Minnesota Trails 2025/26 Winter

Winter 2025/2026

skı 200+ traıls Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 1

Crosby | Ironton Deerwood | Bay Lake Cuyuna | Emily 522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue Sauk Centre, MN 56378

www.MnTrails.com Minnesota Trails Staff Jan Lasar Editor/Publisher Joyce Frericks Accounting Karen Knoblach Page Layout & Design Graphic Design

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Editorial Board Brett Feldman Executive Director Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Vol. 30, No. 4 November 2025

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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.

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Information in this publication is as accurate as possible. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not of Minnesota Trails.

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WINTER 2025/2026

Contents

FEATURES

COLUMNS

8 Stargazing in our State Parks

6 Minnesota Miles

TOM WATSON

JAN LASAR

10 A Walk Among the Pines Schoolcraft State Park ALYSON LEVIG

DEPARTMENTS

4 Parks & Trails Council News

11 Breaking Trail at Maplewood

Jan Lasar photo

COVER: Andes Tower Hills ski area near Kensington, MN offers 15km of Nordic ski trails. Jan Lasar photo

Lisa Filter

State Park

12 2025/26 Ski Trail Guide

ALYSON LEVIG

Minnesota’s 200+ Ski Trails

26 Winter Trails in Little Falls

PHOTO: Pausing at the edge of frozen Beers Lake at Maplewood State Park.

29 2025/26 Winter Events Fatbike & Ski Adventures

JAN LASAR

30 MN Trails Map Minnesota’s Trails At-A-Glance

31 Trail Partners Find Trail-Friendly Businesses

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Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 3

FORMER STATE PARKS AND TRAILS DIRECTOR LEADS WITH PASSION FOR NATURE, PURSUIT OF EQUITY E R I K A R I V E R S R EC E I V E S L I F E T I M E AC H I E V E M E N T AWA R D

W

ith a childhood steeped in meaningful nature experiences, it would have seemed a foregone conclusion that Erika Rivers would pursue a career in the outdoors. Both her father and grandfather were biology professors. She spent summers learning to row a boat at her family’s cabin, camping with her grandfather, and enjoying canoe trips organized by Bloomington Public Schools. Ȋ1DWXUH ZDV GHȴQLWHO\ D SDVVLRQ IRU PH ȋ 5LYers concedes, “but it was not what I saw as my YRFDWLRQ ȋ ΖQVWHDG ZLWK D GHJUHH LQ MRXUQDOLVP DQG 5XVVLDQ VWXGLHV KHU ȴUVW SRVW FROOHJH MRE was as an editor in the corporate world. Nonetheless, the outdoors was calling her.

She returned to college to earn a doctorate in conservation biology and landed a communications job at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) in 2004.

Over her 17-year career with the MNDNR, Rivers moved across the state with her husband (also a MNDNR employee) and children. From Red Wing, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, and the Twin Cities.

Top: Erika Rivers (right) promoting “I Can!” programs with DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen in 2018 at William O’Brien State Park. Bottom: Erika Rivers receiving award from Parks & Trails Council president Brett Feldman in 2025.

By 2014, she took on the role of director of 0LQQHVRWD 6WDWH 3DUNV DQG 7UDLOVȃWKH ȴUVW woman to ever do so. Having worked in the MNDNR for a decade by this point, she was acFXVWRPHG WR EHLQJ LQ D PDOH GRPLQDWHG ȴHOG It gave her perspective and fed her desire to tackle a startling fact she encountered as GLUHFWRU RQO\ DERXW ȴYH SHUFHQW RI YLVLWRUV WR 0LQQHVRWD 6WDWH 3DUNV DQG 7UDLOV LGHQWLȴHG DV Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC), which was far below their share of the state’s population at that time.

Rivers also credits disability advocate and wheelchair-user Margot Imdieke Cross with OLJKWLQJ D ȴUH XQGHU KHU 6KH VD\V ΖPGLHNH Cross opened her eyes to how people with disabilities have been hindered from accessing parks and trails.

From that point on, equity and accessibility became pillars of her work, on par with her focus on conservation and recreation generally.

STORY BY LISA FILTER/P&TC 4 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2024/2025 2025/2026

“

I quickly realized that our mission wasn’t just about preserving land, providing recreation, and conserving biodiversity; it was also about ensuring that the benefits of these special places were available to everyone. ~ Erika Rivers’ remarks when accepting the Reuel Harmon Award

Ȋ7KH IDFW WKDW WKHUH ZDV VXFK D GL΍HUHQFH EHWZHHQ KRZ people were experiencing the outdoors and that access to a better life spurred a passion in me to try to make our outdoor spaces in Minnesota as welcoming as possible to DOO SHRSOH ȋ Under Rivers’ leadership, Minnesota State Parks and Trails began tackling the issue with small, tangible steps. They audited their marketing materials to ensure that people from diverse racial backgrounds were represented.

They also addressed some barriers by designing the “I &DQ ȋ SURJUDPV ZKLFK SURYLGH VNLOO EXLOGLQJ H[SHULHQFHV IRU IDPLOLHV WR IHHO FRQȴGHQW ZKLOH FDPSLQJ FDQRHLQJ ȴVKLQJ DQG PRXQWDLQ ELNLQJ 5LYHUV DOVR OHG H΍RUWV WR increase public funding for accessibility upgrades within state parks and trails.

In 2021, Rivers pivoted her career to become the executive GLUHFWRU DW :LOGHUQHVV ΖQTXLU\ D QRQSURȴW WKDW LV D OHDGHU in providing outdoor adventures for all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

Today, the proportion of state park visitors identifying as BIPOC has increased, reaching 11 percent by 2022. Additionally, 85 percent of BIPOC visitors reported that park VWD΍ KHOSHG WKHP IHHO VDIH DQG VHFXUH Ȋ7KDWȇV PHDQLQJIXO DQG ZH VKRXOG FHOHEUDWH ȋ VDLG 5LYHUV “It’s also a reminder that we still have important work to GR DV SHUFHQW RI 0LQQHVRWDȇV SRSXODWLRQ LGHQWLȴHV DV %Ζ32& ȋ In her acceptance speech for the Reuel Harmon Award, Rivers issued a call to action. “Let’s continue to work together to build a bigger and even more joyful community that rallies around the common good—a community where every person, regardless of ability or identity, feels a sense of ownership and belonging in Minnesota’s parks DQG WUDLOV ȋ

REUEL HARMON AWARDEES

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota annually recognizes one individual for exemplary service on behalf of Minnesota’s parks and trails.

2025 Erika Rivers 2024 Sen. Foung Hawj 2023 Anthony Taylor 2022 Sen. Carrie Ruud 2021 Steve Thorne 2019 Sen. Keith Langseth 2018 Grant Merritt 2017 Rep. Alice Hausman 2016 Dave Lais 2015 Peggy Prowe 2014 Hon. David Minge 2013 Mary Lee Dayton 2012 Mark and Joan Strobel 2011 Peter Seed 2010 Terry McGaughey 2009 Eleanor Winston 2008 Sen. David Durenberger 2007 Henry N. Somsen 2006 Michael Prichard 2005 Bob Dunn 2004 Don Davison & Bill Morrissey 2003 Rollis Bishop 2001 Alden Lind 2000 Howard E. Olson 1999 Nadine Blacklock 1998 Rep. Willard Munger 1997 Gov. Elmer L. Andersen 1996 Martin N. Kellogg 1995 Samuel H. Morgan ward Harmon A l e u e R e h Visit t Hall of Honor U T/ A IL S .O R G /A B O PA R KS A N D T R O N -AWA R D / R E U E L- H A R M

Winter 2024/2025 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 5

But don’t take my word for it. Writer In Minnesota, we don’t just have Alyson Levig and her husband, Jacob, winter, we have a relationship with it. visited Schoolcraft State Much like your proverbial Aunt Park near Deer River (page Betty, it shows up early, stays Minnesota Miles 10) to find refuge beneath late, and will not be ignored, towering red and white bristles and all. I can be a pines, remnants of the state’s master couch-sitter, so when once-vast old-growth forests. the temperatures drop and the Walking along a frozen carbs start calling, I have to Mississippi River, they made a make myself get up and get out, connection to the past, or else it’s back to size 38 pants seeing Schoolcraft in the spring. and his guide, Ozaawindib, land When my wife, Jen, and I their canoes visited Little Falls one winter there on their (page 26), our adventure Jan Lasar 1832 expedition to started at Charles A. Trails Editor/Publisher find the source of the Lindbergh State Park, where river. This tranquil patch we snowshoed along Pike of wilderness endures as Creek as daylight faded and a protected haven, yours to the frozen landscape glowed in explore, sans the crowds. the setting sun. The next day, we joined the crowd at Green Prairie Next, they snowshoed up Hallaway Hill Fish Lake for a Guinness World Record– in Maplewood State Park (page 11), holding ice carousel. Trying curling, dog discovering the serenity of a Minnesota sledding and ice bowling, we experienced winter morning. Their simple goal, to reach the thrill of standing on a spinning circle the summit, was a quiet adventure through of ice beneath a bright winter sky. We also skied the Platte River Trail at Crane Meadows untouched snow, rolling prairies and hushed woods. Along the way, they paused to National Wildlife Refuge, gliding through appreciate the stark beauty of the landscape prairies, savannas and wetlands, and we left under shifting skies. As snow began to fall, Little Falls with an appreciation for the quiet they reflected on how snowshoes, once joy of a Minnesota winter.

tools of survival, have become instruments of joy and connection. Their hike was a reminder that winter is not to be endured, but embraced.

If snowshoeing isn’t your jam, writer Tom Watson has you covered. His informative and inspiring article (page 8) highlights the beauty of stargazing in Minnesota’s state parks, where clear winter nights reveal dazzling constellations. From the prairies of Lac Qui Parle State Park to the bluffs of Split Rock Lighthouse and Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Minnesota offers exceptional dark-sky destinations largely free from light pollution. Our state ranks among the nation’s best for night-sky viewing, with Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness earning top honors from the International Dark Skies Program.

It sounds cliché, but there really is a whole world outside of your living room that’s waiting to be discovered. A trip outdoors in the cold season is an inspiration. You’ll feel good after climbing that hill; the carbs from the couch-sitting will get you there. You’ll learn something new, like that ice carousels are a thing. The walls between today and yesterday get a little thinner, and you can make a personal connection to history. And, yes, Aunt Betty can come, too.

There’s an adventure waiting wait for you.

@v @visittrf @vviis isittrf sittrf trf www.visittrf.com wwvisittrf com ww ww.visitttrf.com ww.visittr ww.visitt ttr trf.com rff.com rf 6 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2025/2026

Explore Otter Tail County Trails

ski trails Discover Otter Tail County’s scenic winter trails—perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing! With groomed routes at Maplewood and Glendalough State Parks and snowy stretches along the Heart of the Lakes Trail, adventure awaits around every bend.

Scan the QR code to discover additional trails in Otter Tail County

Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 7

IN OUR

STATE PARKS

STORY BY TOM WATSON

The stars of the constellation Orion twinkle with crystalline clarity in the wintry, southwestern nighttime skies. From an elevated and unobstructed overlook, enthusiasts gather together, eyes and telescopes fixed on the darkness above, to experience stargazing in one of Minnesota’s state parks.

Whether you cast your eyes upward from the expansive flatland prairies of Lac Qui Parle State Park, a clearing atop a knoll at Sibley State Park, or a lofty bluff high above Lake Superior, our entire state offers premier dark-sky locations and opportunities to observe the heavens untainted by light pollution.

“Half the park is after dark!” is the motto created by astronomer Tyler Nordgren for the United States National Park Service about a decade ago. It has been adopted by many Minnesota state parks to emphasize stargazing and astronomy as unique recreational opportunities. Minnesota is recognized as one of the best dark-sky viewing states in the nation, and the dark skies above our state parks add yet another reason to visit them.

Darkness is, of course, the most critical condition for optimum night-sky viewing— 8 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2025/2026

but how dark is dark enough? Enter the Bortle Scale, a system that numerically rates sky conditions from 1 (perfect) to 9 (completely polluted by light). It helps you find places with crisp, vivid views of stars and planets.

Places with optimum conditions and related educational programming can become certified by the International Dark Skies Program (IDSP). Top honors in Minnesota go to Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, each qualifying as “one of the most remote, darkest places on Earth.”

Most of Minnesota’s best-scoring parks rate a 2, but only Judge C.R. Magney State Park, along Minnesota’s upper North Shore, has earned the top rating of 1.

With a broad selection of nearby state parks, two communities in the dark-sky region of northeastern Minnesota offer annual programs related to stargazing: Cook County’s Annual Dark Sky Festival in Grand Marais December 11-13, 2025, and the Ely Dark Sky Festival in January (date TBD).

Check with state parks for any stargazing programs during those clear, optimal viewing months of winter.

Luckily, you don’t need any special equipment to begin stargazing. You might use a high-powered telescope, a star chart,

or even an app, but all you really need to do is follow the tips at right and look up.

Whether you simply enjoy a relaxing view of a twinkling night sky or are a dedicated astrophotographer, the dark skies above our state parks offer an attraction all their own.

When it comes to experiencing what each park has to offer, remember: half the park is after dark.

WHERE TO STARGAZE IN MINNESOTA STATE PARKS

WHAT TO LO0K FOR IN A PERFECT VIEWING SPOT

SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE – Pebble Beach and Day Hill Overlook TEMPERANCE RIVER – Carlton and Tofte Peaks TETTEGOUCHE – Licado Lake and Mt. Trudee Overlooks, Shovel Point and Palisade Head WHITEWATER – Chimney Rock Overlook SPLIT ROCK CREEK – Split Rock Creek Dam SIBLEY – Mt. Tom Observation Tower ITASCA – Aiton Heights Fire Tower ZIPPEL BAY – Along the shoreline of Lake of the Woods CASCADE RIVER – Lookout Mountain Scenic Overlook GEORGE CROSBY MANITOU – Cedar Ridge Trail Overlook JUDGE C.R. MAGNEY – Brule River Bridge HAYES LAKE – Hayes Lake Dam OLD MILL – Various scenic overlooks SAVA SAVANNA PORTAGE – Continental Divide Trail Overlook SCENIC – Chase Point Trail Overlook Milky Way at Lake Lake Vermilion-Soudan State Park / PHOTO BY JIM SHAFT REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

GET AWAY FROM LIGHT POLLUTION. Even low-level residential or industrial glare can reach beyond the horizon and erase darkness with a glow that obscures the light of stars.

SEEK CLEAR, DRY AIR. Lower moisture levels and colder air in winter mean clearer views. The Milky Way is more prominent in summer, but many familiar constellations appear overhead throughout winter.

FIND A BROAD VIEWING WINDOW. Look for open views across large bodies of water or prairie expanses. Seek clearings in forest canopies atop knolls or treeless bluffs and ridges. Even heavily wooded parks can provide a narrow sky view along a river course.

CONSIDER THE SCENERY. Silhouetted formations beneath an open, star-filled skyline can enhance your stargazing experience. Think of nightsky images of Split Rock Lighthouse against the backdrop of a glistening Lake Superior and the broad northern skies

(ABOVE) Northern Lights over Itasca State Park / PHOTO BY ANIQUE MARLEAU (BELOW) Split Rock Lighthouse PHOTOS REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

(ABOVE) Northern Lights over Marsh Lake at Lac Qui Parle State Park area / PHOTO BY JOHN WHITE (LEFT) Stargazers at Camden State Park / PHOTO BY HEATHER ANDERSON, REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 9

A WALK

among the pines Venturing into a forest in the dead of winter is a special experience The quiet feels thicker, the light softer, and every sound, crunching snow, whispering wind, seems amplified.

On a blustery afternoon, my husband, Jacob, and I set out to explore Schoolcraft State Park, a small but storied pocket of pine forest near Deer River, Minnesota. Though surrounded by farmland, the park promised a peaceful escape into a remnant of old-growth wilderness.

Gales howled around our car as we turned into the park’s entrance, the surrounding fields stretching bare and white under the weight of drifting snow. Ahead, tall red and white pines swayed hypnotically in the wind, their crowns moving in unison like dancers in a trance. Pulling into a sheltered spot beneath their protection, we stepped out and immediately felt it: this place was different. Within the soft pine-needle carpet, the Mississippi River looped quietly nearby, meandering through the snow like a silver ribbon.

The park takes its name from Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, who is believed to have camped within these boundaries in 1832 while journeying with his Anishinabe guide, Ozaawindib, to discover the Mississippi’s headwaters at Lake Itasca. I like to think that Schoolcraft and Ozaawindib, too, paused here to admire the solitude, like we did.

Soft snowflakes fluttered under the pines as we unpacked the car. The park was empty, and the familiar earthy scent of pine needles pushed through our winter-stuffed noses. Our Red Fox Lab, Red Dog, bounded from the backset after our two-hour drive north, full of pent-up energy and eager to explore. As we strapped on our snowshoes, he sniffed around the saplings, tail wagging, ready to go.

Schoolcraft’s graceful pines stand as part of protected old-growth forest, maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The trees, many over 120 years old, are survivors of the state’s once-booming logging era. Remnants of logging equipment have been found here, but this small area largely escaped the massive timber operations of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Oldgrowth forests,

Standing among the tall pines and winding rivers, we felt a connection not just to the natural world, but to the past itself.

10 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2025/2026

the DNR notes, are defined by minimal human disturbance and the absence of widespread fallen snags, features that this forest proudly retains. According to the DNR, old-growth forests are home to trees in their final stages of life, ecosystems that have evolved and matured for over a century. Once, these forests covered more than half of Minnesota. Now, only small fragments remain, making places like Schoolcraft vital windows into what the state looked like before European settlement.

Because of its compact size, 225-acre Schoolcraft offers just one 1.75-mile Hiking Club Trail loop. The mostly flat path winds gently through the park, with interpretive signs along the way describing its history, ecosystem, and enduring connection to the rivers that shape it. But, with sufficient snow cover our only limitation was stamina, because snowshoeing is allowed throughout the park.

As we hiked, a curtain of snow and wind created a silvery haze along the Mississippi and Vermillion River junction. The landscape was painted in muted tones. Patches of brown sedges and wild rice poked through white drifts, distant conifers stood dark against the sky. I could easily imagine the thunder of felled timbers once floating down these waters during the logging days, but I was glad this sanctuary was spared the axe.

In warmer months, I pictured the scene alive with motion and sound: great blue herons stalking the shallows, belted kingfishers diving with sharp cries, and red-winged blackbirds trilling in the reeds. Today, the soundtrack was simpler: wind through the pine needles, branches creaking overhead, and Red Dog’s joyful snorts as he plunged nose-first into snowbanks, always certain the next one would yield a hidden mouse.

We eventually returned to the shelter of the trees, grateful for their break from the biting gusts. The forest seemed to hum softly with life beneath its winter stillness. My favorite part of the hike was noticing the layered generations of the forest.

Young saplings growing within wire cages to protect them from deer, and middle-aged trees stretching confidently upward.

The oldest tree in the park, a single venerable pine estimated to be 300 years old, was never touched because it split into three crooked trunks. Red Dog’s favorite part, of course, was the fruitless but enthusiastic hunt for snowbound mice. (Are we bad dog parents for laughing at his lack of success?)

Our visit to Schoolcraft State Park was brief, just an hourlong hike, but its impact lingered. Standing among the tall pines and winding rivers, we felt a connection not just to the natural world, but to the past itself. These trees have witnessed centuries of change and yet continue to thrive, whispering their story to anyone willing to listen.

If you ever find yourself near Deer R River, take the detour.

Wander beneath the canopy, breathe inn the pine-scented air, and imagine the explorers who once stood stoo in that same hush.

Rustic tenting is available, so you can set up avaii camp and paddle the Mississippi, just like Schoolcraft andd Ozaawindib did. The old pines at this thh place still have tales to tell, and they’ll share them gladly, t if you takee the time to walk among them.

STORY & PHOTOS BY ALYSON LEVIG

Winter doesn’t esn’t have to be endured; it can be embraced.

There’s something magical about a Minnesota winter morning when the world is hushed and bright, when even the air feels still and waiting. That’s the kind of morning my husband, Jacob, and I found ourselves in as we laced up our boots at Maplewood State Park. Our goal for the day was simple enough: reach the top of Hallaway Hill. But as every winter wanderer knows, the simplest goals can become the most memorable adventures.

The sun’s warming rays blessed us for a brief moment as we neared the trailhead. The snow-covered landscape ahead glared in reply before the day turned overcast again, like a game of peeka-boo with the sun. We were the first ones there and the trail to Hallaway Hill’s summit looked untouched since the last snowfall.

We both otth gglanced la at our knee-high boots, then at the path be before efore us, and silently lenttly agreed: this hike would require uire snowshoes. Luckily, we’d packed kedd th them hhem in the trunk at the last minute. inute Snowshoes oeess hhave ave v com ccome a long way since their heir early versions.

Long before ree aluminum aluum minnum fra frames am and neoprene straps made for slick, slick modern m movemen movement, vem ve me t, thee firrst m st snowshoes, simple lle slabs ooff wood with leather ties, s,, appeared appear d around arou a uunndd 6,000 6 years ago in i Central nt Asia.

However prim primitive imitive m th they heyy ma m may ayy have looked, they served the same purpose they they do d today:: spreading spprreading one’s n weightt across acr cross o the snow for easier travel, tra ravel, avvel, an ingenious ingennious design e gn born of necessity. necessit e ty. Over the centuries, diff iiffer erentt shapess aand nd ma materials er evolved ed to fit distinct needs and environments. roonments. Ours, Ours, for fo the hhe moment, was simply p y to get ply us to the top of Hallaway H Hill.l.

With ith our snowshoes noow w hhoooe strapped on, we sstepped onto tthe he glittering snow ass the Evenn with our h sun slipped sslippedd behind a heavy gray cloud. Eve weight dispersed, we sankk severall iinches powder.r. Downhill ersed edd, w h iinto the h powd skiers would dream d m of o these pristine drifts, but for us these hese rolling hills of soft white meant nt extra effort. We would have have to break our own path.

The first stretch meandered the stiff ed over prairie bluffs, where w stems of last season’s s asson ons conefl coneflowers, blue vervains, aand nd tall grasses poked throughh the hhe snow. snoow sn ow. The drifts carved uneven unev n waves av across th the landscape, snowshoes into p turning ning i g our ur elongated elo e ngated gated g in o occasional ccasional tripp hazards. We powered red edd th throug through, h ugh, hhe hearts a pu ppumpi pumping, g, llaughing ughing between breaths as we found our rhythm. hm hm When we reached the basee off the th hill, h thee trail tr il turnedd into into a gentle switchback. Clusters of tall sumacs still st clung ung to their thheir crimson fruits, bright against the snow. Later, terr we’d learn lea earn that thaat the park designed these switchbacks to combat a erosion onn the 11,490at ,490foot hill as a practical solution wrapped in natural beauty. ty

(Clockwise from top) The view from Hallaway Hill, Maplewood’s second highest peak. PHOTO BY ALYSON LEVIG / Maplewood State Park is located seven miles east of Pelican Rapids, just off the Otter Trail Scenic Byway in Minnesota’s Ottertail County. PHOTO BY JACOB LEVIG / The interpretive sign on top of Hallaway Hill. PHOTO BY ALYSON LEVIG

Halfwayy up, wee paused to admire the h landscape. Barren trees tree es nd we lined the horizon an and imagined them blazing with color in autumn. utumn. Far below, a small patchh of open land broke the Hallaway a Lake, frozen and tree line: Ha still. Two yyearling ear ar deer emerged from the forest and ventured ve across the lake’s snowcovered surface, urface, half cautious, half playful, urfac side by side de lik like old friends. Within seconds, they vanished into nto the trees again. Like them, we pressed onward.

After a few ew w slips and tumbles in the soft snow, we finally re reached the summit. From the top, Lida Lake spreadd out to the h west andd south, h ddottedd with ih ice houses like tiny villages. To the north and east stretched Maplewood State Park’s 9,000 acres, a rolling blend of prairie and forest and a quiet masterpiece of Minnesota’s transition zone between east and west, forest and prairie.

As we caught our breath, dark clouds merged overhead, releasing a flurry of snow. The haze softened the distant landscape, turning it into something almost mystical. Each breath sent little white clouds into the still air, and the only sound was the whisper of wind through bare branches. The quiet was profound and comforting all at once.

From the interpretive sign at the top, we learned that Hallaway Hill, named after local settlers Mike and Horace Hallaway, was once a popular local ski slope, complete with a tow rope and a ski jump. From the 1940s through the mid-1960s, the hill drew neighbors and families for winter recreation, before Maplewood State Park was established in 1963. Though the hill is being restored to its natural state, the ppark still offers an entire world of winter possibilities.

Five Fiv v miles of groomed Nordic ski trails, rentable snowshoes like us, cozy cabins, a warming house, and for explorers exx plentyy of frozen lakes for ice fishing keep the winter blues at bay bay.

Ass we descended the hill, much faster this time, thanks A to our ourr newly forged trail, I found myself grateful for the ancient ancien n tech on my feet. What was once a tool for survival has become becom m a doorway to play, discovery, and connection with the quiet quu side of nature.

Winter doesn’t have to be endured; it can be embraced. At Wi i Maplewood State Park, surrounded by rolling hills and soft Maple e snowfall, snowf f we found that even the simplest hike can become a story worth telling. And sometimes, all it takes to find peace is a pair paa of snowshoes, a hill to climb, and someone to share the view vii from the top.

AT MAPLEWOOD STATE PARK

STORY BY ALYSON LEVIG

breaking trail

Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 11

Northwest:

PLENTY OF CHOICES

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

2025/26

MINNESOTA

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Ski Trail Guide Sources: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Nordic Ski Association, Skinnyski and individual trails. Before traveling to a ski venue check local trail conditions.

Hiram Ski Trail near Hackensack, MN. PHOTO BY JAN LASAR

Find moreinfo infoand andmaps mapsat at www.mntrails.com/ski-trails www.mntrails.com/ski-trails Find more

From the edge of Lake of the Woods to the headwaters of the Mississippi, northwestern Minnesota offers the widest variety of cross-country ski trails in the state.

Bemidji Area • Buena Vista Ski Area 25km - Mostly advanced loops through woods. Family resort since 1949 with downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sleigh rides, replica logging village, large lodge, kitchen and shops. MN Ski Pass required.

• C.V. Hobson Forest Trail 7km - Beginner, groomed for classic. Red and white pine and tamarack bog along Lake Lyra. MN Ski Pass required.

• Fern Lake Trail 3.5km - Intermediate to advanced, groomed classic ski trail. MN Ski Pass required.

• High School Trail (Lumberjack Trail) 6.5km - Easy beginner trail, groomed classic and skate. MN Ski Pass required.

• Lake Bemidji State Park 13km - Beginner to advanced, four loops, groomed double classic near Lake Bemidji.

Warming shelter is in the lower level of the visitor center. MN Ski Pass required.

• Montebello Trail 4km - Gentle beginner course in the city of Bemidji with 2km of lighted trail. MN Ski Pass required.

• Movil Maze 14km - Intermediate to advanced, classic and skate. Steep and rolling hills through black spruce bog, red pines and hardwoods.

Used by local racers for training. MN Ski Pass required.

• Three Island Park 25km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic and skate with beautiful views of Three Island Lake and Turtle River. MN Ski Pass required.

Callaway | Maplelag Resort 90km - All levels, many well-groomed loops through maple forest with rolling hills. Mostly classic trails with some skate ski, as well as snowshoe and fatbike trails. Privately owned cross-country ski resort with lessons and rentals and a sauna. A user fee applies.

Detroit Lakes Area • Detroit Mountain 9.75km - Beginner to advanced ski trails ranging from skate and classic (5.75km) to classic only (4km). Trails connect to Mountain View Rec Area. Detroit Mountain’s lodge has bathrooms, changing rooms and a restaurant with a fireplace, and offers equipment rentals. Detroit Mountain also offers snowshoe trails and some portions of the ski trails may be groomed for fat bikes when conditions allow. This popular ski destination also offers lift-served downhill runs for skiers and snowboarders, as well as snow tubing.

12 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2025/2026

2025/26

Northwest

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

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

• East Frazee Ski Trails 10km - Groomed beginner cross-country trails on the Ike Fischer Farm, just southeast of the Frazee golf course. This ski area on private property is open to the public. Two trailheads on County Road 118 provide access from the south near Albertson, Fischer and Murphy Lakes. Another trailhead on County Road 150 is the northern access point.

• Mountain View Recreation Area 4.9km - All levels, both classic and skate skiing on wide, regularly groomed trails through hardwood forest.

• Pickerel Lake Ski Trails 6km - Narrow singletrack trails through hardwood forests. Groomed occasionally.

Erskine | Rydell National Wildlife Refuge 2.5km - Relatively flat with rolling hills, groomed for classic skiing. The refuge grooms the Golden Pond trail, but will occasionally groom the Round Lake trail as well. No MN Ski Pass required.

Fertile | Agassiz Environmental Learning Center 18km - Groomed ski trails traverse forests, oak savannas, prairies and sand dunes. Classical groomed trails from flat riverside and woodland trails to rolling and steeper slopes in the Fertile Sand Hills. A trail fee for non-Agassiz ELC members applies. MN Ski Pass not required.

Ski and snowshoe rentals available when the Nature Center is open.

Family ski day at Soaring Eagle Trails near Park Rapids, MN. PHOTO BY JAN LASAR

EXPERIENCE THE

Magic Maplelag OF

90km of pristine trails groomed daily

www.maplelag.com

SKIING, SNOWSHOEING, FAT BIKING, SLEDDING, SKATING, LODGING, SAUNA Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 13

Northwest

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

2025/26

Bridge over the Turtle River at Three Island Lake County Park near Bemidji, MN. PHOTO BY JAN LASAR Hackensack Area • Deep Portage Ski Trails 18km - Beginner to advanced classic trails through rolling hills. Located in the Deep Portage Conservation Reserve. Interpretive Center open all week, including weekends.

• Hiram Ski Trail 8km - Beginner to advanced classic trail loops inside the Foot Hills State Forest, just west of Ten Mile Lake. Only about 1.5km of this system is rated advanced and can be avoided. If you travel the westernmost loop in a counterclockwise fashion, you can take advantage of a long, swooping downhill

after passing the trail shelter. MN Ski Pass required.

Longville | Goose Lake Ski Trail 17.3km - Beginner to intermediate classic trails through woods, over gently rolling hills and around wetlands. MN Ski Pass required.

Moorhead | M.B. Johnson Park 4km - Scenic trails through woods and along the Red River of the North. Ski/snowshoe rentals available weekends December through February. Other ski trails available at Gooseberry Mound Park and Viking Ship Park, which has some lit trails.

Outing | Washburn Lake Solitude Area 22.4km - Beginner to advanced trail in the Land O’Lakes State Forest with a trail shelter.

Park Rapids Area • Itasca State Park 20km - Beginner to advanced, groomed with many loops. Ski to the headwaters of the Mississippi River among towering white pines on easy rolling hills. Visitor center with fireplace is open year-round. Mississippi Headwaters Hostel is inside the park. MN Ski Pass required.

• Soaring Eagle Trail 10km - Beginner to advanced trails that wind through a varied forest ranging from baby aspen to mature balsam and pine with rolling hills. Skate and classic. Warming house available. MN Ski Pass required.

Rochert | Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge 13km - Two loops exist at the refuge, the Tamarack Lake Loop (3km) and the Pine Lake Loop (9km). Ski through a mix of hardwood and coniferous forests as well as wetlands. Groomed occasionally. Visitor center has regular hours year-round.

Thief River Falls Area • Golf Course Trails 5km - Beginner classic trail on undulating golf course grounds on the northern edge of town. Depending on ice conditions, a 3km ski on the Thief River can take you to the Northland Trails.

• Greenwood Trails 3km - Beginner classic ski trails that wind through a wooded setting along the Red Lake River.

• Northland Trails 2km - Beginner classic ski trails that wind through a wooded setting along the Thief River adjacent to Northland College.

Depending on ice conditions, a 3 km ski on the Thief River can take you to the Golf Course Trails.

Walker | Shingobee Recreation Area 9km - Beginner to expert trails on the slopes of the Shingobee River Valley. Groomed for classic and skate skiing. A warming chalet is available on weekends.

14 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2025/2026

Northeast:

2025/26

OFFERS DEEP SNOWS

Along the north shore of Lake Superior, throughout the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, to the Chippewa National Forest, northeastern Minnesota offers some of the biggest snowfalls in Minnesota and many well-groomed trail systems.

Brimson | Mother Bear Ski Trail 10km - Classic ski trail through jack pine forests, black spruce swamps and over glacial eskers, with lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. MN Ski Pass required.

Carlton | Jay Cooke State Park 51km - Beginner to advanced with a wide variety of trails, some along the St. Louis River. Warming shelter with a woodstove and bathrooms is open seven days a week. MN Ski Pass required.

Cloquet | Pine Valley Ski Trails 10km - Intermediate to advanced, groomed for skate and classic skiing. Challenging, with difficult climbs, but also gradual, rolling sections. Adjacent to the Cloquet hockey arena. 2.5km lighted trail.

Part of a trail system with mountain bike trails that are groomed for fat bikes in the winter.

Coleraine | Itasca Trails (Mount Itasca) 10km - Beginner to expert, groomed for skate and classic skiing on flat to very hilly terrain.

Heated chalet available. MN Ski Pass required on west public trails. Additional fee for east biathlon course with snowmaking.

Cohasset Area • Portage Park 4.5km - Beginner classic trails near the Mississippi River travel through the scenic, wooded Bass Brook Wildlife Management Area. A scenic overlook provides a wonderful river panorama. MN Ski Pass required.

• Minnesota Power/Blackwater Trails 5km - Beginner trails groomed for skate and classic skiing in a wooded area along the banks of the Mississippi River. Lighted. MN Ski Pass required.

Cook | Ashawa Nordic Ski Trails 28km - The Ashawa Trail Ski Club maintains 28km of trails north of Cook. Trails are set for classic ski only and accessible from three separate trailheads and maps are available north of Cook, MN. • Wood Loop - Located 6 miles north of Cook on Co. Rd. 24. Look for the signed parking lot on the west side of the road just before Pehrson Lodge Resort. The Wood Loop has moderate skiing through a mix of young and mature stands of aspen, ash, pine and spruce. One-way trails have two long, sloping downhill opportunities. A shelter on Beatty Hill offers a view of Cook and the surrounding area.

• Sunset Loop - Located 9 miles north of Cook on County Road 24, 1/2 mile north of Raps Road. Look for the parking lot on the west side of the road. Sunset Loop offers moderate to advanced levels of skiing. A number of hills and a view of Sunset Lake make for exciting skiing on diverse terrain.

Deer River Area • Blueberry Hills Trail 10km - Beginner to expert with many loops, 5 miles northeast of Deer River. Heated chalet available. MN Ski Pass required.

• Amen Lake Trail 5.5km - 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 near Marcell. MN Ski Pass required.

Duluth Area: The greater Duluth area offers a lot of cross-country, downhill and skate skiing, but you’re never far away from town.

• Bagley Nature Area 2.7km - Two intermediate, classic loops on the University of Minnesota-Duluth campus.

• Biskey Ponds Trails 12km - Beginner to advanced classic ski trails through a scenic landscape with a near-wilderness feel, just north of Fish Lake Reservoir. Five distinct loops.

• Boulder Lake 23km - Beginner to advanced, 11km of skate ski. Groomed regularly for classic and skate ski, very well maintained by Minnesota Power.

• Chester Bowl Park 3km -Intermediate to advanced crosscountry ski trails and downhill skiing.

Chalet and ski rentals available. MN Ski Pass required.

Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 15

Northeast

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

• Hartley Park 5km - Beginner to intermediate with some gentle slopes. Classic only. Equipment rentals available. Home to Hartley Nature Center. MN Ski Pass required.

• Spirit Mountain 24.5km - Spirit Mountain has two crosscountry ski areas for all skill levels. The upper trail system consists of 22km of beautifully wooded trails. The Grand Ave. Nordic Center on the bottom of the hill currently has 2.5km of Nordic trail, 1.5km of which has snowmaking. All trails are groomed daily, and the Grand Ave. Chalet offers rentals, lessons and a restaurant.

• Korkki Nordic Ski Center 11km - Intermediate to advanced single track classic trails, groomed daily. Steep hills, designed for racing. MN Ski Pass required.

• Lester-Amity Trail 15km - Beginner to advanced trail of varied terrain through pine, aspen and birch forests. Additional 3km circles the former Lester Park Golf Course and 5km trail lit mornings and evenings. Chalet available.

MN Ski Pass required.

• Magney-Snively Park 14km - Intermediate to advanced, beautiful hardwood forest with large hills. A rugged trail not recommended for beginners.

• Piedmont Trail 5km - Beginner to intermediate trail through aspen, birch and hardwood forest.

Beautiful overlook of St. Louis River Valley.

MN Ski Pass required.

• Snowflake 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.

Ely Area • Bear Head Lake State Park 11km - Beginner trails through boreal forest circling Norberg Lake, groomed for classic skiing. Trail Center with toilets, water and warming house. MN Ski Pass required.

• Hidden Valley Trails 25km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic and skate trails. Rolling to hilly terrain, through birch and pine stands. Connects to Trezona Ski Trail. MN Ski Pass required.

• Trezona Ski Trail 6.5km - Beginner trail groomed for classic and skate ski. Relatively flat with some rolling terrain. Starts in town, circles Miner’s Lake with views of remains of Pioneer Mine.

Connects to Hidden Valley Trails.

Goodland | Big Ridge Trail 10km - Intermediate, groomed, classic ski trail near Goodland, about 23 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. Ski rolling hills through hardwood, evergreens and young aspen. MN Ski Pass required.

Find more information at www.mntrails.com/ski-trails

WINTER TRAILS ARE CALLING

Ely.org/Winter 16 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2025/2026

2025/26 Grand Marais Area • Bally Creek Trails 20km - A series of short to medium length, easy to intermediate loops in the Superior National Forest. A long connector trail to Cascade River State Park is groomed when conditions allow. MN Ski Pass required.

• Pincushion Mountain Trails 25km - Beginner to advanced, well designed classic and skate trail two miles north of Grand Marais with beautiful Lake Superior views and separate snowshoe trail.

1.6km lighted trail. MN Ski Pass required.

• George Washington Pines Winter Recreation Trail 3km - Groomed for classic and skate skiing.

Skijorers and walkers may use the skate ski lane. Just six miles north of Grand Marais along the Gunflint Trail in the George Washington Memorial Forest.

• Central Gunflint Trail System 77km - All skill levels. An extensive ski trail system 30 miles north of Grand Marais and close to BWCAW. Connects to the eastern end of the 27km Banadad Trail via Poplar Creek and Lace Lake trails. Lighted sections at Bearskin and Golden Eagle Lodges.

Grooming is shared by local lodges, so skiers need to purchase a trail pass.

• Banadad Trail 27km - The longest tracked ski trail through the BWCAW is a true wilderness experience, but it also connects two major ski trail systems, the Central and Upper Gunflint Ski Trails. Eastern end: connects to the Lace Lake Trail (5km), the Tim Knopp Trail (3km) and Tall Pines Trail (3km). Lace Lake Trail provides access to the Poplar Creek Trail and the Central Gunflint Trail system. Park about

2025/26 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail, from Grand Marais, just off Little Ollie Road. Western end: Parking off County Road 12, at Fire No. 10045, about 10 miles from the eastern trailhead. No direct connection to the Upper Gunflint Ski Trail system, about a mile away.

MN Ski Pass and Boundary Waters permits needed.

• Upper Gunflint Ski Trail System 70km - All levels, 45 miles north of Grand Marais. Mostly classic trails with some skate skiing. Grooming is done by local lodges; skiers need a trail pass. Access to Banadad Trail (27km) is nearby, but no direct connection exists.

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

• Cowhorn Lake Trail 8km - Intermediate, classic ski trail with rolling hills through old growth aspen forest.

Intersects Boomer-Blue Trail. MN Ski Pass required.

• Boomer-Blue Trail 7km - Beginner, classic ski trail, doubletracked with snowshoe lane. Dogs are allowed. Intersects Cowhorn loop. MN Ski Pass required.

• River Road Trail 3km - Intermediate, classic ski trail with rolling hills through majestic pines. MN Ski Pass required.

• Forest History Center 4km - Beginner, classic ski trail through 1900s logging camp and virgin timber forest.

MN Ski Pass required on one main trail.

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Northeast

• Hoyt Lakes | Bird Lake Trail 19km - Beginner to advanced trail over birch and aspen hills with views of Bird and Lillian Lakes. One-way trail with some loops.

totaling 13km. A 1km trail connects to Tilson Creek Trails. Access at Rainy Lake Visitor Center via Rainy Lake Ice Road. Echo Bay Trail, a 4km loop. Access through Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center. Kab-Ash Trail, a 35km system. Access near Ash River Visitor Center.

• Side Lake | McCarthy Beach State Park 8km - Intermediate to expert trails, groomed for classic skiing. The two ski trails at the park, Big Hole Trail and Red Top Trail, are two interconnected loops through pine, birch, spruce and aspen. Both have challenging sections because of the park’s rolling hills and valleys which were formed by glaciers. MN Ski Pass required.

• Virginia | Big Aspen Recreation Area 33km - Beginner to intermediate classic trail with shelters and a beautiful overlook on old logging roads and abandoned RR grades of the Virginia and Rainy Lake Lumber Co. Hinckley | St. Croix State Park 17km - Groomed, classic ski trail with many loops for all skill levels. A warming house with fireplaces is available. MN Ski Pass required.

International Falls Area • Manka Trail 2km - Lighted beginner trail, groomed for skate and classic, in the woods behind the Elementary School.

• Tilson Creek Ski Trail 20km - Intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails in the Koochiching State Forest.

MN Ski Pass required.

• Voyageurs National Park 53km - This national park has three trail systems: Black Bay Trails, three loops

Isabella | Flathorn-Gegoka Trails 30km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, single tracked in the Superior National Forest near Isabella. Some paths on old logging roads. MN Ski Pass required.

Marcell Area • Suomi Hills 35km - Intermediate to expert groomed ski trail on rolling hills through the Chippewa National Forest. Connects with Amen Lake Trail.

• Trout Lake 17.7km - Easy classic ski trail through the Chippewa National Forest. Three miles from historic Joyce Estate, a National Historic Site.

Mora Area • Vasaloppet Nordic Center Trails 13km - Classic and skate ski trails and 5km lit trails start and end at Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center which offers waxing room, showers, sauna, and is open daily throughout the season.

• Warman Public Ski Area (Northern Practice Loop) 7.6km - Appropriate for beginners, mostly flat with some rolling hills. Groomed at least weekly during the ski season for both skate and classic. Remote and primitive, but a lovely place to ski about 12 miles north of Mora.

• Legion Park Trail 4km - Intermediate trail, groomed for both classic and skate skiing near Grand Rapids High School. 3km lit. MN Ski Pass required.

• Sugar Hills 28km - Intermediate to expert trail, groomed for both classic and skate skiing on hilly terrain through hardwood forest.

Thunder Mountain provides excellent panoramic views. MN Ski Pass required.

• Sylvan Point Trail 6km - Beginner classic trail. Connects Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital to Forest History Center.

• Wabana Trail 10km - Intermediate, classic trail, winds through scenic, rolling hills. MN Ski Pass required.

Iron Range Area • Biwabik | Giants Ridge 63km - Skiers of all skill levels can enjoy these well-groomed trails in the Superior National Forest, originally designed for training the US Ski Team. 3km are lit for Nordic skiing at night. The 60km trail system also accommodates fat tire bikes. Both fatbike riders and downhill skiers can access select runs via a high-speed chairlift.

• Hibbing | Carey Lake 24km - 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. 3.8km Black Forest loop is lit from 5-10 pm daily.

VISIT US AT

hinckleymn.com Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 17

Northeast

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

2025/26

Nashwauk | Stoney Ridge Trail 10km - Intermediate trails, groomed for classic skiing. Mostly flat with a few rolling hills through woods. MN Ski Pass required.

Silver Bay Area • Tettegouche State Park 25km - Intermediate to advanced, classic trails with many loops and good views of lakes and hills. About 6km 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.

• Northwoods Ski Trail 28km - Intermediate, groomed singletrack classic trail through an intimate wooded setting, following the contours of rolling hills. Trail travels past Bean and Bear Lakes.

A connector trail to Tettegouche State Park is groomed when conditions allow.

Trailhead is on the west edge of Silver Bay, past the Superior Hiking Trail trailhead on Penn Boulevard/County Road 11. Access is on the right at Beaver River.

Tofte/Lutsen Area: The area between Schroeder and Cascade River State Park is home to three individual trail systems, forming a huge network stretching up Minnesota’s North Shore.

• Sugarbush Trail System 65km - Extensive trail network for all skill levels. Groomed for both classic and skate skiing with spectacular views of Lake Superior. Some trails allow skijoring.

Clubhouse trailhead offers ski rentals.

Parking at Britton Peak, Onion River Road and Moose Fence trailheads. MN Ski Pass required.

Headframe and buildings of the Pioneer Mine along the Trezona Trail in Ely, MN. PHOTO BY JAN LASAR

• Norpine Trail System 58km - Groomed for both classic and skate ski with resorts along the way. Includes the Massie and Hall loops and Deer Yard Lake and Cascade River trails. Connects to trails

inside Cascade River State Park to the east.

Some trails are groomed for fatbiking. MN Ski Pass required.

• Cascade River State Park 27km - Beginner to advanced, classic, single-tracked, groomed weekly. Heavily forested trails along Cascade River and several small creeks. Spot moose and wolves down the river valley from Lookout Mountain. Wood-heated warming house available. Connects with Cascade trail system to the west and Bally Creek Trails to the east. MN Ski Pass required.

Tower | Howard Wagoner Trail 11.5km - Four distinct loops. Beginner to intermediate trails through pine forest, groomed for classic ski only.1.3km lighted loop.

The main trail system has some steep hills.

The north trailhead is at the intersection of Enterprise Drive and County Road 135. Skiers can connect to the main system from here via a one-way trail or park at the south lot about a mile south on County Road 135. MN Ski Pass required.

WANDER AND WONDER at the quiet magic of the forests and the ever-changing moods of Lake Superior. Take a journey by Nordic ski, snowshoe, or fat-tire bike: the trails are groomed and ready.

18 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2025/2026

Two Harbors Area • 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.

• Erkki Harju Ski Trail 10.5km - Intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trail through scenic city forest. 3km lit until 10 pm daily. Adjacent, groomed multi-use trails allow walking and fatbiking. MN Ski Pass required.

• Donald D. Ferguson Demonstration Forest 11km - Easy beginner trails through boreal woods in the Superior National Forest, that are groomed flat and allow snowshoeing, skiing and fatbiking. Trail system is set to expand, with the ultimate goal of 15-20 miles.

2025/26

Central:

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

A VARIETY OF TRAILS

The state parks, forests, wetlands and private resorts in the heart of the state offer a ski experience ranging from remote to all-inclusive.

Aitkin Area • No Achen Trail 9km - Beginner to advanced, groomed classic and skate trails through rustic forest.

MN Ski Pass required.

•

Vispo Ski Trail 3.5km - Four interconnected classic loops with a sledding hill about 13 miles southeast of Aitkin. MN Ski Pass required.

Alexandria | Lake Brophy County Park 5km - Intermediate, groomed skate ski trails (no classic tracks) that climb and descend through the hills of the park. Catch great views of Alexandria and the surrounding chain of lakes. Be aware that the park terrain consists of open prairie hills, so wind chill can be a factor.

Expect lots of traffic on the trails in this very popular park.

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 fireplace, camper cabins. Ski and snowshoe rentals. MN Ski Pass required.

Becker Area • Pebble Creek Golf Club 7km - Two distinct loops of flat and open trails on a golf course, rated beginner to intermediate. Nordic and skate ski trails are side by side. Flat groomed area is also open to walking, snowshoeing and fatbiking. The east (4.4km) and west (2.6km) are separated

by Sherburne Ave. SE, but connected via a tunnel under the road. Park at Becker Community Center or Pebble Creek Golf Club. Clubhouse restaurant and restrooms are accessible during business hours.

Weather permitting, trails are groomed twice a week. No MN Ski Pass required.

• Oak Savanna Park 3.8km - The trails at this park are rated beginner to intermediate and consist of a couple of very small loops and one large, main loop. The landscape is a mix of woods and prairie with flat areas and a few long hills. Trails are groomed flat with track set in the middle. Flat groomed area is open to walking, snowshoeing and fatbiking.

This system connects to trails at Becker City Park, adjacent to Oak Savanna. Park at the Sherburne County History Center, where bathrooms are available during open hours.

Weather permitting, trails are groomed twice a week. No MN Ski Pass required.

• Becker City Park 4.4km - Rated intermediate, these trails, made up of three loops, travel through a dense oak forest with a few steep hills.

Trails are groomed flat with track set in the middle. Flat groomed area is open to walking, snowshoeing and fatbiking. This system connects to trails at Oak Savanna Park, adjacent to Becker City Park. Park in the lot just off Highway 23, north of Becker. Porta potties are available. Weather permitting, trails are groomed twice a week.

No MN Ski Pass required.

• Other Sherburne County multi-use trails suitable for skate skiing (no tracks) are located at Island View Regional Park in Clear Lake and Grams Regional Park in Zimmerman.

Brainerd Area • French Rapids 9.5km - Expert only. Well-groomed and challenging trails in glaciated area with great views of Mississippi River Valley. MN Ski Pass required.

• Northland Arboretum 12km - Beginner to intermediate, classic and skate ski with nearly 5km lighted trail. A trail fee applies.

• Pine Beach Trails 30km - Mostly beginner to intermediate with some advanced loops. Varied terrain through pine and hardwood forest around several scenic lakes. Trail links Kavanaugh’s, Madden’s and Cragun’s resorts. Ski rentals at Cragun’s. 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. The park has a rustic warming shelter with a wood burning stove.

MN Ski Pass required.

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

Collegeville | Saint John’s Abby Arboretum 16km - Beginner to advanced skate and classic loops through the wooded hills of the Saint John’s University campus. Stone Gate Loop (4.6km) and the Old Saint Joe Road (1.5km out and back) are classic only. Langlauf (0.7km) and Zicke-Zacke (1.8km) are skate only. The rest of the system is both side by side. One notable feature is one hill on the Pine Knob Trail loop.

Nicknamed “Misere Nobis” (Latin for “Have mercy on us”), it presents a 100-foot climb over a short distance. Trails are free and open to the public.

Cross Lake | Nordic Ridge Trail 22km - Easy to advanced series of interconnected loops starting at the Crosslake Community Center.

Deerwood | Larson Lake Ski Trails 11.6km - Intermediate to advanced skate and classic in varied terrain with a mix of hardwood and mature pines. Passes by Larson Lake.

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.

Erhard | Spidahl’s Ski Gaard 24km - All levels. Groomed classic and skate through 340 acres of hardwoods and prairie near Maplewood State Park. Privately owned.

Fee applies.

MORE.

WillmarLakesArea.com | 320-235-3552 Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 19

Central

2025/26

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Ironton | Wolf Lake Ski Trail 9km - Beginner to advanced, groomed classic with challenging hills through hardwood forest and mature pine. Shelter along trail, maps at intersections.

Kensington Area • 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. A fee applies.

• Kensington Rune Stone Park 12km - Intermediate loops around several lakes at Kensington Rune Stone Park, groomed for classic skiing. Visitor center with restrooms is open as a warming house daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. This park also has groomed fatbike trails that can be snowshoed. MN Ski Pass required.

Little Falls | Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge 5.6km - Beginner trail, groomed with two parallel tracks and gentle hills. Trail follows Platte River, skirts several wetlands, winds through mixed hardwoods and crosses fields restored with prairie grasses. Waterfowl observation deck along trail overlooks Skunk Lake.

The Ohlof Öhman family farm house at Kensington Rune Stone Park in Kensington, MN. PHOTO BY JAN LASAR

McGregor Area • Remote Lake Trail 19km - Beginner to intermediate classic ski trail within Savanna State Forest offers a wilderness-like experience. Connects to Savanna Portage State Park trails. MN Ski Pass required.

• Savanna Portage State Park 16km - Beginner to intermediate groomed classic tracks on rolling hills throughout the park. Connects with Remote Lake Trail near Loon Lake. This connector trail has some steep sections.

Find more information at www.mntrails.com/ski-trails

Milaca | Milaca Trails 8km - City of Milaca trails are groomed singletrack. Park at Recreation Park and take the pedestrian bridge over the Rum River to access the trails.

Miltona | Spruce Hill Park 5km - 97-acre park with gentle wooded hills through tamarack. 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.

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([SORUH$OH[ FRP 20 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2025/2026

2025/26 Nisswa | Grand View Lodge 8km - All levels over three loops, groomed for classic through 360 acres of pines, prairie and wetland at The Pines golf course.

Onamia | Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 32km - Beginner to advanced, several loops through wooded terrain. Ski rentals available.

MN Ski Pass required.

Palisade | Long Lake Conservation Center 5km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic ski trails through rustic forest. The conservation center building is open weekdays during business hours. 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.

Pierz | Golf Course Trail 4km - Two easy loops on the grounds of the municipal golf course.

Pine River | Cut Lake Trail 16.5km - Beginner to advanced skiing around Deer and Cut Lakes. MN Ski Pass required.

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

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.

• Riverside Park 2.5km - Beginner to intermediate trails with flat to rolling hills along the Mississippi River near downtown Saint Cloud.

SKI TRAIL GUIDE learning center campus with woodland and prairie scenery and abundant wildlife. Rentals available. MN Ski Pass required.

Wadena | Black’s Grove 14km - Beginner to advanced, classic ski trails that wind through a wooded setting.

Waite Park | Quarry Park and Nature Preserve 6.3km - Beginner to intermediate with a skating loop and classic loops. Ski past granite quarries and rock piles on lighted trails. The well-marked trail system has separate trails for skiing, hiking and fatbiking. A 323-acre State Scientific and Natural Area within the park offers an additional 5km of ungroomed, rustic trail. Quarry Park parking pass required.

SAY YES TO ADVENTURE

Central Willmar | Swan Lake Ski Trails 5km - Groomed, classic and skate trails for beginners on Eagle Creek Golf Club. Restaurant and bathrooms available during business hours.

MN Ski Pass required.

Zimmerman | Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge 5km - Mahnomen Trail inside the refuge consists of several easy loops and is groomed when conditions allow. Trails are shared with hikers and snowshoers. Parking lot with vault toilet. Located off of Sherburne County Road 9, about 1.5 miles west of County Road 42.

THE TRAILS

ARE CALLING

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 3.25km - Groomed classic and skate ski trails next to the Sauk River. Rated easy to moderate with cut-offs to avoid the few hills.

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

VISITSTCLOUD.COM

VISITBRAINERD Choose C hoo ose Your Your Adventure.

Adventture.

VisitBrainerd.com Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 21

Metro:

URBAN TRAILS WONDERLAND

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

2025/26

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 whether it actually snows or not. Twin Cities area ski clubs meet regularly for fun, training, and competition.

Annandale | Stanley Eddy Regional Park-South 5km - Scenic, rolling hills, lakes and marshes in a densely wooded area. Groomed for skate and classic skiing. Skiing is at the south unit only; the north unit has snowshoe trails. MN Ski Pass required.

Anoka Area • Green Haven Golf Course 5km - Skate and classic trails through rolling golf course hills and trees. Open only when groomed. Clubhouse and restrooms are open during business hours.

• Anoka Nature Preserve 5km - Flat, easy loops through oak stands and open areas. Groomed for walking, fat tire bikes, and skate skiing. Good for novices.

Bloomington | Hyland Lake Park Reserve 15km - Intermediate to expert, groomed classic and skate trails over rolling hills and prairie. 8km lighted trail and 5km trail with snowmaking. Ski Chalet offers rentals. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Burnsville Area • Alimagnet Park 6km - Short, flat beginner trails. Multi-use for walking, snowshoeing and skijoring.

• Terrace Oaks West Park 10.9km - Beginner to expert trails through wooded, hilly areas. Chalet open weekends.

Cambridge Area • Spirit River Nature Area 5-8km - Beginner classic and skate trails through prairie, forest and wetlands.

Parking and restrooms at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

• Springvale County Park 4km - Classic trails on gentle hills through fields and forests. Also 3.5 miles of fatbike and 1 mile of walking trail. Restrooms in parking lot. No MN Ski Pass needed.

• Becklin Homestead Park 4.8km - Beginner classic trails in a 294-acre park on the Rum River with mixed forest, prairie, wetlands, and old-growth pines.

Trails side by side with packed walking trails.

Restrooms in parking lot. No MN Ski Pass needed.

Chanhassen | Lake Minnewashta Regional Park 8km - Classic trails through a 340-acre park on Lake Minnewashta. Ski rentals available.

Chaska | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum 13km - Six loops of classic-only trails through 1,200-acre grounds. Snowshoeing trails available.

Oswald Visitor Center offers rentals, restrooms, snowshoe rentals, and a gift store. Arboretum Café open all week.

Cokato | Collinwood Regional Park 5.8km - Intermediate classic trail on open fields with some woods. No MN Ski Pass required.

Coon Rapids Area • Bunker Hills Regional Park 20km - Intermediate trail loops on flat to slightly hilly terrain. Rental skis available.

Warm up inside the Bunker Hills Activities Center on weekdays. MN Ski Pass required.

• Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park 8km - Beginner to intermediate trails along the Mississippi River. Rentals available weekends. MN Ski Pass required.

Cottage Grove | Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park 8km - Intermediate to advanced skate and classic trails with steep slopes and wooded ravines.

Additional 9km open to biking, snowshoeing, walking, and skijoring. Washington County Ski Pass required.

22 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2025/2026

Dalbo | Dalbo County Park 1.6km - Classic trails in a 40-acre park with white pine and wetlands. Side by side with walking trails.

Restrooms in parking lot. No MN Ski Pass needed.

Eagan | Lebanon Hills Regional Park 29km - Beginner to advanced trails, groomed for classic skiing. Western section: 3.8km skate, 6.6km classic; eastern section: 19km classic. Ski rentals available. Dakota County Ski Pass required.

Eden Prairie | Staring Lake Park 4km - Classic trail on the south side of Staring Lake. Warming house available when sledding hill is open. No MN Ski Pass required.

Farmington | Whitetail Woods Regional Park 9km - Intermediate classic trails around Empire Lake. Connects to Lone Rock Trail in Rosemount.

Camper cabins and fire rings available. Dakota County Ski Pass required.

Hastings Area • Afton State Park 19km - Groomed classic loops with trail shelters overlooking the St. Croix River.

Heated visitor center has parking and bathrooms. Snowshoe trails also available.

MN Ski Pass required.

• Spring Lake Park Reserve 8km - Beginner to advanced groomed classic (5.4km) and skate (2.6km) trails.

Schaar’s Bluff offers river views. Dakota County Ski Pass required.

• St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park 10.5km -Beginner to intermediate groomed trails. East and south loops: 10km doubletracked classic; west loop: 2.5km side-by-side skate and classic. Washington County Ski Pass required.

Isanti | Wayside Prairie County Park 3.2km - Classic trail in 80-acre park with woods, prairie, and marshes. Scenic overlook with lake view. Side by side with walking trails. Restrooms in parking lot. No MN Ski Pass needed.

Lake Elmo Area • Lake Elmo Park Reserve 19.5km - Beginner to intermediate groomed classic and skate trails. 14km for skate/classic skiing, 8.5km lighted. Additional 11km open to multi-use. Nordic Center with bathrooms and vending. Washington County Ski Pass required.

• Sunfish Lake Park 7 to 9km - All skill levels. Camel Back has fun hills; Oak Run more challenging.

Morgan Lane overlooks a pond. Groomed occasionally by volunteers.

Lakeville | Ritter Farm Park Ski Trail 9km - Beginner to intermediate groomed classic and skate trails with hills through woods. MN Ski Pass required.

Lino Lakes | Chomonix Golf Club 10km - Beginner to intermediate flat terrain trails. Rentals at clubhouse on weekends. MN Ski Pass required.

Maple Grove | Elm Creek Park Reserve 18km - Beginner to advanced groomed classic and skate trails. Over 5km lighted night skiing, 2.5km snowmaking loop. Chalet with rentals and snack bar. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Maple Lake | Robert Ney Memorial Park Reserve 16.5km - Intermediate groomed classic and skate trails over small hills and flats. Nature Center offers weekend rentals. No MN Ski Pass required.

Maple Plain | Baker Park Reserve 14.5km - Beginner to advanced groomed classic and skate trails through woods and meadows.

Chalet offers rentals, warming house, and snack bar. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Maplewood | Battle Creek Regional Park East Section (West section is in St. Paul) 6km - Beginner to intermediate classic trail through woods. Saint Paul/Ramsey County mutual ski pass required.

Marine on St. Croix Area • Big Marine Park Reserve 1.9km - Two easy classic loops along Big Marine Lake. Additional 2.5km open to biking, walking, and skijoring. Washington County Ski Pass required.

• William O’Brien State Park 19km - Multi-trail system for all levels of classic and skate skiers with river views.

Wetland Trail for beginners; Prairie Overlook for advanced. Heated trail center. MN Ski Pass required.

Minneapolis Area • Chain of Lakes Regional Park 10.7km - Beginner-friendly flat trails around Brownie, Cedar, and Lake of the Isles.

Connects to Theodore Wirth Park trails.

MPRB Pass required.

• Columbia Golf Club 4km - Groomed classic and skate trails on rolling hills. MPRB Pass required.

• Hiawatha Regional Park 4km - Groomed classic and skate trails with city skyline view. MPRB Pass required.

• Theodore Wirth Regional Park 23km - Beginner to advanced groomed classic and skate trails. 3km lighted. North side hilly; south side flat. Connects to Chain of Lakes trails. Rentals available. MPRB Pass required.

Minnetonka | Glen Lake Golf Center 2.4km - Groomed classic and skate trails through rolling hills. Rentals and concessions at clubhouse. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Monticello Area • Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park 3.5km - Beginner trail through pines along lakes. Classic only. No MN Ski Pass required.

• Harry Larson County Forest 3.2km - Intermediate classic only. Close to Lake Maria State Park. No MN Ski Pass required.

• Lake Maria State Park 10km - Beginner to intermediate classic trails through wooded and old-growth areas past lakes and ponds. MN Ski Pass required.

Moundsview | Rice Creek Regional Trail 4.7km - Groomed classic and skate trails, easy to difficult. Parking at Irondale High School after 3:30 pm weekdays; other times daylight hours.

Saint Paul/Ramsey County mutual ski pass required.

North Branch Area • Wild River State Park 48km - Beginner (22km), intermediate (25km), advanced (5km). 27km combined classic and skate. Heated trail center with rentals. MN Ski Pass required.

• Irving and John Anderson County Park 6.4km - Easy classic trails through hardwoods, prairie, and wetlands. Skijoring trail 3.2km. Side by side with walking trails.

Restrooms in parking lot. No MN Ski Pass needed.

Norwood Young America | Baylor Regional Park 5km - Classic trails around marshes and Eagle Lake, including 1/4-mile boardwalk. Rentals available.

2025/26

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Metro

Richfield | Wood Lake Nature Center 3.2km - Groomed trails around Wood Lake through marsh, lowland forest, and prairie. Ski and snowshoe rentals available.

Saint Paul Area • Battle Creek Regional Park West Section (East section is in Maplewood) 10km - Beginner to advanced classic and skate trails. World Cup Gold, Silver, Bronze trails most difficult. 4km lit trail. Saint Paul/ Ramsey County mutual ski pass required.

• Como Park 5km - Intermediate to advanced classic and skate trails. 1.7km lighted. Rentals available.

Saint Paul/Ramsey County mutual ski pass required.

• Fort Snelling State Park 19km - Flat multi-use trails shared by skiers, hikers, and fat bikers. Pike Island Loop is skionly. Visitor center is a warming house. MN Ski Pass required.

• Highland 9-Hole Golf Course 3.5km - Beginner to intermediate classic and skate loop. Fat bike trail circles golf course. Saint Paul/Ramsey County mutual ski pass required.

• Phalen Regional Park 7km - Intermediate classic and skate trails, open and flat. Saint Paul/Ramsey County mutual ski pass required.

• Highland National Golf Course 5km - 3km beginner loop double-tracked for classic and groomed for skate; 2km intermediate loop single-tracked classic and skate. Chalet as warming house. Saint Paul/ Ramsey County mutual ski pass required.

Rosemount | Lone Rock Trail 18km - Intermediate groomed classic and skate trails on rolling terrain through woods, farmland, and wetlands. Connects to Whitetail Woods trails.

Savage | Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve 14.5km - Challenging groomed classic and skate trails. Trailhead building serves as warming area weekends. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Shoreview | Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park - Grass Lake section 3km -Beginner classic two-way trails through woods and marshes. Saint Paul/Ramsey County mutual ski pass required.

Stanchfield | Vegsund Family County Park 3.2km - Classic trail in 80-acre park with woods, prairie, and wetlands. Scenic overlooks with lake views. Side by side with walking trails.

Restrooms in parking lot. No MN Ski Pass needed.

Stillwater Area • Brown’s Creek Nature Preserve 4.5km - Beginner classic and skate trails on moderate hills shared with hikers. MN Ski Pass required.

• Pine Point Regional Park 6.5km - Beginner to intermediate groomed classic and skate trails through pine plantation, lakes, and farms. Washington County Ski Pass required.

Vadnais Heights | Snail Lakes Regional Park (Vadnais and Sucker Lake Sections) 8km - Beginner to intermediate classic two-way trails on moderate hills with lake views. Sucker Lake loop north of County Road F; Vadnais Lake loop south. Saint Paul/Ramsey County mutual ski pass required.

Waconia | Carver Park Reserve 18km - Beginner to intermediate groomed classic and skate trails through hardwoods and marshes. Lowry Nature Center offers warming area and rentals weekends. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

White Bear Lake | Tamarack Nature Center 8km - Beginner to intermediate classic-only trails through prairie, woodland, and marsh.

Rentals and lessons available. 1km practice loop. Saint Paul/Ramsey County mutual ski pass required.

Otsego | Otsego Regional Park 3km - Beginner trails alongside paved park trails on Mississippi River. Tracks set when snow allows; otherwise groomed flat. No MN Ski Pass required.

Plymouth Area • Eagle Lake Regional Park 5km - Beginner to intermediate classic and skate trails through woods and meadows.

Fat biking and skijoring allowed on skate lanes. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

• French Regional Park 8km - Beginner to advanced groomed classic and skate trails over rolling hills. 4.5km lighted trails. Rentals and concessions at visitor center. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Prior Lake | Cleary Lake Regional Park 9.5km - Beginner to intermediate groomed classic and skate trails. Visitor center with rentals, vending, fireplace. 4.5km lighted trail.

Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Ramsey | Rum River Central Regional Park 8km - Beginner to intermediate skate and classic loops. MN Ski Pass required.

Glide into

winter magic Embrace the snowy season with a cross-country ski adventure! With over 80 miles of groomed trails across the Twin Cities metro, Three Rivers cross-country ski trFNls offer the perfect winter escape.

Equipment rentals are available at select locations.

ThreeRiversParks.org Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 23

South:

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

SKIING WITH A VIEW

2025/26

The southern half of Minnesota offers rolling bluff country in the east and wide-open prairies in the west with regions of old-growth forest in between. A wide variety of state parks, forests and recreational trails offer fine cross-country skiing.

Austin | Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 10km - Beginner to intermediate, classic and skate trails through woods and prairie.

Interpretive building with rentals serves as a warming house. No MN Ski Pass required.

Byron | Oxbow Park 3km - Groomed classic and skate trail loops winding through undeveloped prairie and wooded hills. Oxbow Park also offers fat tire bike trails seasonally.

Eyota | Chester Woods Park 8km - All levels, groomed trails through a wooded and hilly county park with views of Chester Lake, usually groomed for both classic and skate skiing. Trails are well marked with maps at most intersections. Chester Woods Park also offers fat tire bike trails seasonally. Skis, snowshoes and kicksleds are for rent.

Faribault | River Bend Nature Center 11km - Beginner to advanced, groomed classic through flat prairie and woods with some challenging hills. MN Ski Pass required.

Frontenac | Frontenac State Park 15km - All levels, groomed classic with overlooks of Lake Pepin. Two warming shelters available. MN Ski Pass required.

Henderson | Ney Nature Center 10km - Groomed, classic ski trails through the 446-acre Ney Wildlife Preserve. Equipment rentals available at the nature center.

Kasota | Lake Washington Regional Park 5km - Groomed, classic ski trails in a 164-acre park near Mankato. Terrain features flat areas and gentle inclines as the trail traverses native prairie and hardwoods. The inner prairie loops are dedicated to groomed skiing, the outer prairie loops are open to snowshoeing and other uses. The trail crosses over Shanaska Creek on a historic 1875 bridge.

Morton | Beaver Falls County Park 3.2km - Groomed, double-track classic trail with multiple hills and turns. There are open and wooded areas and terrain ranges from easy to difficult. Trails are shared and open to skiing, hiking, snowshoeing and fatbiking. A vault-style bathroom is available in the park’s recreation area, along with an open shelter.

The trail follows Beaver Creek. Trail users are encouraged to park at the south entrance off of 680th Avenue. Note that tracks are set only when snow cover is sufficient, otherwise they’re groomed flat.

New Ulm | Flandrau State Park 9.5km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic, flat trails on the bottom of the valley with more challenging routes on the oak shaded bluffs with several overlooks of Cottonwood River. Ski and snowshoe rentals available. Beach house serves as a warming shelter. MN Ski Pass required.

V I S I T CULTIVATING THE BEST EXPERIENCES

VISITMARSHALLMN.COM

24 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2025/2026

Northfield | Cowling Arboretum - Carleton College 18km - Trails in the upper arboretum (6km) are groomed for skating and classic skiing, the remainder are classic only. Trails are shared with walkers.

Owatonna Area • Brooktree Golf Course 3km - Easy skate ski and classic loop.

• Kaplan’s Woods Parkway 13km - Intermediate, ravine terrain provides challenging hills through hardwood forest near a lake and river. Wide trails suitable for skate ski and tracked for classic when snow is sufficient. Trail travels from Morehouse Park through Kaplan’s Woods Parkway and into the Owatonna Country Club grounds. MN Ski Pass required.

Red Wing Area • Cannon Valley Trail 26km - The Cannon Valley Trail is open to a variety of uses in the winter. From Cannon Falls, Mile 1-15.5: Cross-country skiing only (23km). Mile 15.5-17.5: Sideby-side fatbiking, snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing (3km). About 1.5 miles of trail are plowed and open to hiking and biking in Cannon Falls. Trail offers views of overhanging cliffs and stunning scenery.

Connects communities of Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing. MN Ski Pass required for skiing only.

2025/26

South

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

• Mississippi National Ski Trails 8km - Beginner to advanced, groomed for classic skiing at Memorial Park. The classic loop through wooded terrain offers extensive views of the Mississippi River, considered one of the most spectacular in the state. Flatter and easier trails groomed for both classic and skate skiing are on the golf course to the south, where the trailhead is. MN Ski Pass required.

Rochester Area • Eastwood Golf Course 6km - All levels, groomed classic and skate ski loops with 2.5km lighted trails.

• Essex Park 8.5km - Groomed classic and skate ski through woods and restored prairie. Rolling terrain.

• Gamehaven Reservoir 11.5km - Trails of varied difficulty include a beginner’s loop and a 3.5km wide, out-andback two-way trail with snowmaking. Most trails are out in the open.

• Quarry Hill Park 12km - Relatively flat, groomed trails through rolling hills around an old quarry.

The north end of the system reaches into Parkwood Hills Park and is rated expert.

Quarry Hill Nature Center is open all year and has equipment rentals.

Root River/ Harmony Preston Valley State Trails 67km - Root River Trail: 48km beginner to intermediate trail offering views of tall bluffs and abundant wildlife. Track set between Isinours Forest Management Unit north of Preston and the bridge outside of Houston. MN Ski Pass required. Harmony-Preston Valley Trail: 19km tracked between Isinours Junction, where the two trails meet, and County Road 16.

Sacred Heart | Skalbekken County Park 2.4km - Groomed, double-track classic trail rated easy to moderate. The wooded trail follows the Minnesota River and visitors can expect to see deer, turkeys and other wildlife and see the 1868 Skalbeck log cabin. Trails are shared and open to skiing, hiking, snowshoeing and fatbiking. There is a vault-style bathroom near the park entrance, along with an open shelter. Users are encouraged to park in the horse camp off of County Road 10. Use of trails and parking is free for day use. Note that tracks are set only when snow cover is sufficient otherwise they’re groomed flat.

Ex E xplore the

Winona Area • Great River Bluffs State Park 5km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic with overlooks of the Mississippi River Valley. MN Ski Pass required.

• Saint Mary’s University 14.5km - Mostly intermediate to advanced with some flat terrain for beginners.

Groomed classic and skate ski through hardwood forest, an old apple orchard, and near Gilmore Creek. Some lit sections.

Find more information at www.mntrails.com/ ski-trails Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 25

IN LITTLE FALLS STORY & PHOTOS

BY JAN LASAR

Who says winter is for hibernating?

My wife, Jen, and I spent a long weekend in Little Falls discovering that spinning ice carousels, and sunny winter trails are the perfect cure for cabin fever.

All we needed were snowshoes and skis to have an adventure that was equal parts hilarity and pure winter magic.

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is named after Charles August Lindbergh Sr., but most people will likely only know his son, Charles Lindbergh Jr. who spent his boyhood summers at the family farm in Little Falls, MN. The house is now part of a historic site, which includes the

Fri day

26 MINNESOTA MINNES MIN NESOTA OTA TR TRAIL TRAILS AILS | Winter Winter 2025/2026 2025/ 20 25/202 2026

500-acre state park and the Lindbergh Museum on the Mississippi River.

We arrived at the park just when the sun started to think about retiring for the day, and we knew we didn’t have much time left before dark. With snowshoes on our feet, we followed the Hiking Club Trail and headed into the miniature valley carved into the snowy ravine by Pike Creek. It was open in a few spots and flowing fast, a sign of life in a very rigid landscape. The light was turning orange and shadows were getting darker as we followed the frozen stream, occasionally stopping to listen to its waters gurgle under the ice. By the time we had made it back to the parking lot, it was almost completely dark, and what

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Winter Trails R tte Pla

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little warmth the sun had given us was gone.

We headed out to Green

Fish Lake for a very Sat Prairie special event. In 2022, ur the Zwilling family of day Little Falls created the

world’s largest ice carousel.

It’s essentially a large circle cut into the ice and made to turn with the help of outboard motors.

Their 1,324-foot, nine-inch-diameter creation was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest of its kind in the world, and each year they try to up the ante with new twists on the idea, like multiple circles

Crews cut the ice with specialized equipment on Green Prairie Fish Lake.

Little Falls’ Ice Carousel Extravaganza is a familyfriendly event.

a muscle, you can make a full rotation and travel half a mile. The 2026 event is set for February 21 and 22.

Sunday morning called

a ski on the Platte Sun for River Trail at Crane day Meadows National

Wildlife Refuge, five miles southeast of Little Falls.

The 3.7-mile trail is groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter and comprises three loops through the diverse landscape of the 2,000-acre refuge. Starting from the kiosk near the entrance, it took us through prairie, oak savanna, woods, and wetlands along the

Platte River. It was another fabulous, crisp morning, but the sun was strong.

The trail was still firm this early, but by the time we returned to the car, we had taken off hats and gloves and unzipped our coats.

As we left Little Falls behind, we carried with us the memory of snow crunching underfoot and the sight of the river winding through the refuge. Winter has a way of slowing time and making space for simple joys like a quiet trail, the glow of late-afternoon sun on fresh snow, or a ride on the world’s largest ice carousel.

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spinning in opposite directions.

The Annual Sunny Zwilling el Memorial Ice Carousel wn into Extravaganza has grown ith a community event with hockey games, curlingg demonstrations, human an foosball, dog sledding,, ice bowling, and manyy other activities. Jen and I jumped right in and mingled with the crowd. Stepping on and nd off a moving ice carousel usel is an experience not unlike nlike getting on and off a people mover at the airport, but standing on the small circle spinning one way and looking across the big circle, seeing people go the other way, is quite exhilarating.

And, without moving

of slowing time and making space for simple joys Winter W Win ter 202 2025/2026 25/2 5 026 | MIN MINNES MINNESOTA ESOTA OTA TRAIL TRAILS A S 27

2026 BIKE RIDES Tour de Bun Bicycle Classic July 25, 2026 Montgomery, MN KolackyDays.com

Birds and Bison Bike Tour May 2, 2026 Hastings, MN & Prescott, WI 6TH ANNUAL

visithastingsmn.org/bike-tours

Orange City Tulip Festival Tour de Tulips May 16, 2026 Orange City, IA bit.ly/467vjOL

6TH ANNUAL

Med City Meander

3RD ANNUAL

4TH ANNUAL

5TH ANNUAL

August 1, 2026 Minnetonka, MN TourdeTonka.org

ggta.org

Tour de Loop

Saint Paul Classic

June 4, 2026

September 13, 2026

Luverne, MN

Saint Paul, MN bikeclassic.org

Tour de Pepin

Mickelson Fall Trail Trek

June 6, 2026

September 18-20, 2026

Lake City, MN

Custer, SD

www.lakecity.org

www.mickelsontrail.com

September 19, 2026

Walker, MN

Vasaloppet Nordic Center, Mora, MN

leech-lake.com/spring-bike-Åing

vasaloppet.us/mora-bike-tour

Tour of Minnesota

Ride The Ridges

June 13-19, 2026

September 19, 2026

Mankato, Faribault, Albert Lea, MN

Winona, MN

TourOfMinnesota.com

RideTheRidges.bike

Mickelson Summer Trail Trek

Wheelin’ to Wall

June 19–21, 2026

September 26, 2026

Custer, SD

Wall, SD

www.mickelsontrail.com

www.wheelintowall.com

bikereg.com/great-scottclassic-bike-ride

28 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2025/2026

26TH ANNUAL

32ND ANNUAL

5TH ANNUAL

Mora Bike Tour

June 13, 2026

Prior Lake, MN

21ST ANNUAL

Gitchi-Gami North Shore Ride

bikemn.org/rides-events

July 4, 2026

34TH ANNUAL

Tour de Tonka

August 15, 2026

Great Scott Classic Bike Ride

37TH ANNUAL

scenicshore150.org

Gooseberry Falls State Park, MN

The Spring Bike Fling

52ND ANNUAL

July 25-26, 2026 Mequon-ManitowocSturgeon Bay, WI

Rochester, MN

19TH ANNUAL 46TH 4 6TH A 6T ANN NNUAL

8TH ANNUAL

Scenic Shore Bike Tour

May 23, 2026

luvernechamber.com

36TH ANNUAL

46TH ANNUAL

13TH ANNUAL

10TH ANNUAL

Twin Cities Bike Tour October 10, 2026 Minneapolis, MN www.bikemn.org/rides-events

3RD ANNUAL

Winter Events

FATBIKE AND SKI EVENTS Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener S December 13, 2025 | Maple Grove, MN Elm Creek Park Reserve Kick off Minnesota’s ski season with free skiing, rental equipment and lessons for all ages. www.mntrails.com/event/minnesota-nordic-ski-opener First Chance Ski Race S January 3, 2026 | Mora, MN Celebrate your love of skiing with the first race of the year! www.mntrails.com/event/first-chance-ski-race Norpine Fat Bike Classic B January 9-11, 2026 | Lutsen, MN The race happens at Cascade Lodge, featuring a course that winds through the beautiful and challenging Norpine Trails. www.mntrails.com/event/norpine-fat-bike-classic/ St. Croix 40 Winter Ultra S B January 10-11, 2026 | Hinckley, MN St. Croix State Park 40km endurance race by foot, ski or fat bike. www.mntrails.com/event/st-croix-40-winter-ultra Fat Vasa B January 11, 2026 | Mora, MN The event starts and finishes in downtown Mora, with beautiful trails winding through the Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center complex. www.moraskiclub.org/community-events/fat-tirebikes Low-Pet Law-Pet Challenge S B January 11, 2026 | Minneapolis, MN Theodore Wirth Regional Park A primer for the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival with ski races and a fatbike race. Get ready for a good time at Theodore Wirth! www.mntrails.com/event/low-pet-law-pet-challenge

Founders’ Classic S January 24, 2026 | Mora, MN A fundraiser for the Mora Ski Club that’s only $1 per km! www.moraskiclub.org/community-events/foundersclassic Lantern Loppet S January 24, 2026 | Mora, MN Ski classic-groomed trails by the glow of lanterns, following the Founders’ Classic. www.moraskiclub.org/community-events/lanternloppet Lumberjack Jaunt S January 24, 2026 | Brainerd, MN Northland Arboretum This long-standing ski event at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd celebrates its 51st anniversary in 2026. www.mntrails.com/event/lumberjack-jaunt Stillwater Fat Bike Rally B January 25, 2026 | Stillwater, MN Cross the St. Croix River twice on this at-yourown-pace fatbike event. www.mntrails.com/event/stillwater-fat-bike-rally Arrowhead 135 S B January 26-29, 2026 | International Falls, MN 135-mile ski, bike and run endurance race on the Arrowhead State Trail. www.mntrails.com/event/arrowhead-135 City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival S B Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2026 | Minneapolis, MN Theodore Wirth Regional Park A family-friendly festival with numerous ski and fat bike events, skijoring and a nighttime luminary loppet. This is the can’t-miss event of the winter. www.mntrails.com/event/city-of-lakes-loppet-winterfestival

The Moraloppet S January 31, 2026 | Mora, MN Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center Fundraiser event for skiers of all capabilities, and a time for socializing and refreshments. www.mntrails.com/event/the-moraloppet Vasaloppet S February 7-8, 2026 | Mora, MN Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center This legendary ski event brings thousands to the ski trails in Mora, MN. www.mntrails.com/event/vasaloppet Carey Lake Ski Challenge February 14, 2026 | Hibbing, MN S The Carey Lake Classic is a classic and freestyle event conducted by the Range Nordic Gliders www.mntrails.com/event/carey-lake-ski-challenge Pepsi Challenge Ski Race S February 28, 2026 | Biwabik, MN 8k, 25k, 50k-this event at Giants Ridge has races for every level. mntrails.com/event/pepsi-challenge Eric Judeen 10k Classic Ski Race S March 1, 2026 | Duluth, MN This traditional ski race has been held on the grounds of the Korkki Nordic Center since 1963. mntrails.com/event/eric-judeen-10k-classic-ski-race Balsam Basher Fat Tire Race B March 14, 2026 | Duluth, MN Race 10km or 20km on the challenging hills of the Korkki Nordic Center. mntrails.com/event/balsam-basher-fat-tire-race

As of deadline, the information in this calendar was accurate. Check www.MnTrails. com/events for additional information.

S = SKI EVENT

B = FATBIKE EVENT

IT'S A MINNESOTA CYCLING ADVENTURE UNLIKE ANYWHERE ELSE. But don't take our word for it.

Come see for yourself.

MesabiTrail.com

IronRange.org

Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 29

Garden Island Rec. Area Lake of

Minnesota’s bike trails, long distance hiking trails, water trails, state parks, state recreation areas and biomes

the Woods

Zippel Bay Lake Bronson

Red River of the North

Rainy River

Hayes Lake

Franz Jevne

75

International Falls

Old Mill

Red Lake

59

Crookston

Lake Bemidji Lake Cass Winnibigoshish Lake Paul Bunyan Migizi Schoolcraft

Bemidji

La Salle Lake Rec. Area

75

Leech Lake Walker

Itasca

Moorhead

Heartland Park Buffalo River Detroit Rapids Lakes North Country Trail Crow 59 Pelican Wing Perham Rapids

Soo Line Little Falls

Lake Carlos Lake Wobegon

Alexandria

75

Glacial Lakes Pomme de Terre

Big Stone Lake 12

Chippewa

59 71

Lake Rec. Area

Minnesota

Fair Ridge

Marshall Fort Ridgely Camden Cottonwood

Lake Shetek Pipestone National Monument

Split Rock Creek

Pipestone Casey Jones

Blue Mounds

Blue Mounds Luverne

59

Des Moines

90 Worthington

Watonwan St. James

Kilen Woods

Moose Lake

Alex Laveau Segment

DECIDUOUS FOREST

Banning

CONIFEROUS FOREST

35

St. Croix River

STATE PARKS

Rum

North Branch Sunrise Prairie Hardwood Creek

Rec. Area

New Ulm Mankato

Sakatah Lake

MAP LEGEND PRAIRIE

Grand Rounds Hugo Saint Paul

STATE RECREATION AREAS

Wild River

BIKE TRAILS Interstate

ROADS

William O’Brien Marine on St. Croix Brown’s Creek Stillwater Gateway

Afton

Hastings Fort 52 Snelling Cannon Red Wing Minnesota Valley 61 Frontenac Valley Cannon

Flandrau

14

75

Gitchi Gami Trail Two Harbors

TALLGRASS ASPEN PARKLAND

Minneapolis

212

Split Rock Lighthouse

Gooseberry Falls

St. Croix Snake

Luce Line Hutchinson Crow, Dakota LRT South Fork Greenleaf Rail

212

Camden

12

George H. Crosby Manitou Silver Bay

Hinckley

Lake Maria

Lake Superior

Tofte

Sandstone

Father Hennepin

Charles A.

Willmar

Lac qui Parle

Kettle

Mora

169 Lindbergh Sauk Sauk Centre Soo Line Albany Saint Cloud St. Joseph ROCORI 94 Mississippi Paynesville Sibley Crow, Glacial North Fork Lakes

Monson Lake

Redwood

Mille Lacs

Mille Lacs Lake Kathio

71 Long Prairie 10

Central Lakes

Munger

Crosby

Monument

Superior Hiking Trail Lake Superior Duluth

Jay Cooke Savanna Portage Willard

Cuyuna Country Rec. Area

Grand Marais

Temperance Cascade River River

Tettegouche

Cloquet

2

Crow Wing

Glendalough

Glendalough

St. Louis

North Paul Country Bunyan Trail

Brainerd

Fergus Falls

OHV Rec. Area

169 Mississippi

Pine

Bear Head Lake

Chisholm Iron Range

Grand Rapids

Maplewood

Otter 94 Tail

Mesabi

Judge C.R. Portage Magney Grand National

Kekekabic Trail

Eveleth

Grand Portage

BWCA

Ely

Lake Vermilion /Soudan Undergound Mine 169

McCarthy Beach

Scenic

Erskine

2

Border Route Trail

53 Vermillion

Big Fork

71

Lower Red Lake

Red River Rec. Area

Voyageurs National Park

Little Fork

Big Bog Rec. Area

Upper Red Lake

Rainy Lake

Rainy Lake

35 Falls Cannon

Goodhue

STATE WATER TRAILS CITIES LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAILS Not for Navigation April 2025

Lake City

Mississippi Pioneer 63 Nerstrand Great Zumbro Big Woods River Carley

Faribault Straight Douglas Ridge John A. Latsch Sakatah Singing Hills Whitewater 14 Winona Owatanna Rice Lake Great River Bluffs Rochester Whitewater Root 52 Cedar Root River Myre Blue Blazing 90 Lanesboro Big Island Earth Star Shooting Beaver Creek Valley Preston Star 63 Blue Austin Shell Albert Harmony-Preston Valley Earth Rock Lea Lake Louise Harmony Forestville /

Minneopa

Mystery Cave

Discover PAYNESVILLE ILS MILES OF TRA 3 MINNESOTA 30 MI NES MIN NE OTA TR TRAIL TRAILS A S | Winter t 2025/2026 20 025/ 2 2026 6

LAKE KORONIS

MANY OURSE ACTIV C E L ITIES 18 HO

PaynesvilleChamber.org

TRAIL PARTNERS

Minnesota Trails Directory Regions

Northwest Region

Need a place to eat, stay, play and upgrade your gear?

Our Trail Partners are here to help!

Northeast Region

2

Bemidji

61

71 2

GEAR RENTALS

BIKE SHOPS FITZHARRIS BIKE & SPORT

320-251-2844

105 7th Avenue S, St. Cloud www.fitzharrismn.com

JAKE’S BIKES

SPECIALTY STORES COMMON GOODS

320-639-2453

27 W Main Street, Crosby www.commongoodsmn.org

651-457-7766

Sauk Centre www.littlerocksdesign.com

763-784-6966

2661 Co Road I & Old Hwy. 10, Mounds View www.carsbikeshop.com

RAMSEY BICYCLE

90

320-251-2453

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

CARS BIKE SHOP

Mankato

71 35

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

BIKE KING

Metro Region

90

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

TOURIGHT BICYCLE SHOP

Southern Region

320-219-7433

419 N. Nokomis Street, Alexandria www.jakesbikes.com

REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI

Duluth

St. Cloud

GALLOPING GOOSE RENTALS 218-7317181 Glendalough State Park and Battle Lake MN www.gallopinggooserentals.net

35

Central Region

94

218-772-2999

LITTLE ROCKS DESIGN STICKERS 320-333-2520

VICTUAL

218-545-1000

124 West Main Street, Crosby www.shopvictual.com

763-323-6666

6825 Hwy. 10 NW, Ramsey www.ramseybicycles.com

SERVICES CUYUNA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 218-546-7000

LODGING/B&Bs/ CAMPING BIG RIVER RESORT

320 E Main Street, Crosby www.cuyunamed.org

DEERWOOD BANK 651-565-9932

21236 Archibald Road, Deerwood www.deerwoodbank.com

218-862-2500

117 W Main Street, Crosby www.mmfcu.org

218-838-6858

22640 MN-6, Crosby www.oarsnmine.com

1110 Hiawatha Drive E, Wabasha www.bigriverresort.com

BATTLE LAKE INN 102 Glenhaven Drive, Battle Lake www.battlelakeinn.com

RED RIDER RESORT

THE SANCTUARY

MID MINNESOTA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 218-546-5428 OARS-N-MINE

23457 Co. Rd. 31, Crosby www.redriderresort.com

218-534-3111

218-546-6912

218-622-0321

222 2nd Street NW, Crosby www.thesanctuarycrosby.com

EARLY FROST FARMS STUDIO 218-208-9613 7273 Palo Tia Road, Embarrass, MN 55723 www.earlyfrostfarms.com

INFORMATION HUTCHINSON CHAMBER

320-587-5252

2 Main Street, Hutchinson www.explorehutchinson.com

VISIT BRAINERD

EAT & DRINK THE DEERSTAND RESTAURANT AND BAR 218-534-9253

24188 Mohs Street, Deerwood www.deerstandrestaurant.com

THE MILL 730 Church Avenue, Albany www.themillalbanymn.com

800-450-7247

214 S 7th Street, Brainerd www.visitbrainerd.com

IRON RANGE TOURISM

LOVIN’ LAKE COUNTY 320-845-6455

218-749-8161

111 Station 44 Rd, Eveleth, MN 55734 www.ironrange.org

218-595-2800

1330 MN-61, Two Harbors www.lovinlakecounty.com

See more details at: www.mntrails.com/trail-partners Winter 2025/2026 | MINNESOTA TRAILS 31

YOUR TICKET TO WINTER FUN From dunes to drifts and snow to sand, fat tire bikes give you the incredible traction and control that lets you tackle anything, any time, for any reason. There’s no off-season with these incredibly capable and versatile mountain bikes.

Visit your authorized Trek retailer today!

Adventure Cycle & Ski advcycle.com | Winona

Gateway Cycle gatewaycycle.com | Oakdale

All Seasons Sports allseasonssports.net | Delano

Jake’s Bikes jakesbikes.com | Alexandria

Revolution Cycle and Ski revolutioncycleandski.com | St. Cloud

DL Bike Shop dlbikeshop.com | Detroit Lakes

Outdoor Motion outdoormotionbikes.com | Hutchinson

Rick’s Cycling and Sports Center rickscycling.com | Willmar

Downtown Bicycles downtownbicyclesllc.com | Northfield

Ramsey Bicycle ramseybicycle.com | Ramsey

Rydjor Bike Shop rydjor.com | Austin

32 MINNESOTA TRAILS | Winter 2025/2026