Minnesota Trails Winter 2018/19

Winona Ice Climbing • Cuyuna Christmas • Winter Camping • North Shore Skiing

TRAILS Minnesota

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

200

WINTER 2018-19

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

SKI TRAILS SKI & FAT BIKE

EVENTS

Tr ai Pa l Bu ge ild 5 er

Minnesota’s Top

~ LODGING ~

Deerwood Motel 23688 Forest Rd., Deerwood 218-534-3163 www.deerwoodmotel.com Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge 25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd., Deerwood 218-678-2885 www.ruttgers.com

Crosby - Ironton - Deerwood Bay Lake - Cuyuna - Emily

~ EAT & DRINK ~

Deerstand Restaurant and Bar 24188 Mohs Street, Deerwood 218-534-9253 www.deerstandrestaurant.com

~ SERVICES ~

Cuyuna Lakes Chamber 117 West Main Street, Crosby 218-546-8131 www.cuyunalakes.com Cuyuna Regional Medical Center 320 E Main St., Crosby 218-546-7000 www.cuyunamed.org Cycle Path & Paddle 115 3rd Ave SW, Crosby 218-545-4545 www.cyclepathpaddle.com Jacobs Realty Hwy. 6 & 210, Crosby 218-546-8346 www.jacobsrealtymn.com Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union 117 W Main St., Crosby 218-546-5428 www.mmfcu.org

Contact us for more information 218-546-8131

www.cuyunalakes.com

522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue Sauk Centre, MN 56378

Vol. 23, No. 4 November 2018 Minnesota Trails magazine is a continuation of Minnesota Bike Trails & Rides, published quarterly in cooperation with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that acquires, protects and enhances critical lands for public enjoyment.

Your $35 membership subscription supports this work.

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

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

Continuing the

Find your trail,

www.MnTrails.com Minnesota Trails Staff Jan Lasar Editor/Publisher Joyce Frericks Accounting Brian Dingmann Page Layout & Design

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

share the story!

We’re always looking for writers and photographers.

Contact jan@mntrails.com for more details.

2 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

Features

Columns

Departments

8

One Step at a Time Jan Lasar

4 Volunteers Make It Happen

14 Northeastern Ski Trails

11 Make Your Escape

Tonja Sahaydak

12 Winter Camping

Tom Watson

13 A North Shore Tradition

Molly Brewer Hoeg

Cover Photo:

Young skiers take to the trails at Soaring Eagle Ski Area near Park Rapids, MN. Jan Lasar photo

Index photo:

Hoar frost on display along the Great River Road near Little Falls, MN. Jan Lasar photo

Guest Column by Wade Weber

5

Parks & Trails Council

Brett Feldman

6 2018 Photo Contest Winners

18 Central Ski Trails 21 Trails Q&A

People we meet along the trail

22 Northwestern Ski Trails 24 Metro Ski Trails 26

Southern Ski Trails

27 Ski Event Guide

Events December through March

28 Fat Bike Event Guide

Rides November through March

29 Minnesota Trails Map The State at a Glance

30 Business Directory

Find Trail-Friendly Destinations

Upcoming Issues Spring: March 2019 Bike Rides and Tours, Mountain Bike Trails, State Parks Summer: May 2019 Bike Rides and Tours, Bike Trails, State Parks Fall: August 2019 Bike Rides and Tours, Scenic Byways, Hiking Trails

Thank yous!

Find us on:

Minnesota Trails

Winter 2018-2019 3

VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT HAPPEN It is wonderful to Minnesota Miles during that same period was be part of a small, rural also greatly affecting the community that had a Vasaloppet USA ski race, so vision of creating a premier race organizers, who operate cross-country skiing center the Nordic Center, decided here in Mora, Minnesota. snowmaking was the way of I enjoy telling the story the future. because it doesn’t seem This snowmaking effort possible to build a threewould also help fulfill the building skiing complex, vision of having a premier with about 12 kilometers Nordic Skiing facility located Wade Weber of mostly wooded trails in Mora.

Guest Column covered with manufactured After two years of raising snow, without the aid of funds, installing and refining grants or some type of governmental the $70,000 snowmaking operation, assistance. volunteers in early December of 2017 Home of the Vasaloppet USA were ready. ski race, the Vasaloppet and Mora And from a marketing standpoint community took a different path. the timing could not have been better.

Thousands of volunteer hours helped The lack of snow for most of the construct the complex and today, to 2017-2018 ski season in most areas help with repairs, improvements, within driving distance of Mora meant summer mowing and winter word quickly spread that there was snowmaking and trail grooming. great skiing here.

And equally important, a Vasaloppet trail folks earlier that community willing to write some big fall came up with a new way to configure donation checks to the tune of over the existing Nordic Center trails along three quarters of a million dollars. with newly built trails to create a much The result is a very Scandinavian- better skiing experience—and added a looking Nordic Center complete number of hills at the same time. with changing rooms, saunas, a fourIndividual skiers were not the only bench ventilated waxing room, a people who noticed. A number of high small kitchen and a large open area school teams, in search of snow, held to accommodate skiers and their their ski meets here as well as some clothing bags. practice sessions.

In subsequent years a second Besides being an avid skier, I’m building was built which serves as also an assistant coach for the Mora groomer garage, a reception hall and High school ski team and often I was large gathering place for high school amazed how quickly so many skiers can teams during ski meets. “disappear” into the 12 or so kilometers A third building serves as a of ski trails that wind through woods storage facility for the Vasaloppet race and meadows. equipment and multiple groomers.

After all, I just saw a full parking The ski season here in Mora lot full of skiers’ cars and team busses. started last year in early December when the snowmaking equipment was powered up. In mid-April skiers were still enjoying being on skis. For myself, after that many months of skiing I had to give it up, lace up the running shoes and put the skis into summer storage.

But it wasn’t always that way.

The main Nordic Center building was erected in 1999 and for most of the time since then skiing has been dependent on natural snow. We all know how that’s gone for the past decade.

The lack of sufficient snow

People often ask how many ski “guns” we have and they are surprised by the answer of only one. Yes one.

Burying pipe and moving multiple snow guns around a course is very efficient, but the cost of burying pipe throughout the Nordic Center trail system is unbelievably expensive.

Instead, our volunteer “Snow Farmers,” as we call them, make a very large pile of snow and use large tractors and manure spreaders that have been redesigned into snow spreaders. After frontend loaders load the spreaders, the snow is hauled out to the trails. A subsequent grooming with one of the Vasaloppet’s Pisten Bullys and the trail is ready for skiing.

Currently, a second snowmaking system is being installed on the north end on the trail system (the current one at the Nordic Center is on the south end.) The new snow depot including the snow gun, pumps, generator, storage building, etc., will cost an estimated $70,000 and will greatly reduce the amount of “haul time” of volunteers.

The result: more ski trail distance to be completed quicker.

It’s another very expensive endeavor to tackle, but I’m confident and proud knowing the community will raise the money—we have to because the snowmaker has already arrived from Switzerland, the cooling pond is dug, the well is being drilled and ski season is right around the corner.

Wade Weber has served on the Vasaloppet USA Board of Directors for over 20 years, is an avid skier and runner and has completed two WorldLoppet series.

Volunteers at work at Vasaloppet Nordic Center. Wade Weber photo

4 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

people saving special places

www.parksandtrails.org

Letter from the executive director

Winter is a perfect time for park adventures

One of the reasons Minnesotans love our state so much is because we get to experience all four seasons. And while I’ll be the first to say I love them all, there is something about winter that makes my imagination run wild. Those first snowflakes of the season have been bringing a permanent smile to my face since I was a kid. And that first blanket of fresh snow has always been like a blank canvas calling out for me to paint it.

Of course, my paintbrush of choice happens to be skis and my canvas of choice happens to be the ground under my skis. For me, there is nothing more peaceful than making first tracks on new snow. First tracks represent my imprint on the powdery landscape, but they are also my realization that for that moment in time me and nature are one.

I suspect that as a Minnesota Trails reader you too have discovered ways to get thrills out of winter. Even if skiing isn’t your thing there is always some fun activity to do. I find this to be especially true in Minnesota state parks where you can hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, sled, observe wildlife and frozen waterfalls, or even ride a fat tire bike. Many of our state parks have rental gear available so you can partake in activities you’ve been wanting to try but have never had the chance.

Snowshoeing at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park by Lisa Nilles/P&TC Photo Contest

Minnesota state parks in the winter can be especially appealing to solitude seekers. If you’ve never spent time in a state park during the winter I suggest you give winter camping a try. Yes, there are parks that welcome tents and quinzees, but there are also 20 state parks where you can hang out with friends and family in the comfort of a heated cabin – a space that feels like your own.

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

My advice to you? Don’t be a bear and sleep on winter. Make the most of our Minnesota state parks.

Inspiration and adventure awaits.

Brett Feldman Executive Director, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

We’re the parks and trails people.

Join Today! www.ParksAndTrails.org www.pincushiontrailsinn.com

Winter 2018-2019 5

people saving special places

www.parksandtrails.org

Parks & Trails 2018 Photo Contest

Winners Announced

by

h auty Scenic Be

1St Place

About the Contest

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 4th annual photo contest.

We received over 200 photos. A panel selected the winning photos from three categories.

See all the photos at www.parksandtrails.org

at

Matt Herberg Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Last April, when photographer Matt Herberg heard that storm waves were predicted along the North Shore, he got ready.

He was after a shot to show the power of Lake Superior against the steadfastness and security of the lighthouse; something he clearly succeeded in capturing here.

He set up about 3,000 feet up the shore on Gold Rock Point.

Herberg cautions that this can be a dangerous spot, as he’s heard of other photographers being swept out or having equipment ruined by

unexpected waves.

Herberg’s advice to new photographers is to “just try” and then use the internet as a resource and try again and remember everyone’s on their own path.

Herberg encourages everyone to take advantage of Minnesota’s state parks. And he appreciates the discount veterans receive, being one himself. “If you don’t find something awesome, you either need to wait, or look harder because it’s there waiting for you.”

6 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

people saving special places

www.parksandtrails.org

h lant life Wildlife & P

1St Place

by at

Jon Wood Camden State Park

When you make a point to look at the sunset every day, like photographer Jon Wood does, you become familiar with the unique conditions that bring out the most brilliant displays. This photo of pasque flowers receiving their final minutes of sunshine on the Camden State Park prairie has remained a favorite of Wood even after hundreds of other sunsets.

To him the photo represents emerging spring and a positive look forward. Pasque flowers are some of the very first flowers to emerge in spring, often when snow is still on the ground. And they are short, so Wood was crouched low down to capture the fine detail of the petals while simultaneously getting the giant sun in its blurred brilliance.

Wood says that he tries to capture the intense feeling he gets when he sees the beauty of nature. “There are times when I get goosebumps from what I see,” he says. And that’s when he gets to work trying to capture the image in his camera. His tip to new photographers is to focus exclusively on what is visible in that rectangle, go where no one else goes and never try to photograph at noon--the contrast in lighting is too much for a camera.

h PeoPle

1St Place

by at

Claudia Mattingly Maplewood State Park

Claudia Mattingly captioned this photo “making memories with the grandkids.” It’s one of those moments that captures the creative joys of being a child for whom a puddle is simply a fun adventure.

Minnesota Trails

Winter 2018-2019 7

One Step at a Time The view from the base of the climbing wall opened to the north with a bird’s eye panorama of Winona.

Below, the city’s steaming buildings tucked in neatly between the ice-covered arms of the Mississippi River and the grey bluffs in the distance. A brilliant, blue sky crowned it all.

On this late winter afternoon temperatures hovered around ten degrees at Bluffside Park, especially in the shade, but the narrow, icy shelf and bright white outcropping of the frozen rock face were in full sun and stood out from the leafless trees below like an illuminated miniature glacier.

Eight students and trip leaders, Alexis Lyons and Ezekiel Kelderman, from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Outdoor Pursuits group, had trekked up here to climb at the Winona Ice Park on a field trip as part of their outdoor education program. Most of them were foreign exchange students.

Eric Barnard, owner of Big River Climbing Guides and director All photos Jan Lasar

Ice climbing gains popularity in Winona

by Jan Lasar, Trails Editor/Publisher

of the Outdoor and Recreation Center at Winona State University, was their instructor for the day.

“We’re not used to walking around with knives on our feet,” Barnard had told them earlier before leading them up to the ice-covered sandstone bluff, and cautioned them to practice what he calls ‘mindful walking’.

Rigid climbing boots made moving a little awkward, but the steel crampons with their dozen or so knife ends pointing forward, down and sideways meant paying special attention to foot placement. Designed to provide traction on sheer ice, they can easily become a tripping hazard.

Barnard was the first to scale up to the top to secure the safety ropes. Back down, he started some basic instructions for the students, most of which had never climbed before. Three at a time, they took their first, timid steps up the slippery wall while the others watched and shuffled around to stay warm. Barnard, co-worker Avery Prondzinski and trip leader Kelderman, worked the safety ropes and talked them through it.

The fundamentals of ice climbing are easy to

(above) At ease in the ropes, Barnard coaches Columbian exchange student Lizeth Ortiz. (inset) Mindful walking up to the ice climbing ledge.

Safety team: Kelderman (left), Prondzinski and Barnard belay climbers.

8 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

grasp: You start by kicking the crampons into the ice one foot at a time to gain a secure hold and use the ice axes, one in each hand, to steady yourself. Then, you slowly walk up.

For safety, you are belayed, meaning you wear a harness attached to a rope fed through an anchor on the top and back down to the belayer, who takes up the slack as you climb. A mechanical brake stops the rope, should you fall.

“The learning curve with ice climbing is learning how to be efficient with the movements so you have enough strength to get to the top,” said Barnard.

And even though a lot of people think it has to be more difficult, in a lot of ways ice climbing is easier, because you create your own holds by kicking in your feet and driving in your axe.

“In rock climbing,” he said “there are predetermined holds to choose from and you have to find the right sequence to make it up the route. It’s more of a mental challenge.” In both kinds of climbing it’s all about the legs, because they’re your strongest muscle. First time climbers often try to pull themselves up by their arms, but he reminds them to just “take little baby steps.”

He went on to explain a common misconception.

“When folks who haven’t climbed think about either rock or ice climbing they think it’s an adrenaline sport that would maybe be in the same category as sky diving,” he said, “but in reality it’s more in the category of doing yoga.”

The students worked through the afternoon, taking turns climbing three different routes about 60 feet in length. Occasionally, the constant, trickling sound of ice chips raining on the spectators was interrupted by shouts of “Ice!” when a larger piece broke loose and skittered downhill off the ledge and into the treetops below.

Some of the students took to their first ice climb more readily, others made it about halfway up and asked to be lowered back down, but Barnard said “It’s not about getting to the top, it’s about the whole experience.”

Trip leader Kelderman said “Experiences such as ice climbing will allow people to push themselves by trusting gear, their belayer and themselves.”

But besides the character-building experience, the students had fun, too.

“They were all stoked on it,” he said.

“It was definitely amazing,” Christian Grimm, exchange student from Peine, Germany, said. “When I had a look at the ice wall I thought ‘How can I ever climb up there?’” He expected to have an advantage because of some previous rock climbing experience, “but I found out quickly it was not at all comparable,” he said.

Christian’s second climb was easier. The route was more c h a l l e n g i n g, but he learned where to find places to

(above) Alexander Kreienbring from Germany rappels down from the top after a successful first climb. (inset) Knives on our feet: Crampons are essential gear for traction on the ice.

Secure footing: Jessye Hale works her way up the wall one step at a time.

Minnesota Trails

Winter 2018-2019 9

anchor his feet and put in his ice axe.

He’d do it again The basics: because he liked the Barnard challenge. “I think demonstrates that’s what I really like the proper about climbing, you technique for a foothold in the can exceed your limits. ice.

Maybe you would feel uncomfortable at such a height normally, but since you’re belayed, everything is fine. It’s just an amazing feeling to make this progress step by step up.”

Barnard lives for moments like this. “Some people are just absolutely terrified of heights,” he said. He said once people realize that “I’m attached to this rope, I’m attached to this anchor above me, the person below me is experienced at belaying, I’m really not going to get hurt,” and climbing becomes an opportunity for personal growth that forces you to step outside of your comfort zone.

Seeing the reaction of a first time climber is the most rewarding part for him. “You can see that look they have when they come back down, when half way up they had wanted to quit,” he said.

Climbing in the Winona area goes back to the 1940s Winona Alpine Club. Then came resurgence in climbing in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Barnard has seen a steady increase in the popularity of the sport since he moved to Winona from Idaho nine years ago, which prompted him to open Big River Climbing Guides in the fall of 2017, and the city to hire a full-time parks and recreation manager.

He credits the city of Winona with much of this progress and says when the local climbing group approached the administration with plans of turning the former Sugarloaf quarry into a rock

climbing area “They were all in.”

After establishing hiking trails and cleaning up the area, the now well-used trails bring in a constant stream of hikers and families.

“Climbing has opened up access to that park to everyone,” and as a result, Barnard says, littering and vandalism have gone down, erosion is under control and prairie restorations are underway.

“Outdoor recreation can be conservation,” he said.

Locals love that everything outdoors in Winona is so close to town, but they’re not the only ones.

Since Barnard opened shop he says he’s served about 100 climbers from inside of Minnesota and surrounding states.

This is music to Cynthya Porter’s ears. She’s the Marketing Specialist at Visit Winona, the area’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “The ice park is an amazing attraction for Winona. Even though it has only been open for one season, people came from across the Midwest to climb there. It really puts Winona on the map in the winter time for outdoor recreation,” she said.

Because of this surge in popularity, climbing demand at the Winona ice park is quickly outgrowing the limited space, which took even Barnard by surprise. This year the ice park will move from Bluffside Park to an old quarry adjacent to the Sugarloaf. “The current location is too small,” said Barnard.

“I had no idea that ice climbing was Nourreddine Echarfi from going to be Morocco that popular.” at his first attempt.

“It’s all about the legs”: Barnard gives a brief introduction to ice climbing.

10 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

Make

Your

Jarod, Justice and Josie Sahaydak relax with gear drying by the wood stove.

Escape

by Tonja Sahaydak

Last December my husband, our goods from the parking lot and Martin, suggested we spend four days after 30 minutes of teamwork, there in a yurt in the Cuyuna Country State was a crackling fire in the cast iron Recreation Area near Crosby with our woodstove, logs back stocked, and our teenagers Justice, Jarod and Josie to get gear was neatly stowed in place. While in some quality family time. the yurt was heating up, we bundled up I was hesitant at first. Sure, we love in our sleeping bags and took a look to ride Cuyuna’s mountain bike trails in at our home for the next few days. the summer and swim in the cool, clear The five windows and domed skylight lakes. The vibrant color contrasts above provided ample light. Three of red dirt, green leaves wooden bunk beds lined the and blue waters awaken curved walls, one with a my soul as much as a couch that folds flat vigorous bike ride into a double bed. awakens my body.

A padded rocker But in the was perched next winter it’s a cold, to the stove, a still world of black chunky wooden and white and table and chairs a yurt is just an sat on the wooden insulated canvas on floor in the middle a wooden structure. of the room.

The Binghamite yurt Temperatures were Soon, the yurt on the west side of the Yawkey Unit. forecast to never was warm enough, the reach above zero degrees sun started to set and we during our stay, but Martin called it a day. The outside assured me we’d be fine. A winter temperatures plunged to -26 getaway, he said, was just what our degrees and throughout the night we family needed because each of us is took turns feeding the stove with logs. usually off on their own activities and Nighttime trips to the vault toilet we’re rarely at home together. took some getting used to because that On Christmas Day we packed our kind of cold sucks the breath right out minivan with fat bikes, the teenagers of your lungs when you step outside. and gear to survive four days of But as much as I dreaded crawling out adventure and left for Cuyuna. of my warm sleeping bag, wrestling At the Yawkey Mine we made with the parka and strapping on the the short hike to the yurt to haul in headlamp, seeing the beauty of the

ABOUT THE WRITER

All photos by Tonja Sahaydak From left: Jarod, Tonja, Justice and Josie Sahaydak ready to explore the fat bike trails.

brilliant stars blanketing the black skies made it worth the effort. The night was still, interrupted only by the occasional yelp of coyotes.

The promise of a beautiful day woke us in the morning and we decided to get out the fat bikes. The Yawkey Unit trails were well groomed and started just a few feet away from our yurt. Trout and Man Cage trails provided short, 10-minute loops. I enjoyed Dragline for a slightly longer, meandering trail with several cut-offs to choose from. Bobsled was more difficult, but offered a good climb, great views and a downhill that guaranteed a smile every time.

Staying close to the yurt and being able to pop inside when the cold settled in was key to keeping it fun.

Because it was so cold and cooking is only allowed outside, we planned meals that required very little dishwashing and could be quickly prepared or reheated over a camp stove in the picnic shelter just outside the door of the yurt.

Our days at the Cuyuna yurts went fast and we filled them with biking, snowshoeing and family time.

Every night we gathered around the woodstove for a fireside chat or read books and played games. We even had some friends join us for an afternoon.

Minnesota winters can be long and relentless, but if you can’t escape that time of year, you can still find warmth amid the cold. Spending time with our kids at the yurt made us realize how draining it is to be so busy all the time.

Being together in nature allowed us to truly relax and return home refreshed.

Martin was right. It really was just what our family needed.

Minnesota Trails

Tonja Sahaydak wears many hats, including that of a National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) mountain bike coach, a professional house cleaner, and a homeschool parent.

When rustic camping, she leaves all of those at home and dons her favorite striped fleece hat.

Winter 2018-2019 11

WINTER CAMPING A Beginner’s Guide

by Tom Watson Shelter: You’ll want a sturdy fourseason dome tent designed to withstand the onslaught of winter winds and accumulations of snow.

Other styles include tipi tents that shed snow or house-like wall tents, many of which are equipped with a special roof collar for a wood stove.

Winter is an exhilarating season for experienced campers and a serious challenge for those new to the season’s more demanding and sometimes extreme camping conditions. Simply put, the only differences between camping in the winter and camping in the summer months are that the air is colder and the ground is harder. We still rely on tents for shelter, count on clothes and sleeping bags to protect us from the elements, and fill our bellies with foods cooked over a fire but you do need some cold-adaptable gear. Let’s look at a few ways to approach a safe, comfortable and enduring campout during a typical Minnesota winter.

Hydration: Staying hydrated is very important in the winter, too. Boil all snow, regardless of how pure or fresh it may appear.

Mechanical filters can freeze up, chemical treatments are slow.

Clothing: Layers are key: Underlayer clothing nearest your skin helps wick away moisture; mid layers insulate and keep you warm and outer layers protect you against the elements. Wool is best for warmth. It insulates even when wet and is also fire and spark resistant.

Sleeping Systems: Invest in a quality sleeping bag with good insulation and a temperature range of at least 10°F lower than what you expect to encounter.

Synthetic fibers provide warmth even when wet, down does not.

Consider a bag with a dark interior.

It’ll warm and dry out quicker when aired outside in the sunshine.

An air mattress provides comfort, but not much insulation. A closedcell backpacker’s pad underneath it will insulate you from the cold ground and help retain a bit of body heat.

Foods/Cooking: Food is fuel for energy and warmth, especially in the winter. Make sure your daily intake includes 50% carbohydrates, because they’re easiest to convert into energy; 30% fat and simple sugars to generate heat over a longer period of time; and 20% protein to satisfy hunger and repair muscle tissue.

One-pot meals from a Dutch Oven, a camping cook’s best friend, are easy and filling. Bowls retain heat better than plates and wooden utensils don’t transfer cold down into food like metal does.

A wood stove keeps a canvas wall tent warm even in extreme cold.

Tom Koshiol photo

WHERE TO GO?

Minnesota has 26 state parks that are officially open for winter tent camping. While you can technically walk, ski or bike into any state park campground, it’s better to check with each park for seasonal restrictions or special use conditions.

For an even cozier roof over your head while you consider winter tent camping, you can rent camper cabins in 20 of Minnesota’s state parks. Some county and regional parks offer them as well.

Afton and Glendalough state parks and the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area also have yurts to rent. They have more of a tent feel, but offer creature comforts like a wood stove and a bed. Both cabins and yurts provide a warm place to relax and sleep while still requiring you to cook outdoors.

WHAT TO DO?

Besides groomed cross-country ski trails, winter campers can enjoy miles of snowshoeing through meadow and woods, fat tire biking, ice trekking and ice fishing as part of a well-rounded winter camping experience.

Camping out during our Minnesota winters is a totally unique experience, perhaps replacing the threat of bug bites with frostbite and bundling up in a thick, comfy cocoon instead of swaying in a hammock, but with many invigorating rewards of its own.

An unheated four-season dome tent means warmth comes from a good sleeping system.

Jeremy Rupp photo

12 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

A North Shore Tradition

by Molly Brewer Hoeg

Long gone are the days of 3-pin bindings and bamboo ski poles. We have replaced our ancient wool sweaters and baggy pants with wicking layers and slim thermal ski pants, but the experience remains the same. Gliding down the secluded cross-country ski trails on the North Shore, losing ourselves in the woodsy environs and breathing in the crisp fresh air hasn’t changed in 26 years.

Susan and I were only casual friends on that first trip in 1993, but we both loved crosscountry skiing and the North Shore.

Young mothers at the time and eager for an escape from our technology jobs in the Twin Cities, we set off for a weekend filled with as many kilometers of skiing as we could manage and a cozy B&B set on the edge of Lake Superior. It proved to be a winning combination. We planned our next trip on our way home, already expanding it to three days.

Over the course of those years, we conquered every inch of ski trail on the North Shore and on the Gunflint Trail.

Simple B&Bs, cabins and lodges were our preferred lodgings, and a fireplace was a requirement for evenings spent relaxing after a full day of skiing. We developed a time-honored routine.

Now, being empty nesters and retired, we no longer need the time to decompress, but our love of skiing endures and we cling firmly to our tradition. In fact, last winter we treated ourselves to four nights mid-week at Bluefin Bay Resort, perfectly situated for revisiting some of our all-time favorites.

We chose the Sugarbush Trails near Tofte for our first ski outing. The trails had been refreshed by the recent snowfall and fresh grooming, with just a trace of sparkly powder still lying in the classic tracks. The deep blue sky outlined the tall trees along the trail and limbless birches like poles sent long shadows across our path. The stillness was disturbed only by the crunch and squeak of our poles piercing the groomed snow and the swish of our skis as we made our way through the woods. When we stopped and lingered, we could hear birds singing.

Minnesota Trails

The trail, a white corduroy carpet, rolled out ahead of us as we skied, dipping, turning, rising and falling – beckoning us on. We warmed quickly as we climbed, but the downhills stripped us of all residual heat as we rushed through the frigid air. The sun’s heat was soothing and we turned our faces to soak up its rays. After a while the distance between us on the trail grew, but we didn’t mind skiing in true solitude, lost in our own thoughts, taking in the wilderness of the North Shore.

To change things up, we spent one day snowshoeing on the Superior Hiking Trail.

Getting a shuttle to Sugarloaf Road allowed us to do a one-way trip along the ridge to Caribou River. We set out in deep untouched snow, the trail only a vague indentation in the landscape.

Our footprints were soon joined by other tracks, human and animal. Plenty of deer had scampered around and rabbits left their signature imprint, but what drew our eyes were the impossibly large wolf tracks. They stayed with us, leading the way for the duration of our trek.

We moved through forest at first, dense pines that created chilly pockets of deep shade. Eventually the trail made its way to the edge of the ridge. There, the woods opened up to reveal a 180-degree view of Lake Superior. Its blue was muted by sheathes of ice that stretched out into the distance, still a dramatic backdrop. We plunged down into ravines and looped through the woods, relishing our private retreat and never seeing a soul. We had no regrets about abandoning our skis for the day.

For our finale, we skied the Northwoods Trails in Silver Bay. Narrow classic-only trails with trees hovering at the edge of the tracks created a sense of intimacy and

privacy. Susan called it “old fashioned.”

It was the kind of skiing that allowed us to lose ourselves in the journey. It was about the experience, not the speed or kilometers.

Just like that first year, we discussed possibilities for our next trip on the way home. After all, we haven’t missed a trip since 1993. It has become the backbone of our friendship as we navigate what life throws at us.

We may not ski as far or as fast as we once did, but we still go out there.

Wearing ourselves out, spending all day outdoors and drinking in the natural beauty rejuvenates us. We earn our evening fireplace time.

And we’ll be back again this year, toting our skis.

All photos by Molly Brewer Hoeg Molly Brewer Hoeg (left) and Susan Schultze on the Pincushion Trail System in Grand Marais on the 26th anniversary of their annual ski trip. (inset photo) First ski outing at the former Stonehearth Inn B&B in Little Marais.

Winter 2018-2019 13

Northeastern Trails

Northeast Ski Region: Miles of Trails

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

MINNESOTA

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

2018/19

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

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

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

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

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

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

IronRange.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A TRAIL FOR EVERY SKIER.

Mother Nature’s backyard, complete with the Superior National Forest, hills of the Laurentian Divide and all that Giants Ridge has to offer. Over 275 kilometers of Minnesota ski trails are found here and present a variety of challenges for skiers of all abilities.

GET TRAIL INFO AT GIANTSRIDGE.COM OR IRONRANGE.ORG 14 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

2018/19 Duluth | Bagley Nature Area 3km - Two intermediate classic loops on the UMD campus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Duluth | 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.

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

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

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Northeastern Trails

Ely | Birch Lake Plantation Trail 8.5km - Beginner to intermediate groomed trail through Minnesota’s oldest red pine plantation crosses several bridges and edges Birch Lake. MN ski pass required.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connects to Cascade River State Park.

MN ski pass required.

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

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

Craft Beer, Wines and Spirits Hot and cold coffee drinks Baked Goods Soups and Sandwiches

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

Carlton, MN | (218) 461-2262

magnoliacafecarlton.com Minnesota Trails

Winter 2018-2019 15

Northeastern Trails

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Grand Marais | Upper Gunflint Trail 70km - All levels, 45 miles north of Grand Marais. This large system near Canada and BWCAW has mostly classic trails with 30km of skate skiing, a trailside restaurant and three trailside lodges: Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Pines Resort, Heston’s Lodge. Upper Gunflint Trail Passes required, available at the resorts.

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

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

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

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

Grand Rapids | Golden Anniversary State Forest – Boomer-Blue Trail 7km - Beginner, classic ski trail, doubletracked. Connects with Cowhorn Trail.

MN ski pass required.

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

Grand Rapids | Forest History Center 8km - Beginner, classic ski trail through 1900s logging camp and virgin timber forest. MN ski pass required on one main trail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

2018/19 Goodland | Big Ridge Trail 10km - Intermediate, groomed, classic ski trail with rolling hills through hardwood, evergreens and aspen. MN ski pass required.

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

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

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

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

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

ITASCA TRAIL SPORTS

Bicycle and Ski Sales & Repair Authorized Dealer:

(218) 236-1716 • itascatrailsports.net 316 NE 4th Street, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Open year round

For our guests hitting the trails a boxed breakfast & shuttle service are available.

www.visitgrandrapids.com/head-north

2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids, MN 218-999-5795 • www.greenheronbandb.com

16 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

2018/19 International Falls | Voyageurs National Park 53km - This National Park has three trail systems: Black Bay Trails-three loops totaling 13km with a 1km connector to Tilson Creek Trails. Access is at Rainy Lake Visitor Center via ice road. Echo Bay Trail-4km loop accessible through Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center. KabAsh Trail-A 35km system accessible near Ash River Visitor Center.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SKI TRAIL THE DAYGUIDE ENDS. THE THE DAY DAY ENDS. ENDS. 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 | Northwoods Ski Trail 19km - Intermediate, groomed single track classic trail through flat woods.

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

Silver Bay | Tettegouche State Park 25km - Intermediate to advanced, classic trails with many loops and good views of lakes and hills. About 4km of skate ski trail. Four historic ski-in cabins at Mic Mac Lake. Take a side trip to 70-foot High Falls on the Baptism River. Warming house is the lodge at Tettegouche Camp. MN ski pass required.

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

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

by Sugarbush Trail Association. MN ski pass required.

THE DAY E

Northeastern Trails

Togo | Thistledew Trail 16km - Mostly expert trails for classic skiing only. Beautiful and remote trail in the George Washington State Forest. MN ski pass required.

Tower | Howard Wagoner Trail 10km - Beginner trails groomed for classic ski only. View big Norway pines, deer and wolves. Skiers can start in city of Tower at Civic Center. MN ski pass required.

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

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

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

BUT THE FUN DOESN’T. BUT THE FUN BUT BUT THE THE FUN FUN DOESN’T. DOESN’T. THE DAY ENDS.

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After you’ve hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked, theAfter fun isyou’ve just beginning. hiked, biked, climbed and kay Because we have the amenities that make family time the best time Because we have the amenities that make After Afteryou’ve you’vehiked, hiked,biked, biked,climbed climbedand andkayaked, kayaked,the thefun funisisjust justbeginning. beginning.ever.

Because Becausewe wehave havethe theamenities amenitiesthat thatmake makefamily familytime timethe thebest besttime timeever. ever.

After you’ve hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked, the fun is just beginning.

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Winter 2018-2019 17

Central Trails

2018/19

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Central Ski Region: A Variety of Trails

State parks, forests, wetlands and private resorts offer a ski experience ranging from remote to all-inclusive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A midwinter ski outing at Lake Carlos State Park. Jan Lasar photo Brainerd | Pine Beach Trail 40km - Mostly beginner to intermediate with some advanced loops. Varied terrain through pine and hardwood forest around lakes. Trail links Kavanaugh’s and Cragun’s resorts. MN ski pass required.

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

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

Shelter along trail, maps at intersections.

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

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

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

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

Privately owned. Fee applies. Ski and snowshoe rentals.

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

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

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

Visit Where “Main Street” Meets…

Lakes

Trails

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www.visitsaukcentre.org

or call 855-444-SAUK 18 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

2018/19 Milaca | Milaca Trails 8km - City of Milaca trails are groomed single track.

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

Groomed classic ski only. MN ski pass required.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional 8km backcountry trail. MN ski pass required.

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

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

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

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

Saint Cloud | Riverside Park 5km - Beginner to intermediate trails with flat to rolling hills along the Mississippi River near downtown St. Cloud.

SNOWMOBILE TRAIL MAP

Home of the Lake Wobegon Trail Covered Bridge

Explore the Lake Wobegon and Soo Line Trails

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Area Trails Include: Cuyuna Lakes Trail 16km Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails French Rapids 20km Pillsbury Forest Mountain Bike Trails Pine Beach Trails routes40km Scenic & low-traffic

Northland Arboretum

The Brainerd Lakes Miles of ski Area offers hundreds trails in the of miles of scenic, lowBrainerd traffic, and smooth bike routes.

Lakes Area!

Minnesota’s Playground Minnesota Trails

Winter 2018-2019 19

2018/19

Central Trails

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

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

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

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

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

Wadena | Black’s Grove 9km - Beginner to advanced, classic ski trails that wind through a wooded setting.

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

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

MN ski pass required.

Well-marked trails at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd attract skiers from the region.

Jan Lasar photo

20 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

2018/19

TrailsQ&A

Dick Colburn

TRAILS Q & A

Trails Q&A

Snapshots of people we meet along the trail

Renee LaManna

Mary Bauer

Duluth, MN

Inver Grove Heights, MN

Minneapolis, MN

Occupation: Retired educator and photographer.

Seen: Camping at the newly opened campground at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park near Soudan, MN. Best Minnesota Experience: Camping at Bear Head Lake and Scenic State Parks.

Worst Minnesota Experience: We were camping at Birch Lake State Forest and suddenly thousands of armyworms started falling out of the trees on us.

Advice for the novice camper: Do your homework and get a sense of the place before you go.

With $1000 I would: We really don’t need anything. Our old camping gear still works.

Trail Treat: Stick bread, that’s bread dough wrapped around a stick and cooked over the campfire.

Favorite Minnesota Place: Tettegouche State Park, especially the hike to Shovel Point.

Seen: Trying out a fat bike at Fort Snelling State Park Winter Trails Day.

Occupation: RN Head and Neck Oncology Coordinator at the Minneapolis Veterans Hospital.

Seen: Watching the crowds at the annual ski opener at Elm Creek Park Reserve.

Gear: Loppet Race Official winter coat and 2017 Birkie beanie Best Minnesota Experience: A Boundary Waters canoe trip from Nina Moose Lake to Lac La Croix to see the petroglyphs.

Worst Minnesota Experience: Canoeing down the Snake River and breaking my hand when I was catapulted out of my canoe after hitting a rock.

Advice for the novice skier: Take a class at the Loppet Ski Club. They have tons of coaches for every ability. Rent equipment first, then buy.

With $1000 I would: Buy a new pair of skate skis and make my current skis my rock skis.

Favorite Minnesota Place: The North Shore. It’s kinda magical and I never get tired of looking at the shoreline.

How many miles do you ski a year? At least 300km.

Trail Treat: Bananas after skiing and pizza after canoeing.

Future Minnesota Plans: Nordic skiing daily, starting tomorrow and beating winter at its game.

Michael Feinberg Blaine, MN

Seen: Hiking and bird watching at the annual Walk for Glendalough at Glendalough State Park with wife Theresa.

QA

Minnesota Trails

Occupation: Nurse at Gillette Children’s Hospital.

Best Minnesota Experience: Hiking the Superior Hiking Trail.

There are beautiful things you’d never see otherwise.

Worst Minnesota Experience: I ran into a wolf while hiking.

They’re bigger than you think. I stood still and it went away.

Favorite Minnesota Place: Knife River, MN. The Superior Hiking Trail goes through there.

Advice for novice hikers: It’s never too cold to be outside. It’s all about what you wear.

With $1000 I would: Put money down on a fat bike.

How many miles do you hike and bike per year? I bike about 800 miles and hike about 150.

Trail Treat: Trail mix with nuts and M&Ms. It’s gotta have candy in it!

Future Minnesota plans: Finish hiking the Superior Hiking Trail. I hiked about 60% of it already.

Gear: Nikon binoculars and Eddie Bauer shoulder bag.

Occupation: Former pipefitter, now retired.

Best Minnesota Experience: I used the strap from my hat to make a leash for a lost dog at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and we were able to return it to the owners.

Worst Minnesota Experience: One time the mosquitoes were so bad at Zippel Bay State Park, we practically ran through it. It made us wonder how the Native Americans and early explorers could stand it.

Advice for the novice hiker: Get good hiking boots, carry mosquito repellent, snacks and water.

With $1000 I would: I have been to every state park in Minnesota, so I would spend it on visits to some national parks.

Favorite Minnesota place: The North Shore, because the terrain is so different from anywhere else in Minnesota.

How many miles do you hike a year? About 30.

Trail Treat: We like to stop at nearby towns and eat at local cafés.

Future Minnesota plans: Revisiting some of the out of the way state parks we haven’t been to in a while.

Winter 2018-2019 21

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

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

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

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

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

Bemidji | Lake Bemidji State Park 15km - Beginner to advanced, four loops groomed classic. Total length of trail system includes 2km of skate ski. MN Ski Pass required.

Enjoy Crookston, Minnesota all year long!

Check out our winter attractions and events!

2018/19

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Maplelag Resort has trails for all skill levels. Jay Richards photo Bemidji | Montebello Trail 4.5km - Beginner, gentle course in the city of Bemidji with 2km of lighted trail.

Close to hotels and restaurants. MN ski pass required.

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

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

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

MN ski pass required.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unplug and Recharge Thief River Falls offers miles of snowmobile and cross-country ski trails. Contact us for trail maps today.

www.visitcrookston.com

218-686-9785

www.visittrf.com 22 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

2018/19 Hackensack | Deep Portage 18km - Beginner to advanced through rolling hills. 6km groomed for skate ski. Located in the Deep Portage Conservation Reserve. Interpretive center open all week. MN ski pass required.

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

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

SKI TRAIL GUIDE Outing | Washburn Lake Solitude Area 11km - Beginner to advanced trail in the Land O’Lakes State Forest.

Park Rapids | Itasca State Park 20km - Beginner to advanced, groomed for classic and skate skiing. Ski to the headwaters of the Mississippi River amongst towering white pines on easy rolling hills. Visitor center with fireplace is open year round. MN ski pass required.

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

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

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

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

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

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Winter 2018-2019 23

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Metro Trails

2018/19

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

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

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

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

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

Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Burnsville | Alimagnet Park 6km - Short and flat beginner trails.

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

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

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

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

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

Ski season kicks off at Elm Creek Park Reserve in December. Jan Lasar photo Cottage Grove | Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park 8k - Intermediate to advanced trails with some steep slopes and heavily-wooded ravines. 4.5km skate ski loop. MN ski pass required.

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

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

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

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

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

Dakota County ski pass required.

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

MN ski pass required.

Bike Hastings!

• Downhill skiing • Cross Country Skiing

uth of • Snowshoeing • Snowboarding Just minuteCsitsoies in in 28 miles! of stunning trails More than the Tw s heaven River, Vermillion• Explore Afton State Park, ortMississippi the inter sp walong Falls and other scenic byways.

Hastings Area

Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

Carpenter Nature Center & Spring Lake Park

For more information or to request a trail map, please call (651) 437-6775 · (888) 612-6122

or visit www.HastingsMN.org

For more info. visit www.visithastingsmn.org or call 651-437-6775

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

2018/19 Marine on St. Croix | William O’Brien State Park 19km - Multi-trail system, for all skill levels of classic and skate skiers with views of St. Croix River. Heated trail center has a wood stove. MN ski pass required.

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

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

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

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

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

Mora | Vasaloppet Nordic Center Trails 12km - Classic and skate ski, beginner trails, 5km lit, starts and ends at Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center which offers waxing room, showers, sauna.

Snowmaking ensures trails are always skiable.

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

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

Heated trail center has rentals available.

MN ski pass required.

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

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

Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

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

Ramsey | Rum River Central Regional Park 8km - Mostly flat trail loops. MN ski pass required.

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

MN ski pass required.

Saint Paul | Fort Snelling State Park 19km - The park offers flat, classic trails.

Most popular trail is the Pike Island Loop.

It offers views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Visitor center open daily 8 am to 4 pm. MN ski pass required.

Saint Paul | Phalen Regional Park and Golf Course 7km - Intermediate classic and skate trails, open and fairly flat. Equipment rentals.

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

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

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

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

Ski all season

Vasaloppet Nordic Center

l

Snowmaking

l

12km of trails

l

Mora, Minnesota www. vasaloppet. us Minnesota Trails

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

Stillwater | Brown’s Creek Nature Preserve 4.5km - Beginner classic and skate trails on moderate hills. MN ski pass required.

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

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

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

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

An illustrated guide to the natural habitats and rich diversity of wildlife in the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area

Changing rooms

l

Saunas

l

Wax room

l

Metro Trails

3km lighted trail

Open daily: 8am-9pm

$29.95 PAPERBACK | 432 PAGES | 420 IMAGES

University of Minnesota Press

Available at better bookstores or to order call 800-621-2736 • www.upress.umn.edu

Winter 2018-2019 25

Southern Trails

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

2018/19

Southern Ski Region: Skiing with a View Southern Minnesota has a wide variety of state parks, forests and recreational trails that offer fine cross country skiing.

The southern half of the state offers rolling bluff country in the east and wide-open prairies in the west with regions of old-growth forest in between.

Austin | Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 15km - Beginner to intermediate, classic and skate trails through woods and prairie. Interpretive building with rentals.

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

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

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

Great views of the river valley.

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

New Ulm | Flandrau State Park 15km - 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. MN ski pass required.

Northfield | Carleton College Arboretum 18km - 6km are groomed for skating and classic skiing, the remainder are classic only.

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

Owatonna | Kaplan’s Woods 13km - Intermediate, ravine terrain provides challenging hills through forest.

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

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

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

Red Wing | Cannon Valley Trail 23km - 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, mile 15.5-17.5: Side by side fat tire biking and skiing, mile 17.5-19.7: Trail is plowed and open to hiking and biking.

MN Ski Pass required for skiing only.

Rock quarry remnants at Rochester’s Quarry Hill Nature Center. Jan Lasar photo Red Wing | Mississippi National Ski Trails 11km - Beginner to advanced, groomed for classic and skate. 8km classic loop through wooded terrain offers extensive views of Mississippi River, considered one of the most spectacular in the state. MN ski pass required.

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

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

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

Rochester | Soldier’s Field Golf Course 5 km - Intermediate, groomed classic and skate ski. Quiet city trails with lights offer good night skiing.

Before visiting any state park or trail, check on local snow and grooming conditions at

www.dnr.state.mn.us/skiing or call the park directly.

Rochester | Quarry Hill Park 10 km - Relatively flat, groomed trails through rolling hills around an old quarry.

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

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

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

Winona | Saint Mary’s University 14.5km - Mostly intermediate to advanced with some flat terrain for beginners. Groomed classic and skate ski, through hardwood forest. Some lit sections.

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

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

26 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

2018/19

SKI EVENT GUIDE

Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener December 8, 2018 Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove, MN: Kick off Minnesota’s ski season with free skiing, rental equipment and lessons for all ages. www.threeriversparks.org/ nordicskiopener

Lumberjack Jaunt February 3, 2019 Northland Arboretum, Brainerd, MN: One of the longest running Nordic ski races in Minnesota has skate and classic ski races of 16 km and 6km and a 2km youth race. www.brainerdnordicskiclub.com

Twin Cities Orthopedics Ski Rennet January 18-19, 2019 Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington, MN: Two days of ski events including races, skijoring, ski pulk races, music and vendors. www.threeriversparks.org/skirennet

Vasaloppet February 9-10, 2019 Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center, Mora, MN: Two-day ski festival with races of 13-52km, fat tire bike race, skijoring and Miniloppet for kids. www.vasaloppet.us

Langlauf Nordic Ski Race January 20, 2019 Saint John’s University, Collegeville, MN: A challenging race through the hills of the Saint John’s Arboretum. www.csbsju.edu/outdooru/events/ langlauf

Candlelit Ski and Snowshoe February 16, 2019 Oberg Mountain Trailhead, Lutsen, MN: A family-friendly event with luminaries for snowshoeing or skiing by candlelight. www.sugarbushtrail.org

City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival January 31-February 3, 2019 Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, MN: A family-friendly ski festival with races for all ages, snow sculpture competition and a nighttime luminary loppet. www.loppet.org

Finlandia Ski Marathon February 17, 2019 Buena Vista Ski Area, Bemidji, MN: This iconic event draws citizen and elite skiers from around the world. www.minnesotafinlandia.com Pincushion Mountain Winter Festival February 17-18, 2019 Pincushion Mountain Trails, Grand Marais, MN: 10k and 32k race/ tour, skijoring and fat bike ride on the scenic Pincushion trails. www.pincushiontrails.org

Ski Events 2019 Pepsi Challenge March 2, 2019 Giants Ridge, Biwabik, MN: The Pepsi Challenge has a race for every level of racer: 8km, 25km and 50km. www.pepsichallengeskirace.com Eric Judeen 10k Classic Ski Race March 3, 2019 Korkki Nordic Ski Trails, Two Harbors, MN: This race has been held since 1963 and proceeds go to trail maintenance. www.korkkinordic.org

Candlelight Ski events in Minnesota state parks January 12, 2019 Hayes Lake State Park Itasca State Park January 19, 2019 Minneopa State Park Lake Bronson State Park Lake Carlos State Park January 26, 2019 Buffalo River State Park Event updates and details at www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ candlelight_events.html

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Minnesota Trails

RedWing.org Winter 2018-2019 27

Fat Bike Events

FAT BIKE EVENT GUIDE

Fired up! Fat Bike Tour February 2, 2019 The Jewel Golf Club, Lake City, MN: Not a race, but a run ride with ride options from 3-18 miles. Hosted by Lake City Chamber of Commerce. www.lakecity.org

The Pie Burner November 24, 2018 Palmers Tavern, Hibbing, MN: 6th annual fat bike ride on the Iron Range.

More info on facebook Norpine Fat Bike Classic January 5, 2019 Lutsen, MN: 16 or 24 mile race, part of the Great Lakes Fat Bike Series.

Hosted by Lutsen Resort. www.norpinefatbikeclassic.com

Penn Cycle Fat Tire Loppet 35k February 3, 2019 Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, MN: A once-a-year chance to ride the groomed Loppet Trail. www.loppet.org

Framed Bikes Pre-Loppet January 6, 2019 Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, MN: 15km or 7.5km race as part of the annual Loppet ski races. www.loppet.org Freezer Burn Fat Bike Race January 12, 2019 Springvale County Park, Cambridge, MN: 6,12 or 18 mile race on logging trails.

Hosted by Outdoor Edge Bike Shop. info@outdooredgemn.com St. Croix 40 Winter Ultra January 12-13, 2019 St. Croix State Park, Hinckley, MN: 40km endurance race by foot, ski or fat bike. www.stcroixwinterultra.com Snow Crush January 12, 2019 River Bend Nature Center, Faribault, MN: 6, 12 or 18 mile race on scenic trails.

Hosted by Milltown Sports. info@milltownsports.com Frosted Fatty January 19, 2019 Spirit Mountain, Duluth, MN: Fat Bike Festival with downhill, enduro and head to head slalom race of bikers vs. skiers and boarders. www.spiritmt.com Get Phat with Pat Race 1: January 19, 2019 Race 2: January 26, 2019 Minnesota River Bottoms, Bloomington, MN: One, two or three lap races for beginner to advanced fat bikers.

Hosted by Penn Cycle. www.penncycle.com

Fat Bike Frozen 40 February 9, 2019 Elm Creek Park Reserve, Champlin, MN:20, 30 or 40 mile race, part of the Great Lakes Fat Bike Series. www.frozenforty.com

QBP Fat Bike Rennet January 19, 2019 Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington, MN: 39km or 13km race on Hyland Lake Park’s ski trails. Hosted by Three Rivers Parks. www.threeriversparks.org Cold Catfish Cup January 20, 2019 Carver Lake Mountain Bike Trail, Woodbury, MN: 12 or 18 mile race or four-hour marathon. Hosted by Angry Catfish Bicycle and Coffee Bar. www.bikereg.com/40353 Arrowhead 135 January 28-30, 2019 International Falls, MN: 135-mile ski, bike and run endurance race on the Arrowhead State Trail. www.arrowheadultra.com 45NRTH Whiteout February 2, 2019 Cuyuna Country Recreation Area, Ironton, MN: 10km, 20km or 30km race, part of the Great Lakes Fat Bike Series. Hosted by the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew. www.cuyunalakesmtb.com/whiteout

2018 Global Fat Bike Day | December 1, 2018 Downtown Bicycles, Northfield Group ride with snacks and craft beer. www.downtownbicyclesllc.com

Tonka Cycle and Ski, Hopkins Group ride starting and ending at the shop. www.tonkacycleandski.com

Trailhead Cycling, Champlin Ride along the Mississippi River at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. www.trailheadcycling.com

Penn Cycle 20-mile ride through the Minnesota River Bottoms. www.penncycle.com

Touright Bike Shop, Little Falls Ride around Little Falls and enjoy donuts, pizza and coffee. www.tourightbicycleshop.cpm

Revolution Cycle and Ski, Saint Cloud A social ride on the Jail Trail in St. Cloud. www.midmncyclingclub.blogspot.com

Nicollet Bike Shop, Mankato Casual-paced social ride on local trails. www.nicolletbike.com

2018/19

Spokengear, Two Harbors All-day event with bonfire and potluck. www.spokengear.com

Ham Lake Snow Bowl Fat Tire Race February 9, 2019 Ham Lake City Park, Ham Lake, MN: Fat tire race as part of Ham Lake’s SnowBowl event. Hosted by Ham Lake Chamber of Commerce. www.pjwracing.com Snow Bomb February 9, 2019 Levee Park, Winona, MN: Two to four laps of fat bike racing with a Le Mans start. snowbomb.winona@gmail.com Fat Bike Vasaloppet February 10, 2019 Lake Mora, Mora, MN: 38km race or 10km ride with checkpoints and prizes.

Hosted by Vasaloppet Ski Organization. www.vasalopet.us/fat-tire-race-details Fat Forest Fourteen February 16, 2019 Forest History Center, Grand Rapids, MN: 14-mile race through scenic trails. info@itascatrailsports.net Fat Bike Blitz February 23, 2019 Pebble Creek Golf Course, Becker, MN: 30-mile race on groomed trails. www.fatbikeblitz.com Iron Challenge February 23, 2019 Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, Stewartville, MN: Fat Bike Races, trail run, duathlon and other family-friendly events. www.ironchallengemn.org Northland Fat Bike Rally March 2, 2019 Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji, MN: 10km or 28km route on trails at Lake Bemidji State Park. Hosted by Bemidji Area Mountain Bikers (BAMB). www.facebook.com/bemidjimtb Strider Snow Cup March 2, 2019 Buck Hill, Burnsville, MN: Strider bike races in the snow for kids ages two to five. www.striderbikes.com/events/buckhill Balsam Basher Fat Tire Bike Race March 16, 2019 Korkki Nordic Ski Trails, Duluth, MN: 10km race on challenging, but gorgeous trails. www.korkkinordic.org/events

28 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

Northwest Angle

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Regional Trail Camden

Cannon Valley Trail

Rice Lake

ro R

Flandrau

Marshall Camden Pipestone National Monument

Red Wing er Cannon Riv

Fair Ridge Trail

Douglas Trail

Rochester

Des Moines River

35 Blue Mounds Blue Mounds Trail

Kilen Woods

r ive at R rail Greidge T Whitewater R

Albert Lea Blazing Star Trail

Myre Big Island

Carley

Zum b

Fort Ridgely

Pipestone

WILDLIFE REFUGES NATIONAL FORESTS

Wild River

Carlos Avery

94

Lac qui Parle

M

WITH FOREST MANAGEMENT UNIT

St. Croix

35

on

Glacial Lakes

STATE PARKS

Nemadji

St. Croix

Rum River

ipp

Soo Line

Lake

Mille Lacs

Mis

Charles A. Lindbergh

Maps • Guides • Features

Banning

r

Lake Carlos

Alexandria

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

DESIGNATED FOREST

Father Hennepin

Soo Line Trail

Jay Cooke

gw ata n

ak

Lake Mille Lacs

x Aleeau t Lav men Seg

Moose Lake

Willard Munger Trail

Sunrise Prairie Hardwood Creek Trail

lL

Brainerd Crow Wing

Two Harbors

Duluth

Fond du Lac

Snake Rive

Ce nt ra

North Country Trail

Rice Lake National

Solana

r

io

ail Tr

Su

Savanna Portage

Wealthwood

Wing River

Glendalough Trail

r ve

Cuyuna Country Rec. Area

Pillsbury

Crow

r pe

Savanna

Ri

ng

ki Hi

Che n

Lyons

Glendalough

M

Paul Bunyan Trail

pi

ip

iss

iss

Gooseberry Falls

r Rive uet

q

Clou

River

Pine River

Maplewood

Fergus Falls

Cloquet Valley Whiteface River

Kettl e

Badoura

Foot Hills

Tettegouche

a

Walker

Park Rapids

Huntersville

Ottertail River

Golden Anniversary

Remer

l rai rT

Heartland Trail

Smoky Hills

North Country Trail

94

Schoolcraft

ive

Moorhead

George H. Crosby Manitou

Split Rock Lighthouse

iR ipp

Two Inlets

r

Rive

iss

Leech Lake

ouis St. L

Hill Annex Mine

iss

Tamarac National

Buffalo River

Battleground

Paul Bunyan Trail

White Earth

Me

Grand Rapids

Grand Marais

River

il i Tra sab

M

Red River

Paul Bunyan

Grand Portage

River Superior National Forest Temperance

Bear Head Lake

Finland

Hibbing

Bowstring Lake Winnibigoshish

Grand Portage

Judge Pat Bayle C.R.Magney Cascade

Bear Island

Soudan Underground Mine

BWCA BWCWA

Kekekabic Trail

Ely

Vermilion State Park

Sturgeon River

McCarthy Scenic Beach George Washington

Chippewa National Forest

Blackduck

Lake Bemidji

Kekekabic Trail Burntside

Big Fork

Itasca Wilderness Trail

Border Route Trail

er Riv

Red

Upper Red Lake

iT ra il

Thief River Fall

lion mil Ver

Agassiz National

Wa ter Tra il

Pine Island

up eri or

Smokey Bear

Beltrami Island Thief Lakes

Old Mill

l

La ke S

Hayes Lake

Twin Lakes

am

Lake Bronson

Gi tc hi G

Roseau River

John A. Latsch

Whitewater

Ro

ot

Riv er

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood

Root River Trail

Austin

Shooting Star Trail Lake Louise

HarmonyPreston Forestville/ Valley Trail Mystery Cave

Great River Bluffs

Beaver Creek Valley

KEEP MINNESOTA, MINNESOTA

PlayCleanGo.org/mt Minnesota Trails

Winter 2015-16 29

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

BIKE SHOPS

CENTRAL LAKES CYCLE

218-739-5651

CYCLE PATH AND PADDLE

218-545-4545

EASY RIDERS BICYCLE & SPORT

218-829-5516

FITZHARRIS BIKE & SPORT

320-251-2844 320-219-7433

REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI 320-251-2453 TOURIGHT BICYCLE SHOP

OUTDOOR MOTION

141 Main Street South, Hutchinson www.outdoormotionbikes.com

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

VISIT BRAINERD

14084 Baxter Drive, STE 12, Brainerd www.visitbrainerd.com 2 Main St., Hutchinson www.explorehutchinson.com

225 West Superior Street, STE 110 www.visitduluth.com 100 Milwaukee Road, Lanesboro www.lanesboro.com

Minnesota Trails Directory Regions

Northwest Region

Northeast Region

2

218-332-5425

Bemidji

61

71

800-450-7247

2

35

Central Region

94

St. Cloud

320-587-5252

Southern Region

Metro Region Mankato

71 35

800-438-5884 507-467-2696

A quick and easy reference for planning your adventure!

LODGING/CAMPING

www.countrybedandbreakfast.us

15782 Wilderness Drive, Lake Itasca www.bertscabins.com

COUNTRY BED AND BREAKFAST 5 miles from Taylors Falls 651-257-4773 2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids www.greenheronbandb.com

218-999-5795

BERT’S CABINS

218-266-3312

AMERICINN SILVER BAY

218-226-4300

AMERICINN TOFTE/LUTSEN

218-663-7899

AMERICINN TWO HARBORS

218-834-3000

50 Mensing Drive, Silver Bay www.americinn.com

320-639-2453

FUN

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

320-587-2453

9500 Spirit Mountain Place, Duluth www.spiritmt.com

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

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

COUNTRY INN TWO HARBORS 218-834-5557

218-326-1716

NORTHERN CYCLE

218-732-5971

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

NORTHERN CYCLE

218-751-(BIKE) 2453

ITASCA TRAIL SPORTS

100 Mill Road, Park Rapids www.northerncyclemn.com 117 3rd Street NW, Bemidji www.northerncyclemn.com

90

90

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

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

Duluth

B&Bs

GREEN HERON B&B

160 29th Avenue South, St. Cloud www.revolutioncycleandski.com 124 2nd Street NE, Little Falls www.tourightbicycleshop.com

FERGUS FALLS CVB

LANESBORO CHAMBER

415 Washington Street, Brainerd www.easyridersbikes.com

JAKE’S BIKES ALEXANDRIA

www.centrallakestrail.com

VISIT DULUTH

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

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

CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL ASSOCIATION 324 Broadway, Alexandria 320-763-0102

HUTCHINSON CHAMBER

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

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

INFORMATION

BIKE KING

651-457-7766

CARS BIKE SHOP

763-784-6966

GATEWAY CYCLE

651-777-0188

PIONEER CYCLE

763-755-8871

RAMSEY BICYCLE

763-323-6666

SINCLAIR LEWIS CAMPGROUND 320-352-2203

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

2661 Co Road I & Old Hwy 10, Mounds View www.CarsBikeShop.com 6028 Hwy. 36 Blvd N, Oakdale www.gatewaycycle.com 12741 Central Ave., NE, Blaine www.pioneercycle.com 6825 Hwy. 10 NW, Ramsey www.ramseybicycles.com

STRAUSS SKATES AND BICYCLES 651-770-1344

1751 Cope Avenue E, Maplewood www.straussskatesandbicycles.com

TONKA CYCLE AND SKI

952-938-8336

TRAILHEAD CYCLING & FITNESS

763-712-0312

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

11350 Aquila Drive, Suite 505, Champlin www.trailheadcyclingandfitness.com

30 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails

SAVE

the

2019 BIKE RIDES

Date

Northland Fat Bike Rally

Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour

Bemidji, MN

On the Mesabi Trail - NE MN

March 2, 2019

August 3, 2019

www.facebook.com/bemidjimtb

www.mesabitrail.com/trail-activities/tour

Tour de Pepin

Rail Trails 100

June 1, 2019 Lake City, MN

August 3, 2019 Fergus Falls, MN

www.lakecity.org

www.facebook.com/railtrails100

Caramel Roll Ride

Gitchi-Gami North Shore Ride

Albany, MN

Gooseberry Falls State Park

June 8, 2019

www.ggta.org

Lady Slipper Nature Ride

Caramel Apple Ride

Avon, MN

Sauk Centre, MN

Sept. 7, 2019

www.ladyslipperride.com

www.caramelappleride.com

Loop the Lake Ride

Ride The Ridges

June 15, 2019 Bemidji, MN

Sept. 21, 2019 Winona, MN

www.bikebemidji.com

www.ridetheridges.bike

Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride

Mora Bike Tour

June 22, 2019 Adams, MN

www.shootingstartrail.org

BIKE TOUR

August 17, 2019

www.caramelrollride.com

June 15, 2019

RAIL TRAILS 100

Sept. 21, 2019

Vasaloppet Nordic Center, Mora, MN www.morabiketour.org

Tour de Bun Bicycle Classic July 29, 2019

Montgomery, MN www.kolackydays.com

Mark your calendar now for these great 2019 rides.

Minnesota Trails

Winter 2018-2019 31

FREE HOT HOME-STYLE BREAKFAST

INVITING INDOOR POOL

UPDATED GUESTROOMS

ADVENTURE AWAITS AT

AMERICINN

[800] 634.3444 AMERICINN.COM

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

Austin, MN Baudette, MN Bemidji, MN Cloquet, MN Duluth South, MN Hutchinson, MN Lake City, MN Pequot Lakes, MN Red Wing, MN Roseau, MN Silver Bay, MN Tofte/Lutsen, MN Two Harbors, MN Virginia, MN

[507] 437.7337 [218] 634.3200 [218] 751.3000 [218] 879.1231 [218] 624.1026 [320] 587.5515 [651] 345.5611 [218] 568.8400 [651] 385.9060 [218] 463.1045 [218] 226.4300 [218] 663.7899 [218] 834.3000 [218] 741.7839

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

Now part of Wyndham Hotel Group

32 Winter 2018-2019

Minnesota Trails