iss

Paul Bunyan Trail

White Earth

Me

Grand Rapids

Battleground

Grand Marais

River Superior National Forest Temperance

Bear Head Lake

River

il i Tra sab

M

Red River

Migizi Trail

Grand Portage

Judge Pat Bayle C.R.Magney Cascade

Bear Island

Soudan Underground Mine

Finland

Hibbing

Bowstring Lake Winnibigoshish

Bemidji Paul Bunyan

Itasca State Park

Chippewa National Forest

Blackduck

Lake Bemidji Itasca Wilderness Trail

Vermilion State Park

Sturgeon River

McCarthy Beach George Washington

Scenic

Kekekabic Trail

Ely

71

Grand Portage

BWCA BWCWA

iG

iver

Red River Rec. Area

Kabetogama

er Riv

Red Lake R

Upper Red Lake

tc h

Thief River Fall

lion mil Ver

Agassiz National

La ke Su pe rio rW at er Tra il

Hayes Lake

Gi

Twin Lakes

Carley

John A. Latsch

Whitewater

Ro

ot

Riv er

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood

Great River Bluffs

Root River Trail Myre Big Island

Shooting Star Trail

Austin

Lake Louise

HarmonyPreston Forestville/ Valley Trail Mystery Cave

Beaver Creek Valley

KEEP MINNESOTA, MINNESOTA

Minnesota Trails

Winter 2015-16 29

Business Directory Online & In Print $250/annually • Call Jan @320-266-5132

2010 Hwy. 210 E., Fergus Falls www.centrallakescycle.com

CYCLE PATH AND PADDLE

115 3rd Avenue SW, Crosby www.cyclepathpaddle.com

CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL ASSOCIATION 320-763-0102

324 Broadway, Alexandria www.centrallakestrail.com

218-739-5651

218-545-4545

www.easyridersbikes.com

FERGUS FALLS CVB

112 Washington Ave. W, Fergus Falls www.visitfergusfalls.com

VISIT BRAINERD

14084 Baxter Drive, STE 12, Brainerd www.visitbrainerd.com

507-467-2696

FARIBAULT TOURISM

507-334-4381

100 Milwaukee Road, Lanesboro www.lanesboro.com

Metro Region Mankato

A quick and easy reference for planning your adventure!

LODGING BERT’S CABINS

COUNTRY BED AND BREAKFAST 651-257-4773

50 Mensing Drive, Silver Bay www.americinn.com

GREEN HERON B&B

7231 W Hwy. 61, Tofte www.americinn.com

218-732-5971

FUN

218-999-5795

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK 218-628-2891 800-642-6377

9500 Spirit Mountain Place, Duluth www.spiritmt.com

218-266-3312

SINCLAIR LEWIS CAMPGROUND 320-352-2203

826 Park Road, Sauk Centre www.ci.sauk-centre.mn.us

320-219-7433

90

90

320-632-2836

2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids www.greenheronbandb.com

NORTHERN CYCLE

Southern Region

15782 Wilderness Drive, Lake Itasca www.bertscabins.com

B&Bs WALLER HOUSE INN

Duluth

71

LANESBORO CHAMBER

2 Main St., Hutchinson www.explorehutchinson.com

5 miles from Taylors Falls www.countrybedandbreakfast.us

117 3rd Street NW, Bemidji e-mail: northerncycle@charter.net

800-450-7247 320-587-5252

218-326-1716

NORTHERN CYCLE

35

Central Region St. Cloud

HUTCHINSON CHAMBER

ITASCA TRAIL SPORTS

100 Mill Road, Park Rapids e-mail: northerncycle@charter.net

2

NEVIS CIVIC & COMMERCE

310 3rd St SE, Little Falls www.wallerhouseinn.com

JAKE’S BIKES ALEXANDRIA

61

71

PO Box 268, Nevis www.nevischamber.com

320-251-2844

611 3rd Avenue E, Alexandria www.jakesbikes.com

218-332-5425 94

FITZHARRIS BIKE & SPORT

316 NE 4th Street, Grand Rapids www.itascatrailsports.net

Northeast Region

2

Bemidji

530 Wilson Ave., Faribault www.visitfaribault.com

EASY RIDERS BICYCLE & SPORT 415 Washington Street, Brainerd 218-829-5516

105 7th Avenue S, St. Cloud ^^^ Ä[aOHYYPZTU JVT

Minnesota Trails Directory Regions

Northwest Region

35

BIKE SHOPS CENTRAL LAKES CYCLE

INFORMATION

AMERICINN SILVER BAY

218-226-4300

AMERICINN TOFTE/LUTSEN

218-663-7899

AMERICINN TWO HARBORS

218-834-3000

1088 Hwy. 61 N, Two Harbors www.americinn.com

COUNTRY INN TWO HARBORS 218-834-5557

1204 7th Avenue, Two Harbors www.countryinntwoharbors.com

218-751-(BIKE) 2453

REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI 320-251-2453

160 29th Avenue South, St. Cloud www.revolutioncycleandski.com

TOURIGHT BICYCLE SHOP

320-639-2453

OUTDOOR MOTION

320-587-2453

BIKE KING

651-457-7766

CARS BIKE SHOP

763-784-6966

PIONEER CYCLE

763-755-8871

RAMSEY BICYCLE

763-323-6666

124 2nd Street NE, Little Falls www.tourightbicycleshop.com

141 Main Street South, Hutchinson www.outdoormotionbikes.com

6489 Cahill Avenue, Inver Grove Heights www.bike-king.com

2661 Co Road I & Old Hwy 10, Mounds View www.CarsBikeShop.com 12741 Central Ave., NE, Blaine www.pioneercycle.com 6825 Hwy. 10 NW, Ramsey www.ramseybicycles.com

STRAUSS SKATES AND BICYCLES 651-770-1344

1751 Cope Avenue E, Maplewood www.straussskatesandbicycles.com

TONKA CYCLE AND SKI

952-938-8336

TRAILHEAD CYCLING & FITNESS

763-712-0312

16 Shady Oak Road S, Hopkins www.tonkacycleandski.com

11350 Aquila Drive, Suite 505, Champlin ^^^ [YHPSOLHKJ`JSPUNHUKÄ[ULZZ JVT

CARLTON BIKE RENTAL AND REPAIR 218-384-4696

100 Chestnut Ave., Carlton www.carltonbikerental.com 30 Winter 2017-2018

Minnesota Trails

SAVE

the

2018 BIKE RIDES

Date

Northland Fat Bike Rally March 3, 2018 Bemidji, MN

Tour de Bun Bicycle Classic July 28, 2018 Montgomery, MN

www.facebook.com/bemidjimtb

www.kolackydays.com

Tour de Pepin

Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour

June 2, 2018

August 4, 2018

Lake City, MN

On the Mesabi Trail - NE MN

www.lakecity.org

www.mesabitrail.com

Caramel Roll Ride

Lumberjack and Loons Bike Tour

June 9, 2018

August 5- August 10, 2018

Albany, MN

Itasca State Park to Grand Rapids, MN

www.caramelrollride.com

www.mywahooadventures.com

Luce Line Loops Ride

Gitchi-Gami North Shore Ride

June 10, 2018 Crow River Winery, Hutchinson, MN www.hutchinsonrotary.org

Tour of Minnesota

August 18, 2018 Gooseberry Falls State Park www.ggta.org

Caramel Apple Ride

June 15 - June 22, 2018

Sept. 8, 2018

Willmar, MN

Sauk Centre, MN

www.tourofminnesota.com

www.caramelappleride.com

Lady Slipper Nature Ride

Ride The Ridges

June 16, 2018 Avon, MN

Sept. 15, 2018 Winona, MN

www.ladyslipperride.com

www.ridetheridges.bike

Loop the Lake Ride

Mora Bike Tour

June 16, 2018

Sept. 15, 2018

Bemidji, MN

Vasaloppet Nordic Center, Mora, MN

www.bikebemidji.com

www.morabiketour.org

Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride June 23, 2018 Todd Park, Austin, MN

www.shootingstartrail.org

SUMMER WILL COME BACK. PROMISE. Minnesota Trails

Winter 2017-2018 31

FREE HOT HOME-STYLE BREAKFAST

INVITING INDOOR POOL

UPDATED GUESTROOMS

ADVENTURE AWAITS AT

AMERICINN

[800] 634.3444 AMERICINN.COM

See more about these locations at AmericInn.com. ©2012 AMERICINN INTERNATIONAL, LLC

32 Winter 2017-2018

From Minnesota’s rugged north shore to its southwestern prairie, the northwestern tallgrass parklands, to the Minnesota River Valley, taking good care of people in this great state of ours is what we do best. We’ve earned our stripes when it comes to genuine hospitality, and you’ll feel it the moment you walk through our doors. From a friendly smile to a free, hot American breakfast, stop in and discover true AmericInn® hospitality.

Alexandria, MN Austin, MN Baudette, MN Bemidji, MN Cloquet, MN Detroit Lakes, MN Fergus Falls, MN Hutchinson, MN International Falls, MN Pequot Lakes, MN Roseau, MN Sauk Centre, MN Silver Bay, MN St. Cloud, MN Tofte/Lutsen, MN Two Harbors, MN White Bear Lake, MN

[320] 763.6808 [507] 437.7337 [218] 634.3200 [218] 751.3000 [218] 879.1231 [218] 847.8795 [218] 739.3900 [320] 587.5515 [218] 283.8000 [218] 568.8400 [218] 463.1045 [320] 352.2800 [218] 226.4300 [320] 253.6337 [218] 663.7899 [218] 834.3000 [651] 429.7131

Minnesota Trails