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As the temperature drops, Minnesota heats up with exhilarating winter activities and festivals, and Minneapolis Northwest offers an abundance of winter fun so you can capitalize on the cold all season long. From hockey rinks and miles of skiing trails, to skijoring with your dog and ice fishing, here are the best ways to rejoice in a Minnesota winter.
WINTER RECREATION Sharpen your skates and embrace the State of Hockey with plenty of smooth ice surfaces to try out. For an original ice-skating experience, skip the traditional rinks and skate the Central Park Ice Loop at Maple Grove’s Central Park. November through March, take in picturesque park views throughout the meandering 800-foot ice-skating trail – the first of its kind in Minnesota and only a few in all of North America. It truly is a sight to see and experience Cen tral and makes a great activity for family fun or even date night. The loop is refrigerated and Zamboni-maintained, ensuring a smooth skate every time. Entrance is free, and skates are available to rent. If you do like to slap a puck or two while you’re on your skates or want to practice the art of figure skating, check out the Brooklyn Park Ice Arena or Maple Grove Ice Arena, both are home to various school and youth hockey teams and offer figure skating lessons.
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Most of us are familiar with dog sledding, but have you heard of skijoring? It’s similar except you’re pulled on cross-country skis! In fact, the Norwegian word ‘skijoring’ literally translates to ‘ski driving.’ If your pooch has pent-up winter energy, skijoring guarantees they’ll get some quality exercise. Grab your Nordic skis and leash for your dog and you’re halfway there! Add some harnesses and arctic grade bungees, and you’re
Par k Ice Loop
Elm Cr eek Par k Re s e r v e
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