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Skiing State Parks • Extreme Skiing • Snowshoe Wonders
TRAILS
Minnesota
A P a r k s & Tr a i l s J o u r n a l
222
WINTER 2015-16
w w w . M n Tr a i l s . c o m
SKI TRAILS
1511MNTrails.indd 1
Tr
ai
Pa l Bu
ge ild
5 er
Minnesota’s Top
11/2/15 9:22 AM
522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
www.MnTrails.com
1-320-351-1414
Nov. 20-22
Minnesota Trails Staff
Dave Simpkins
Editor/Publisher
Jan Lasar
Publisher/Advertising
Joyce Frericks
Accounting
Pat Turner
Graphics Manager
Brian Dingmann
Tara Pitschka
Amanda Thooft
Graphic Artists
Editorial Board
Brett Feldman
Executive Director
Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota
Vol. 21, No. 4
November 2015
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
OutdoorAdventureExpo.com
Hours: Fri. 2-9:30; Sat. 9-6:30; Sun. 10-5
OVER 85 FREE Presentations
OVER 70 Exhibitors
EVERYTHING ON SALE!
Of special interest to Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota / MN TRAILS readers:
Midwest Cross Country Skiing Trails by Bruce Adelsman of wwwskinnyski.com
Superior Trail in 12 days by Corey Bartz
Winter Enchantmant in Minnesota State Parks by Pat Arndt
Winter in Lebanon Hills Park by Maryanne Passe
Sulfide Mining Issues by Paula Maccabee
The NEW Border Route Trail Loop by Rudi Hargesheimer
PLUS: Major Presentaions by Will Steger, Lonnie Dupre, Paul Schurke,
Tim Emmett, Winchell Delano, Mark Synott and Rod and Sharon Johnson.
details@ OutdoorAdventureExpo.com
PLUS:
The Banff Mountain Film Festival
World Tour all three nights!
The Expo is held at the Midwest Mountaineering store,
big-top-tents and U of M West Bank Campus
309 Cedar Ave. So. Mpls.
612-339-3433 MidwestMtn.com
Ask us. We’ve been there.
Find the best gear and clothing for
kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, hiking, climbing, adventure travel and Nordic skiing.
2 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 2
Minnesota Trails
11/2/15 9:22 AM
Features
6
State Park Skiing
Departments
Columns
4
A Small Sacrifice 12 Ski Trail Guide Dave Simpkins
Dave Simpkins
Minnesota’s Popular Trails
7
5
30 Business Directory
Snowshoe Wonders
Dave Simpkins
8
125 Years of State Parks
Upcoming Issues
Cover photo:
Spring: March 2016
10 Boundary Waters Bike Rides, Water Trails, Birding Guide
Wonderland
Summer: May 2016
Tom Watson
Bike Rides and Tours, Bike Trails, State Parks
Fall: August 2016
Scenic Byways and Hiking Trails
Find Trail-Friendly Destinations
Mike Tegeder
Extreme Skiing
Rudi Hargesheimer
Cruising the trails at Lake Bemidji State
Park. MnDNR photo
Index photo:
The winning entry in the 2015 Parks and
Trails Council photo contest, category
“Enjoying Minnesota’s parks and
trails”. Taken by Lisa Nilles at Split Rock
Lighthouse State Park.
Proud sponsor of the
Thank yous!
Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 3
Find us on:
Winter 2015-2016 3
11/2/15 9:22 AM
A SMALL SACRIFICE
You
can’t
cross
bouncing
through
the bridges and walkways so we can
unCommon
country ski through tall
forest on my noisy Farmall tread effortlessly across raging little
Ground
pines, tamaracks or oaks
C. I feel like an intruder rivers and vertical hillsides.
unless
someone
cuts,
disrupting all the natural
Trail blazing has never been
dozes or mangles tall
growth just to have fun. easy. In the 1830s, an engineer from
pines, tamaracks and oaks.
Then I rationalized; nature the University of Edinburgh, a
You can’t hike through
gives up this sliver of itself company of voyageurs and a priest
native grasslands unless
so we can appreciate its tried to build a short-cut trail from
someone cuts, clears or
beauty and bounty. We need the Crow Wing River to the Red
burns through the grasses.
trails to get into the wild. River. Some of them died trying. It
You can’t bike along
Once in the wild, people wasn’t for another ten years before
the flat asphalt unless
can’t help but become an the Woods or Crow Wing Trail was
someone lays a layer of
advocate for the wild. With completed for ox carts.
Dave Simpkins
Editor/Publisher
asphalt across the prairies,
my eco-conscience in place,
Despite all the pulling, tugging
pines and lake country of
I go back to tearing up the and rutting there is a beauty in this
Minnesota.
countryside.
trail-building struggle. Despite the
We need to take out a small
I admire the trail builders I meet killing of innocent vegetation and the
piece of nature in order to appreciate covering the state parks and trails.
permanent marring of the landscape,
the big pieces we love so much.
The most impressive trail there is a wonderful feeling of
Our news beat is the many builders I’ve met over the years accomplishment gazing down a trail
ski, bike, hike, canoe, horse and have been the new generation of you just groomed.
climbing trails in the state parks, mountain bike trail builders. These
So, when you’re sailing down
forests and recreational areas across folks create works of art, actual a hill without logs or rocks, and
this great state of ours. Whenever I sculpted trails, planned to make making a precision step turn, give
take a break from loving these trails the most of the bikers’ G-forces and a salute to those unsung heroes that
I occasionally stop to thank all the common sense to keep them safe.
make these slivers through the wild
hardy volunteers that make these
The most daring trail builders possible.
great trails possible.
I know are those daredevils of the
Editor’s Note: The DNR Parks and
Each fall I get a chance to Minnesota
Conservation
Corp
Trails
department hiking trail groups
experience what trail blazers go that stand in flat boats wielding
like the North Country Trail, Superior
through, grooming and building the screaming chainsaws to clear snags
Hiking Trails and Border Route Trail as
trails through the forest land behind from rivers.
my house in the woods. I spend
I particularly appreciate the well as the friends of many of our rivers
and bike trails, offer many volunteer
much of each fall clearing deadfall, folks that drag materials and tools
opportunities. You can start at:
mowing weeds and pulling stubborn deep into the far reaches of the North
www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteering
rocks out of the way.
County Trail to build wonderful
I’ve been extra busy this year
SEE YOU ON THE TRAIL.
clearing two new, beginner trails
designed for granddaughters and
other children to learn how to ski. I
took extra care to make sure the hills
and turns are gradual, the views
and access to a large old rock are
interesting.
While making this beginner trail
I took a break on that rock to thank
this old stand of red oak and aspen
for letting me push, cut and saw my
way through this incredible, lifegiving place.
I get help in my trail-blazing
efforts by my younger cousins who
like to use the trails to hunt, run,
mountain bike, snowshoe and ski.
When I suggest we clear a skating
rink behind the house, they accuse
me of wanting to become the Walt
Disney of winter.
We come well equipped to the
wild foliage with electric and hand
clippers, chainsaws, a 1952 Farmall
C with a six-foot belly mower and
an invincible Gehl 4625 skid loader.
It’s like fighting a small war or at
least a major insurgency. I wonder
if there is a drone we could use for
trail clearing.
I feel a slight twinge of guilt My trusty trail crew. Dave Simpkins photo.
4 Winter 2015-2016
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Minnesota Trails
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Parks &
parks & tr ail s cou n c il of mn
www.parksandtrails.org
Letter from Parks & Trails Council president
State Parks celebrate 125 years
Mike Tegeder
T
he year 2016 will be a year to
remember and celebrate two great
milestones in Minnesota history: the
125th anniversary of Minnesota State
Parks and the 50th anniversary of Minnesota State Trails.
The first state park and the beginning
of our great tradition was Lake Itasca.
The word Itasca comes from two Latin
words, veritas + caput or “true head,”
and refers to the lake being the headwaters of the Mississippi River. It is
also the true head or foundation for all
the parks to follow.
The DNR shares an interesting story on
the origin of the park:
20, 1891, by a margin of only one
vote. Through his conservation work
and the continuing efforts of others
throughout the decades, the splendor
of Itasca had been maintained.”
One visionary citizen and one wise
legislator made all the difference. We
should all remember this as proof that
individuals have the potential to make a
difference for generations to come.
The park’s history is even more amazing with the contribution of one
young woman. In 1903, Mary Gibbs,
the 24-year-old daughter of the park
superintendent, was appointed by the
governor to succeed her father who
unexpectedly died. She soon had to
“In the late 1800s, Jacob V. Brower,
historian, anthropologist and land
surveyor, came to the park region
to settle the dispute of the actual
location of the Mississippi Headwaters. Brower saw this region being
quickly transformed by logging, and
was determined to protect some of
the pine forests for future generations. It was Brower’s tireless efforts
to save the remaining pine forest
surrounding Lake Itasca that led the
state legislature to establish Itasca
as a Minnesota State Park on April
Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota
would like to thank the following sponsor
MinnesotaTrails
Trails
Minnesota
Parks & Trails Winter 2015.indd 1
1511MNTrails.indd 5
face down loggers who put up a dam
and were flooding the park. It is a great
story and one to be remembered too.
Over the past 125 years there are many
other examples of such vision and courage. The year 2016 will be a good time
to share these inspiring stories and to
renew our commitment to join in this
great legacy.
The parks had a 75-year head start,
but the trails are now spreading out
throughout our beloved state.
With our efforts today, Minnesota’s
state parks and trails will be just as vital
to people 125 years in the future.
People saving special places
Since 1954, the nonprofit, member-supported
Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota has been saving special
places for the public’s use and benefit. Members make it happen! By
responding quickly to purchase critical land when it goes up for sale,
we preserve outstanding natural lands for parks and trails. We are your
voice in advocating and educating on behalf of parks and trails.
Plus, members receive four issues of Minnesota Trails Magazine!
Join Today! Mail in an enclosed subscription card or join online
www.ParksAndTrails.org
www.pincushiontrailsinn.com
Winter
2015-2016
Winter
2015-2016 5
5
10/14/15 4:55 PM
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Sk ng State Parks
by Dave Simpkins
Editor/Publisher
If you could enjoy just one
cross-country skiing opportunity
in each of Minnesota’s state parks
every weekend, it would take you
two years to complete those visits!
With hundreds of miles of
designated ski trails, both skate and
classic, everyone from novices to
Olympians can enjoy Minnesota’s
fabulous parklands throughout
winter.
Many of these state park trails
are within an hour’s drive of the
Twin Cities. Add the nearly 4 million
acres from Minnesota’s 58 state
forests – each managed by a nearby
state park staff – and the programs
and amenities offered multiply off
the charts.
Several of the parks have
parking, toilets, visitor centers
and regular grooming available
throughout the winter.
Many of the parks offer
moonlight or candlelight ski events
where the trails are lit by candles.
There are also snowshoe or hiking
events. Naturalist programs in the
parks give a unique look at wildlife
in the cold season.
For current information and
conditions check the DNR calendar
at mndnr.gov/parks for details.
While events are free you will
need a vehicle park permit, $5
daily/$25 annual, to enter the park,
but otherwise these special events
are free and open to all ages. A Minnesota DNR ski pass is
required for all skiers 16 years of age
and older for use of the designated
groomed trails or the Grant-in-Aid
state trails. That fee is $6 for a daily
pass, $20 for the season and $55 for
a three-year pass. This pass permits
use of 20 specially-designated trails
within the Metro area including
parks, golf courses, etc. and 100
trails outside the Metro Area.
The DNR offers different
grooming levels of trails within their
network. There is a warming house
on site and conditions are updated
and posted daily at mnstateparks.
info.
All state parks are open all
winter long. Some may not provide
services, and others may have closed
gates, but there is non-motorized
access to the campgrounds. There
are now 20 state parks with yearround, basic cabins. They are a step
up from camping, according to Pat
Arndt, NR Section Manager for the
DNR, but that’s all they are intended
to be. These units rent for $55-$70/
night. Full service cabins are also
available at some parks.
For more information, visit
mndnr.gov/skiing or contact the DNR
Information Center at
info.dnr@state.mn.us or
651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367
between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday.
Enjoy winter!
ils
classic ski tra
Find 12km of
ate
sk
of
m
2k
d
an
Bemidji State
skiing at Lake
photo.
NR
Park. MnD
6 Winter 2015-2016
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Snowshoe
Wonders
by Dave Simpkins
Editor/Publisher
What you can see in winter that you can’t see in summer
Having a lit
snow show where squirrels have
tle
snows alon fun in the deep
returned to eat their acorns. Fisher
g the Baptis
m River
in Tettegou
che State P
scat on a rock or log indicates
ark.
where a territory has been marked.
A group of state park
naturalists spent a weekend
snowshoeing at Tettegouche
State Park last winter where they
followed the Baptism River from
Illgen Falls down the Tettegouche
Trail past Nipisiquit Lake, where
they encountered five-foot snow.
“We were able to walk right
up to the frozen falls. We could
hear the trickling of open water
running beneath the icicles,”
said Park Naturalist Kacie
Carlson.
The state parks along the
North Shore can get as much
as 60 inches of snow in a night.
Snowshoes can help more as crude
Naturalist
Jim
Cummings
snow shovels than transportation.
of Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Carlson’s group ran into one of reports they have two color-coded
those five-foot piles of snow along backcountry trails not available in the
the Baptism River.
summer.
“We laughed our way through
Both the one-and-a-half-mile
most of the deep snow using our Tamarack Trail and the four-and-aGPSs to get our bearings,” half-mile Ogechie Trail start and end
said Carlson.
at the interpretive center.
The supreme silence
The Ogechie provides a unique
impressed her most of all. approach to the ancient copper
“It was so peaceful mining site that has been used as an
– a type of peaceful you archaeological site with signs to tell
don’t get in the buzzing, its story.
chirping and biting days
You can snowshoe through
of summer,” said Carlson. swamps, bogs and pine forests
Their salvation was and upon the ancient village now
an animal trail that led called the Kathio National Historic
to a worn area of snow Landmark District.
about 50 feet in diameter.
Mille Lacs Kathio, like other state
Then they realized the parks, has a beginner’s program with
tracks that led under low- instructional trips and free snowshoe
hanging branches were rentals.
wolf tracks.
Snowshoeing in the moonlight
They
were
both is another way of discovering winter
nervous and excited to wonders.
follow a wolf trail. When
Whether you want a pleasant trek
they found the hoof of a through snow-covered pine trees or a
deer sticking out of the deep woods adventure, snowshoes
State Parks & Trails staffers Jenni Webster,
deep snow, it was all the will provide the transportation you
Kaci Carlson and Ashley Peters enjoy the challenges
motivation they needed to need to see things you’ll never see in
of snowshoeing through deep snows along the
get quickly back to camp.
the summer.
Baptism River in Tettegouche State Park.
A layer of fresh white snow
covered the landscape at Lake
Bemidji State Park.
Naturalist John Fylpaa led a
group of Thursday snowshoers when
they came across a trail of timber wolf
tracks leading to Big Bog Lake.
The tracks met with other tracks
and the snow was roughed up.
“I figure they were out hunting
and started to wrestle around in the
snow when they met each other,”
said Fylpaa.
This is just one of many wonders
Fylpaa sees in winter that he doesn’t
see in the summer.
Winter is a good time to get
outdoors to discover things you don’t
see the rest of the year.
Fylpaa leads his group past an
eagle’s nest when a pair of eagles
return in January. They go through
a mating ritual of flying together. By
February they work on the nest. By
the end of March they are sitting on
eggs and in April they are caring for
their young.
Small six-inch-wide holes in the
Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 7
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Extreme Skiing
Theodore Wirth Park &
North Shore River Canyons
by Rudi Hargesheimer
Outdoor Writer
PERFORMANCE SKIING
Keeping up with Caitlin
Gregg while she is training
Most people think of cross at Theodore Wirth Park can
country skiing as an easy trek be a real challenge.
through the woods on groomed
Gregg won the Women’s
trails followed by a hot cup of U.S. National Cross Country
chocolate. Championship. Since then she
Yet Minnesota has a wide and another Minnesotan, Jesse
variety of challenging ski Diggins, from Afton, have won
experiences, from training for Silver and Bronze Medals at the
high speed racing or the challenge World Championships. What
of skiing down a rough river makes these women so great?
canyon on the North Shore.
Training.
Of course the
answer is that they
train for greatness.
Hard work and
year-around
fitness
training
specific to Nordic
skiing pays off.
But another reason
is that they have
great places right
here in Minnesota
to ski.
Caitlin lives a
few blocks from
Theodore Wirth
Park. Man-made
snow,
night-lit
trails and daily
grooming of the
ski trails there
make Minneapolis
a
world-wide
Mecca for urban
skiing.
Only
Oslo, Norway can
claim to be better.
Wirth
Park’s
trails are a joy to
ski.
Undulating
terrain creates the
roller coaster effect
that makes skiing
Skiing the river canyons
so much fun. At
on the North Shore.
times the trails are
Rudi Hargesheimer photo
The pace gets fast at
Theodore Wirth Park.
Rudi Hargesheimer photo.
on open
golf course
fairways. Then they duck into
a thick forest of oaks. Always,
they are groomed with a hard
deck and perfect set tracks. In
mid-winter they host the City of
Lakes Loppet, the largest urban
ski race in North America. Caitlin
is often the first woman crossing
the finish line. This kind of performance
skate skiing can be enjoyed
by anyone. Skiers use narrow
lightweight skis that are short and
stiff. The boots and bindings flex
very little. Skiers bound from one
ski to the other – like ice skating
– always seeking maximum
glide on each single ski before
alternating to the other.
Classic skiing is more
traditional, and it can also be very
fast and fun. This style needs skis
that are softer in flex (or camber),
allowing the middle of the ski to
always come down to the snow
when weight is transferred to
a single ski. The middle of the
ski then grips the snow via wax
or a no-wax patterned grip zone.
Forward propulsion comes from
that grip. You move forward,
staying in the pre-set tracks, skis
usually parallel to each other.
Either way, you don’t have to
keep up with Caitlin to have fun.
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CANYON SKIING
The opposite extreme can
be found in the Manitou River
Gorge on the North Shore of
Lake Superior, where machinegroomed trails are not even
possible. The snow is soft and
deep, and sometimes there
is open water. The trick is
to dodge the open water,
usually found at the base
of a frozen waterfall. Ski
down the many cascades
and waterfalls, always being
wary of the pool at the bottom.
For
this
type
of
backcountry skiing you need
wide-stable, not-so-light skis
and big firm-stable boots and
bindings. Cranking a sharp
corner is needed now and
then. Extra gear is needed, like
a backpack with dry socks
and hiking boots or mukluks
inside, just in case you go
into the drink with your skis
on. You can always walk
out after changing footwear.
Some folks go even more
extreme, carrying big packs
or hauling toboggans loaded
with camping gear into the
northern woods.
There is nothing like
the quiet, solitude,
self-sufficiency and
awesomeness
of
northern
lights
on a 30-below
evening in the
BWCA.
Discover unpredictable trails
along the wild river canyons on
the North Shore.
Rudi Hargesheimer photo.
Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 9
Theodore Wirth Park.
Rudi Hargesheimer photo.
Rudi (aka Randy) Hargesheimer
has cross country skied since
1969. It is his first choice
among all outdoor adventures.
He manages at Midwest
Mountaineering in
Minneapolis and owns
www.northshorephotoart.com.
He is a Parks and Trails Council
of Minnesota volunteer and
has been a board member and
president of the Superior Hiking
Trail Association. His writing
about parks and trails is often
featured in MnTrails.
Winter 2015-2016 9
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Winter Wonderland
Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Spelling out BWCA means winter fun. Photos by Bear Paulsen and Steve Piragis.
forests.
runs so those seeking
Each winter, Bear
more solitude tend
Paulsen enjoys an
to ski into the more
extended stay in the
remote lakes.
The BWCA’s reputation as Boundary
Waters
Paulsen
notes
a premier summer paddling Canoe Area. Paulsen
county roads are
destination is well-known.
says the number one
plowed;
Forest
It is also a top-notch back activity in the winter
Service roads are not.
country destination throughout backcountry is not
Some roads are
Minnesota’s long, snowy and cold camping - it’s trout
only plowed for
winter.
fishing.
Its
many
about 100 feet
Snowshoers and cross-country lakes are prime ice
to
provide
skiers, pulling gear-laden sleds, fishing waters, some
parking
Bear Paulsen
trek far and wide to enjoy winter accessible either on
areas
for
camping at its best throughout foot or by snowmobile routes. Most popular access points.
the remote reaches of the BWCA’s of the close-in lakes are dotted with There are also timber
frozen backcountry lakes and vast ice houses or are popular mushing company roads that
may be plowed but
they are private and
not
available
for
Paulsen offers some insights into several
access into the BWCA
popular access points within the BWCA:
or surrounding area.
After Oct. 1, most
• Echo Trail - A main access road to entry points to portage trails
of the regulations are
that lead to Devil’s Cascade along the Little Indian Sioux River.
the same throughout
the vast BWCA. There
• Sawbill Lake - a good “first trip” lake area; lots of activity.
is no fee to camp, but
• Round Lake - good access; a mecca for trout fishing.
visitors are asked to set up
at least 150 feet from trails
• Saganaga - beyond end of Gunflint Trail; heavy snowmobile use
or summer campsites. Larger
along entire Gunflint corridor; less traffic back off from trails.
groups are encouraged to use
• Lake One - reliably accessible but is seasonally affected by
latrines at official campsites to
reduce impact on each camping
marginal ice.
by Tom Watson
Outdoor Writer
10 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 10
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Paulsen offers these other BWCA
winter tips:
• Bring an ice scraper to remove slush from all
your equipment so it doesn’t freeze onto your
gear;
• Use larger skis and snowshoes, they “float”
better than smaller ones;
• Carry rescue ice picks and a throw bag in case
you or someone falls through the ice;
• Carry your survival gear on you, not on a sled or
other gear;
• Wear a fanny pack in back, not in the front where
it could snag up on the edge of the ice while you are
trying to extract yourself.
area.
One way to tell if ice is solid
and strong is what Paulsen calls
the “tick-tock” test. “Good ice
makes a ‘tick’ sound when struck;
bad ice with air pockets or other
weakeners makes a ‘tock’ sound.”
Paulsen says it pays to follow old
trails as long as you can, even if
they are a month old.
Most of the lakes throughout
the BWCA have a layer of slush
on them throughout the
winter. “It’s a rare year
when you can get no
slush at all,” says
Paulsen. “Only
two of the
last 14 years
were routes
free from
slush.”
C o l d
weather
does not
affect
it
because
t
h
e
covering
of
snow
insulates
that
layer.
“A slush layer
means secure ice
- even though it’s
messy,” he says.
Building campfires is a
big part of wintering in the
BWCA. Paulsen recommends
building fires out on the
ice and burning wood
completely so no partial logs
will eventually float to the
surface during the summer.
He
also
recommends
gathering firewood back
into the woods beyond the
shoreline.
Paulson says March
is the best month for
experiencing winter in
the BWCA. “January
is the hardest month,
it’s dark, slushy and
cold,” he says, and
adds, “January 1st
is the trout fishing
opener so there’s
lots
of
pressure
and activity.” By
February,
says
Paulsen, the snow has a
good crust layer.
The Boundary Waters
Canoe Area is an adventurous
winter wonderland for a growing
number of campers and trekkers
who have found an exciting way to
expand upon all that this fabulous
area has to offer.
Making sure you have the proper winter gear is
essential for enjoyable winter camping!!
Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 11
Winter 2015-2016 11
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MINNESOTA
SKI
TRAIL GUIDE
ski trail guide NORTHEASTERN TRAILS
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Northeast Ski Region
Offers Deep Snows
Along the North Shore of Lake Superior,
throughout the Boundary Waters Canoe
Area, to the Chippewa National Forest,
northeastern Minnesota offers some of the
biggest snow falls in Minnesota and many
well-groomed trail systems. Northeastern
resorts offer winter ski packages and many
state parks rent camper cabins in the winter.
Beaver Bay | Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
12.9km 218-595-7625 (P, B) Intermediate
skate ski trails, begin at picnic area trail
center. Fat bikes allowed.
Bigfork | Scenic State Park
5km
218-743-3362 (P, B) Beginner to
intermediate trails. 4.5km snowshoeing.
MN ski pass required.
Biwabik | Giants Ridge
60km 800-688-7669 (WH, P, B) 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 a chairlift.
Cambridge | Spirit River Nature Area
5-8km 763-689-1800 (P,B) Beginner
classic and skate ski trails through prairie,
deciduous forest, and wetlands, parking
and restrooms at college.
Temperance Traders
north shore cabins and gift shop
Peggy & Rick Anderson,
Owners
Carlton | Jay Cooke State Park
51km 218-384-4610 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to advanced with a wide variety of
trails. White Pine Trail is an intermediate
trail offering an overlook of St. Louis
River Valley. CCC Trail is the easiest trail
running along the river. Warming shelter
with a woodstove and bathrooms open
seven days a week. Candlelight ski and
snowshoe event held annually. Groomed
classic with multi-use trail at Oldenburg
Point. Snowshoe rentals. MN ski pass
required.
Chisholm | Sturgeon River Trails
30.5km 218-229-8800 (P) Excellent
beginner trail in the Superior National
Forest. Long stretches of solitary trails.
Two Adirondack shelters, groomed,
scenic views of Sturgeon river.
Cloquet | Pine Valley
10km 218-879-9582 (P) Intermediate
to advanced, challenging with difficult
climbs, yet gradual, rolling sections.
Partially lit, adjacent to Cloquet
recreation center south of Pine Tree
Plaza.
The back of the 5K loop across
Spring Lake Road is skate and classic
groomed.
Coleraine | Itasca Trails (Mount Itasca)
10km 218-326-1313 (WH, P, B) 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.
Recharge after a
day on the trails.
1 & 2 Bedroom
Year Round
Rentals Available!
Temperance Liquors
Beer, Wine, Spirits & More ~
Best Selection & Service in the Area!
7759 W. Hwy. 61, Schroeder, MN
www.northshorecabins.com • traders@boreal.org
218.633.0111
Cascade Lodge
Restaurant & Pub
Try our cross country ski
package including 25 km of
skiing with daily breakfast and
trail snack included!
800-322-9543
www.cascadelodgemn.com
On Lake Superior’s North Shore
12 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 12
Fabulous wines,
wines, lakeside
lakeside dining.
dining.
Fabulous
In-room
fireplaces,
Jacuzzi.
In-room fireplaces,
Massage.
Complimentary guided
guided
Massage. Complimentary
XC
ski and
and snowshoe
snowshoe tours.
tours.
xc ski
Lakeside Historic Lodge • condos
Log Homes • townHomes
townH
800.258.8736
Lutsenresort.com
Minnesota Trails
11/2/15 9:23 AM
NORTHEASTERN TRAILS ski trail guide
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Cohasset | Minnesota Power Blackwater Trails
4km 218-326-1313 (WH, P, B) Beginner
trails groomed for skate and classic
skiing. Lighted. MN Ski Pass required.
Cohasset | Portage Park
4km 218-326-1313 (WH, P, B) Beginner
classic trails near the Mississippi River. MN
Ski Pass required
Cook | Ashawa
40km 218-666-2766 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.
Cromwell | Fond du Lac State Forest
28km 218-460-7020 (P) Beginner and
intermediate, primitive, classic trail
through hardwood and deciduous forest
where you can see signs of deer and
wolves. Groomed regularly. Wind shelter
along trail.
MN ski pass required.
Deer River | Blueberry Hills
15km 218-326-1313 (P, B, WH) Beginner
to expert with many loops. 12km classic
and skate groomed trails. 5 miles
northeast of Deer River. MN ski pass
required.
Duluth | Boulder Lake
21km 218-721-4903 (WH, P, B) 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 218-730-4308 (WH, P, B)
Intermediate to advanced. MN ski pass
required.
Duluth | Hartley Trail
5km 218-730-4308 (P) Beginner to
advanced, hilly challenge with some
gentle slopes. Classic only.
MN ski pass
required.
Duluth | Korkki Nordic
11km 218-525-7326 (P) Intermediate
to advanced single track classic trails,
groomed daily. Steep hills, designed for
racing. MN ski pass required.
Duluth | Lester Amity Trail
15km 218-730-4308 (WH, P, B) 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 218-730-4308 (P) Intermediate
to advanced, beautiful hardwood
forest with large hills.
A rugged trail not
recommended for beginners. MN ski pass
required.
Duluth | Piedmont Trail
5km 218-730-4308 (P) 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 218-726-1550 (WH, P, B)
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 218-624-8533 (WH, P, B) All skill
levels. Beautifully-wooded cross-country
ski trails, double tracked with skating
lanes, groomed daily.
Ely | Bear Head Lake State Park
14km 218-365-7229 (P, B, WH) Beginner
trails through boreal forest circling
Norberg Lake, groomed for classic
ski. Trail Center with toilets, water and
warming house. MN ski pass required.
Ely | Bear Island Ski Trails
20km 800-777-4406 (P) Beginner to
intermediate classic and skate ski trails.
User-tracked trail winds through sections
of Superior National Forest. Peaceful and
solitary setting.
Ely | Birch Lake Plantation Trails
8.5km 800-777-7281 (P) Beginner to
intermediate groomed trail through
Minnesota’s oldest red pine plantation
crosses several bridges and edges Birch
Lake. MN ski pass required.
May the snow
be as soft as
your pillow.
Every day, exploring the
North Shore is an adventure.
But your nights are exactly what
you expect: friendly service,
a fresh room, and the best
overall value you can find.
Free hot breakfast
Hotel-wide, high-speed internet
Indoor pool and whirlpool
Easy rewards loyalty program
Newly-remodeled rooms
TofTe/LuTsen
7231 West Hwy 61
218.663.7899
Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 13
AmericInn.com | 800.634.3444
siLver Bay
150 Mensing Drive
218.226.4300
Two HarBors
1088 Hwy 61 North
218.834.3000
Winter 2015-2016 13
11/2/15 9:23 AM
ski trail guide NORTHEASTERN TRAILS
Ely | Hegman Lake Trail
6km 800-777-7281 (P) Beginner, user
tracked trail on several lakes surrounded
by rock and pine ridges. View unique
Indian 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 800-777-7281 (WH, P, B) 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 800-777-7281 (P) 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 800-777-7281 (P) User tracked,
beginner to advanced, series of loops
through meadows, spruce swamps,
ridges and around beaver ponds.
Ely | South Farm Trail
8km 800-777-7281 (P) 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 800-777-7281 (P) 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 218-388-4487 (WH,P,B)
Intermediate, groomed single-track trail
in BWCA. 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 218-387-1162 or 800-795-8068 (P)
All skill levels, mostly classic. Skate skiing
on groomed trails only in Cascade River
State Park. Snowshoeing and 3.2km
of skijoring trails, too. Cabin rentals
available. MN ski pass required.
Grand Marais | Central Gunflint Trail System
70km 218-388-2292 or 218-388-2203
All skill levels, 27 miles groomed north of
Grand Marais close to BWCA. Lighted
sections at Bearskin & Golden Eagle
lodges.
Open year round
For our guests hitting the trails a boxed
breakfast & shuttle service are available.
2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids, MN • 218-999-5795
www.greenheronbandb.com
ITASCA TRAIL
SPORTS
www.itascatrailsports.net
Bicycle and Ski
Sales & Repair
Authorized Dealer:
Organic trail treats & Grab-n-Go Deli
just steps off the Mesabi Trail!
Hours: Monday-Friday 8-8, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-6
Toll Free: (844) 373-7815 • info@itascatrailsports.net
316 NE 4th Street, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
505 North 3rd Street, Virginia, MN
218-741-4663
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Grand Marais | Pincushion Mountain Trails
25km 218-387-3373 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to advanced, well designed 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.
Grand Marais | Upper Gunflint Trail
70km 218-388-2294 or 218-388-4454 or
218-388-2243. All levels, 45 miles north
of Grand Marais. This large system near
Canada and BWCA has mostly classic
trails with 30km of skate skiing, a trailside
restaurant and three trailside lodges:
Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Pines Resort
and Heston’s Resort. Upper Gunflint Trail
Passes required, available at the resorts.
Grand Rapids | Alder Pond Trail
10km 218-327-2855 (P) Beginner to
intermediate, groomed classic ski trail
through aspen and coniferous forest. Mn
Ski Pass required.
Grand Rapids | Amen Lake Trail
7km 218-327-2855 (P, B) Beginner to
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 Unit
12.6km 218-999-7923 (P,B) Beginner to
intermediate, classic ski trail with rolling
hills through old growth aspen forest. MN
ski pass required.
Grand Rapids | Forest History Center
10km 218-327-4482 (P, B) Beginner,
classic ski trail through 1900s logging
camp and virgin timber forest. MN ski
pass required on one main trail.
Grand Rapids | Golden Anniversary
State Forest - River Road Unit
6.2km 218-999-7920 (P) Classic ski,
gentle terrain through towering red
pines. MN ski pass required.
Grand Rapids | Legion Trails
3.5km 218-326-2500 (P) Intermediate
trail, groomed for both classic and skate
skiing. 3 km lit. MN ski pass required.
Grand Rapids | Sugar Hills
28km 218-326-1313 (P, B) Intermediate
to advanced 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 218-246-2123 (P, B) Intermediate
to expert classic, groomed ski trail
on rolling hills through the Chippewa
National Forest. Connects with Amen
Lake Trail.
Grand Rapids | Trout Lake Recreation Area
10km 218-246-2123 (P, B) Beginner to
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 218-327-2855 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, classic trail, winds
through rolling hills. MN ski pass required.
www.naturalharvest.coop
14 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 14
Minnesota Trails
11/2/15 9:23 AM
NORTHEASTERN TRAILS ski trail guide
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Goodland | Big Ridge Trail
9.5km 218-327-2855 (P, B) Beginner to
advanced, groomed, classic ski trail
with rolling hills through hardwood,
evergreens and young aspen. Some
expert loops with steep hills. MN ski pass
required.
Hibbing | Carey Lake
22km 218-362-5940 (P) 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 | Banning State Park
17km 320-245-2668 (P, B) Intermediate,
groomed, classic ski trail. Kettle River
provides views of changing ice
formations throughout the winter. MN ski
pass required.
Hinckley | St. Croix State Park
17km 320-384-6591 (WH, P, B) Groomed,
classic ski trail with many loops for all skill
levels.
MN ski pass required.
Hoyt Lakes | Bird Lake Trail
16km 218-229-8800 (P) Beginner to
intermediate trail over birch and aspen
hills with views of Bird and Lillian Lakes.
Parking at Hoyt Lakes and Bird Lake,
along Forest Hwy 11 Scenic Byway.
Hoyt Lakes | Colby Lake Trail
3.2km 218-225-2344 (P) 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 218-753-2580 (P) Intermediate,
groomed, classic and skate trails in the
Koochiching State Forest. MN ski pass
required.
Isabella | Flathorn Gegoka Trail
30km 218-626-4300 Beginner to
advanced, groomed, single tracked
in the Superior National Forest. Some
paths on old logging roads. MN ski pass
required.
Isle | Father Hennepin State Park
4km 320-676-8763 (WH, P, B) Groomed
for classic ski. Picnic shelter with fireplace
available.
MN ski pass required.
Miles of quiet ski trails on the North Shore.
Visit Cook County photo.
Lutsen | Cascade River
42km 218-387-1112 Beginner to
advanced trail with good views of Lake
Superior, Cascade River and Deer Yard
Lake. Ski through birch, pine and aspen
on mostly double tracked Pisten Bullygroomed trails.
MN ski pass required.
Lutsen | Cascade River State Park
31km 218-387-3053 (WH, P, B) 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. Wood-heated
warming house available. MN ski pass
required.
Lutsen | Lutsen Mountains Nordic Trails
27km 218-663-7281 (WH, P, B)
Intermediate trails located around the
downhill slopes, accessible by chairlifts.
Nordic Center ticket allows you to ride
the lifts and then descend groomed,
tracked trails into the Poplar River valley
on classic and skate trails.
Lutsen | Lutsen Mountains to Spruce Creek
35km 218-663-7566 (P) 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 with connections to
Sugarbush and Cascade systems. MN ski
pass required.
McGregor | Remote Lake Trail
8.1km 218-426-3271 (P) Classic ski trail
within Savanna State Forest.
Connects to
Savanna Portage State Park trails. MN ski
pass required.
McGregor | Savanna Portage State Park
33km 218-426-3271 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate groomed, classic ski trails
over wooded, rolling hills. MN ski pass
required.
Moose Lake | Moose Lake State Park
11km 218-460-7001 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, groomed, classic ski
trail along scenic lake shore. Wind
shelter available along trail. MN ski pass
required.
Mora | Vasaloppet Nordic Center Trails
15km 320-679-2629 (WH, P, B) Classic
and skate ski, beginner trails, 5km lit,
starts and ends at Vasaloppet Nordic
Ski Center which offers waxing room,
showers and sauna and is open
throughout the season.
Mora | Vasaloppet Public Ski Area
25km 800-368-6672 (B) Beginner to
intermediate, groomed, classic and
skate trails with separate loops.
Nashwauk | Stoney Ridge Trail
8km 218-327-2855 (P, B) Beginner and
intermediate trails, groomed for classic
skiing.
Mostly flat with a few rolling hills
through woods. MN ski pass required.
North Branch | Wild River State Park
48km 651-583-2125 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to advanced, groomed, classic ski trail
along St. Croix River. Heated trail center
has rentals available. The park holds an
annual candlelight ski and bonfire. MN
ski pass required.
Orr | Ash River State Forest
19km 218-753-6256 Intermediate to
advanced trail featuring many hills with
challenging sections through forest. Not
groomed, but minimally maintained by
local users.
Orr | Gheen Hill
7km 218-753-2580 (P) Mostly beginner
with some advanced trails, through
aspen, birch and pine stands. Not
groomed.
In Minnesota's Nature
www.visitgrandrapids.com
Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 15
Winter 2015-2016 15
11/2/15 9:23 AM
ski trail guide NORTHEASTERN TRAILS
Sandstone | Banning State Park
17km 320-245-2668 (P, B) Beginner to
intermediate, groomed ski trails along
the Kettle River and historic Sandstone
Quarry. Follow the Quarry Loop to
the Hell’s Gate Rapids and bring your
camera. MN ski pass required.
Schroeder | Temperance River State Park
27km 218-663-7476 (P, B) Ungroomed
trails, park office closed in winter. MN ski
pass not required.
Side Lake | McCarthy Beach State Park
9.5km
218-254-7979 (P) Intermediate,
scenic trails through old-growth pines,
groomed for classic ski.
MN ski pass
required.
Silver Bay | Northwoods Ski Trail
19km 218-226-4334 (P) 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 218-226-6365 (WH, P, B)
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 888-61-NORTH (WH, P, B) 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 Road/Oberg Mountain trails
and trailhead on the eastern edge.
5km connector hooks up with Superior
National Golf Course Nordic Center trails.
Clubhouse trailhead offers ski rentals.
Trails maintained by Sugarbush Trail
Association; check online for updated
grooming info. MN ski pass required.
Togo | Thistledew Trail
18km 218-743-3694 (P) Mostly expert
trails for classic skiing only on a beautiful
and remote trail in the George
Washington State Forest. MN ski pass
required.
Tower | Howard Wagoner Trail
10km 218 753-4070 (P) 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 218-834-3855 (WH, P, B) 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 | Split Rock Lighthouse
State Park
13km 218-595-7625 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, groomed, skate ski trails
with good views of Lake Superior and
Split Rock River Valley. Trails are shared
with fat bikes and snowshoers. Heated
trail center with bathrooms is open year
round and offers snowshoe rentals. MN
ski pass required.
Two Harbors | Erkki Harju Trail
10.5km 218-834-1430 (P) 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 218-229-8800 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate trail with shelters and a
beautiful overlook on old logging roads
and abandoned railroad grades of the
Virginia and Rainy Lake Lumber Co.
Virginia | Lookout Mountain Trail
24km 218-229-8800 (P, B) 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. Skiers can enjoy
several scenic overlooks.
Sources: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota
Nordic Ski Association, Skinnyski &
Individual Trails
Experience All
our area has to offer
Cross Country & Downhill Skiing
Ice Fishing • Hiking
Snowshoeing • Snowmobiling
Lodge at:
AmericInn of Silver Bay
218-226-4300
•
Mariner Hotel
218-226-4488
Silver Bay Area
Tourism Association
Gateway to the Superior Natl. Forest Byway
www.heartofthenorthshore.com
218-226-4408
Immerse yourself in Duluth’s
Great Outdoors and Panoramic Views
For more information go to www.duluthmn.gov/parks
or look us up on Facebook: DuluthParksMn or call 218-730-4300.
16 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 16
Where will the trail
take you today?
Minnesota Trails
11/2/15 10:31 AM
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Northwest Ski Region
Offers Variety
From the edge of Lake of the Woods to the
Headwaters of the Mississippi, from the
hardwood forests of Maplewood State Park
to the jail trail of St. Cloud, northwestern
Minnesota offers the widest variety of cross
country ski trails in the state.
There are several winter ski resorts and
lodging outlets with ski packages that
include meals and a hot sauna.
Aitkin | No Achen Trail
10.1km 218-927-7364 (P) Beginner to
advanced, groomed classic and skate
trails through rustic forest. MN ski pass
required.
Alexandria | Spruce Hill Park
6.4km 320-762-2966 (P, B) 97 acre
park with gentle wooded hills through
tamarack. MN ski pass required.
Argyle | Old Mill State Park
6km 218-437-8174 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, groomed trails with
three scenic bridges over Middle River.
Sledding hill, shelter with fireplace. MN ski
pass required.
Battle Lake | Glendalough State Park
11km 218-864-0110 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, classic trails on rolling
hills over prairie and through northern
hardwoods that pass several lakes.
Weekend shelter with fireplace, historic
lodge rental, camper cabins. Ski and
snowshoe rentals. MN ski pass required.
Baudette | Franz Jevne State Park
5.6km 218-783-6252 (P, B) Groomed
trails, unique rock outcrop near Rainy
River. Secluded and peaceful.
MN ski
pass required.
Bemidji | Buena Vista Ski Trail
25km 218-243-2231 (WH, P, B)
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 218-759-0164 (P, B) Beginner,
groomed for classic. Red and white pine
and tamarack bog along Lake Lyra. MN
ski pass required.
Hit the Trails…
…Then hit us!
NORTHWESTERN TRAILS ski trail guide
Crosby - Ironton - Deerwood - Bay Lake - Cuyuna - Emily
Contact Us for More Information
218-546-8131 • www.cuyunalakes.com
LODGING
Country Inn Deerwood
23884 Front St., Deerwood
218-534-3101
www.countryinndeerwood.com
Deerwood Motel
23688 Forest Rd., Deerwood
218-534-3163
www.deerwoodmotel.com
True North Basecamp
825 1st St. SW, Crosby
218-833-2267
www.truenorthbasecamp.com
Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge
25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd., Deerwood
(Open May-October) 218-678-2885
www.ruttgers.com
EAT & DRINK
Crosby Dairy Queen
714 Oak St., Crosby
218-546-6124
www.dairyqueen.com
North Country Café
12 W Main St., Crosby
218-545-9908
Homestyle cooking w/friendly service.
Woodtick Inn
24916 Minnesota Ave., Cuyuna
218-772-0252
All trails lead to the tick.
Spalding House
1 W Main St., Crosby
218-546-6060
Huge craft beer selection.
SERVICES
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
320 E Main St., Crosby
218-546-7000
www.cuyunamed.org
Cycle
Path
and
Paddle
115 3rd Ave SW, Crosby
218-545-4545
www.cyclepathpaddle.com
Deerwood Bank
Deerwood-Garrison-Brainerd-Baxter
800-291-6597
www.deerwoodbank.com
Jacobs Realty
Hwy. 6 & 210, Crosby
218-546-8346
www.jacobsrealtymn.com
5 miles east of Cuyuna in Deerwood, MN
www.deerstandrestaurant.com
Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 17
Mid Minnesota Federal Credit
Union 117 W Main St., Crosby
218-546-5428
www.mmfcu.org
Winter 2015-2016 17
11/2/15 9:23 AM
ski trail guide NORTHWESTERN TRAILS
Bemidji | High School Trail
7km 218-759-0164 (P) Easy beginner
trail, groomed classic and skate. MN ski
pass required.
Bemidji | Lake Bemidji State Park
17.6km 218-318-2300 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to advanced, four loops, groomed
double classic near Lake Bemidji.
Warming shelter during office hours,
annual candlelight ski. 28 miles of skate
ski within 5 miles of park. MN ski pass
required.
Bemidji | Montebello Trail
4.5km 218-759-0164 (WH, P, B) 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 218-759-0164 (P, B) Intermediate
to advanced, classic and skate. Steep
and rolling hills through black spruce
bog, red pines and hardwoods. Used
by local racers to train. MN ski pass
required.
Bemidji | Three Island Park
28km 218-759-0164 (P, B) 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 218-759-0164 (P, B) Intermediate
to advanced, groomed classic ski trail.
MN ski pass required.
Brainerd | Crow Wing State Park
9.6km 218-825-3075 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, groomed trails through
woods along Mississippi River with town of
Crow Wing historic site and historic Red
River Oxcart Trail.
MN ski pass required.
Brainerd | French Rapids
16km 218-825-0410 (P) 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 218-829-8770 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, classic and skate ski
with nearly 5 km lighted trail. MN ski pass
required.
Brainerd | Pine Beach Trail
40km 218-825-0410 (WH, P, B) Mostly
beginner to intermediate with some
advanced loops. Varied terrain
through pine and hardwood forest
around several scenic lakes. Trail links
Kavanaugh’s and Cragun’s resorts. Ski
rentals at Cragun’s. MN ski pass required.
Callaway | Maplelag Resort
64km 218-375-4466 (WH, P, B) 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.
An investment in
American heritage.
Mill Store Open
Seven Days a Week
Located at
301 Irvine Ave NW
Downtown Bemidji
218-751-5166
Trails Only
Minutes
from Our
Door!
THE BEMIDJI SUPER 8
The Pride of Super 8 Quality Award Winner
1815 Paul Bunyan Dr. NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Carlos | Lake Carlos State Park
9.5km 320-852-7200 (WH, P, B)
Intermediate, groomed classic only,
rolling terrain through tamarack bog,
marshes, woodland ponds and lakes. MN
ski pass required.
Crosby | Wolf Lake Ski Trail
13km 218-824-1115 (P) Beginner to
advanced, groomed classic with
challenging hills through hardwood forest
and mature pine. Shelter along trail,
maps at intersections.
A great place to ea
shop after a da yt, sleep and
of fun!
Chase on the Lake
502 Cleveland Blvd.
888-242-7306 or 888-CHASE06
www.chaseonthelake.com
Country Inn Walker
442 Walker Bay Blvd.
218-547-1400
www.WalkerCountryInn.com
Leech Lake Chamber
205 Minnesota Ave West
800-833-1118
www.leech-lake.com
Thrifty White Drug
504 Minnesota Ave.
218-547-1016
www.thriftywhite.com
The 502
502 Cleveland Blvd.
888-242-7306
www.chaseonthelake.com
(218) 751-8481
1-800-800-8000
®
www.bemidjisuper8motel.com
DISCOVER the BEAUTY of the
Refresh, Sip
& Socialize
~ Trails Nearby
~ Growlers to Go
~ Tasty Beer
bemidjibeer.com
401 Beltrami Ave NW
Downtown Bemidji
(218) 444-7011
18 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 18
NORTH COUNTRY at
Best Western Bemidji Inn
Enjoy Our...
• Indoor Pool & Whirlpool
• Free WIFI
• Great Service
• Free Hot Breakfast
2420 Paul Bunyan Dr.
Bemidji, MN 56601
(877) 857-8599
(218) 751-0390
www.bestwestern.com/bemidjiinn
205 Minnesota Ave W • Walker, MN
www.leech-lake.com • (800) 833-1118
Minnesota Trails
11/2/15 9:23 AM
Ou
y in Thief
Pla
Ri
t&
!
Falls
Detroit Lakes | Pine Lake
12km 218-847-9202 (P, B) Beginner to
intermediate, generally 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.
Detroit Lakes | Dunton Locks
6.1km 218-847-9202 (P, B) Beginner
with some hills, west of Detroit Lakes,
groomed classic all levels
Fergus Falls | Spidahl Skigaard
24km 218-736-5097 (WH, P, B) 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.
Glyndon | Buffalo River State Park
9.6km 218-498-2124 (WH, P, B) Beginner
trails, through remnant prairie and
hardwood forest. MN ski pass required.
Hackensack | Deep Portage
18km 218-947-3338 (WH,P, B) Beginner
to advanced trails 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 218-947-3338 (P) Beginner to
advanced, inside Foot Hills State Forest.
MN ski pass required.
r
ve
Deerwood | Larson Lake Ski Trails
15km 218-824-1115 Beginner, skate and
classic, with some advanced loops,
rolling hills, wooded area with oak trees,
red and white pines, wetlands and
tamarack bogs in the Lansin R. Hamilton
Memorial Forest. Passes by Larson and
Dogfish Lakes.
Detroit Lakes | Detroit Mountain
7km 218-844-SNOW (P,B WH) 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 218-847-9202 (P, B) Beginner
with some hills, west of Detroit Lakes,
groomed classic all levels.
Detroit Lakes | East Frazee Ski Trails
16km 218-847-9202 (P) Mostly beginner
with loops for all levels, groomed singletrack through pines, lakeshore, forest and
meadows.
Detroit Lakes | Mountain View Recreation Area
5k 218-846-2612 (P) All levels, both
classic and skate skiing on wide,
regularly-groomed trails through
hardwood forest.
Detroit Lakes | Pickerel Lake
9km 218-846-8363 (P) Narrow single
track trails through hardwood forests.
Groomed occasionally.
NORTHWESTERN TRAILS ski trail guide
Come
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Ski the Thief River and
Greenwood Trails.
www.visittrf.com
218-686-9785
Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 19
Winter 2015-2016 19
11/2/15 9:23 AM
ski trail guide NORTHWESTERN TRAILS
Kensington | Andes Tower Hills Ski Area
15km 320-965-2455 (WH, P, B) All levels
of classic and skate through forest and
around lakes.
Adjacent to downhill
ski area with 1.5km lit trail. Ski rentals
available.
Lake Bronson | Lake Bronson State Park
11.2km 218-754-2200 (WH, P, B)
Beginner trails groomed classic with
no hills along Lake Bronson.
Heated
shelter with restrooms. Snowshoe rentals
available. MN ski pass required.
Little Falls | Crane Meadows National
Wildlife Refuge
5.6km 320-616-4959 (P, B) 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.
Little Falls | Charles A. Lindbergh State
Park
5km 320-616-4959 (P, B) Beginner to
intermediate. Not groomed, but user
tracked. No ski pass required.
Longville | Goose Lake Recreation Area
16km 218-947-3338 (P, B) Beginner to
intermediate trails through woods, over
gently rolling hills and around wetlands.
MN ski pass required.
Milaca | Milaca Trails
8km 320-983-5729 (P) City of Milaca
trails are groomed single track.
Nisswa | Grand View Lodge
20 km 800-432-3788 (WH, P, B) All levels
over three loops, well groomed for
classic and skate through 360 acres
of pines, prairie and wetland. Lodging
available with pool, hot tub and spa.
Rentals and changing rooms on site.
Onamia | Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
32km 320-532-3523 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to advanced, several loops through
wooded terrain.
Ski rentals available. MN
ski pass required.
Outing | Washburn Lake Solitude Area
11km 218-947-3338 (P) Beginner to
advanced trail in the Land O’Lakes State
Forest with a trail shelter.
Palisade | Long Lake Conservation Center
7.2km 800-450-5522 (P) Beginner to
intermediate, groomed classic ski
trails through rustic forest. MN ski pass
required.
Park Rapids | Itasca State Park
45km 218-699-7251 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to advanced, groomed with many loops.
Ski to the headwaters of the Mississippi
River amongst towering white pines
on easy rolling hills. Visitor center with
fireplace is open year round. Mississippi
Headwaters Hostel is inside the park. MN
ski pass required.
Park Rapids | Soaring Eagle Trail
10km 218-732-4111 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to advanced trails that wind through a
varied forest ranging from baby aspen to
mature balsam and pine with rolling hills.
Skate and classic. MN ski pass required.
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Pelican Rapids | Maplewood State Park
20km 218-863-8383 (WH, P, B)
Intermediate to advanced, four loops
of classic ski through hardwood forest,
over hills and around many lakes. Annual
candlelight ski. MN ski pass required.
Pine River | Cutlake Trail
16km 218-947-3338 (P, B) Beginner to
advanced skiing.
Rice | Mississippi River County Park
6km 320-255-6172 (P, B) All beginner
trails, groomed for classic skiing right
along the Mississippi River.
Roseau | Hayes Lake State Park
9.6km 218-425-7504 (P, B) Groomed
beginner trails along Hayes Lake and
North Fork Roseau River. Snowshoe
rentals available. MN ski pass required.
218-224-3519 or 218-731-5026
Email: embracingpines@yahoo.com
Home of the Lake Wobegon
Trail Covered Bridge
Explore the Lake Wobegon and Soo Line Trails
www.holdingfordmn.com
Ad courtesy of:
Holdingford Municipal Liquor
On/Off Sale 320.746.2264
Visit
Where “Main Street” Meets…
Lakes
Trails
FUN!!
www.visitsaukcentre.com
or call 855-444-SAUK
20 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 20
Minnesota Trails
11/2/15 9:23 AM
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Saint Augusta | Warner Lake Park
6km 320-255-6172 (P, B) Beginner to
intermediate, groomed classic through
woods with some challenging hills.
41-acre site surrounding Warner Lake.
Saint Cloud | Graystone Trails
17km 320-255-6172 (WH, P, B) 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 320-650-3053 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate trails with flat to rolling
hills along the Mississippi River near
downtown St. Cloud.
Saint Joseph | Kraemer Lake-Wildwood
County Park
6km 320-255-6172 (P, B) Beginner to
advanced. Six classic ski loops that wind
through a wooded setting. MN ski pass
required.
Sauk Centre | High School Trail
2.25km 320-352-5201(P) Groomed
classic and skate ski trails next to the
Sauk River. Rated easy to moderate with
cut-offs to avoid the few large hills.
Thief River Falls | Golf Course Trail
12km 218-686-9785 (P) Beginner to
intermediate classic trail on the frozen
Thief River from Red Robe Park to the golf
course. Monthly moonlight ski event.
NORTHWESTERN TRAILS ski trail guide
Thief River Falls | Greenwood Trails
1.6km 218-686-9785 (P) Beginner to
intermediate classic ski trails that wind
through a wooded setting along the Red
Lake River.
Wadena | Black’s Grove
9km 218-632-7704 (P) Beginner to
advanced, classic ski trails that wind
through a wooded setting.
Waite Park | Quarry Park & Nature Preserve
6.3km 320-255-6172 (P, B) 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
skiers. Quarry Park parking pass required.
Walker | Shingobee Recreation Area
23km 218-947-3338 (P, B ) Beginner
to expert trails on the slopes of the
Shingobee River Valley. Groomed for
classic and skate skiing. MN Ski Pass
required.
Waubun | Rainbow Resort Trails
23km 218-734-2241(P, B) Beginner to
intermediate trails on Little Bemidji Lake,
groomed for classic and skate skiing. Day
passes and ski rentals available.
Camper Cabins on 20km of ski trails at
Maplewood State Park. Jan Lasar photo.
Williams | Zippel Bay State Park
17.6km 218-783-6252 (P, B) 14.4km
groomed trail ranging from beginner to
intermediate near Lake of the Woods.
Catch glimpses of timber wolves and
deer. MN ski pass required.
Sources: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota
Nordic Ski Association, Skinnyski &
Individual Trails
Itasca State Park, MN
218-266-3415
hiusa.org/parkrapids
MississippiHeadwaters@hiusa.org
SAVE
THE
!
DATE
Legion Fishing
Derby & Raffle
Feb. 6, 2016
Home of
Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 21
The Perfect Winter
Getaway!
Enjoy miles of groomed cross country
ski trails through the Park Rapids Lakes
area and experience the true stillness
of winter in the Northwoods.
800-247-0054
www.parkrapids.com
WORLD FAMOUS ITASCA STATE PARK
Lead
All Trails
To The
otel
Nisswa M
HIUSA.ORG/PARKRAPIDS
218-266-3415
COZY ROOMS • CABLE TV • WIRELESS INTERNET
1.800.254.7612 • 218.963.7611 • nisswamotel.com • info@nisswamotel.com
Winter 2015-2016 21
11/2/15 9:23 AM
Where every season
is above average!
ur
Join us for o il
a
enjoyable tr
rides!!
lakewobegontrails.com
Eat
Cornerstone Buffet
Lisa’s on Main
Kay’s Kitchen
The Outpost Mercantile
223 Kraft Dr SE, Melrose
www.cornerstonebuffetrestaurant.com
(320) 249-2498
303 College Ave. N, St Joseph
www.kayskitchen.us
(320) 557-0030
409 E Main St., Melrose
Best Lunches and Lattes in town
(320) 256-5472
615 6th St., Sauk Centre
www.theoutpostmercantile.com
(320) 351-7678
Lake Wobegon Trail Café
541 Main St., Holdingford
www.lwtrailsidecafe.com
(320) 746-2155
Shop
Heaven and Earth Essentials
605 S Main St., Sauk Centre
www.heavenandearthessentials.com
(320) 828-2774
Lake Wobegon Trail Gallery
431 Railroad Ave., Albany
www.lakewobegontrailgallery.com
(320) 845-4100
St. Joseph Meat Market
26 NW 1st Ave., St. Joseph
www.stjosephmeatmarket.com
(320) 363-4913
Services
Joel Schneider Auto Service
701 Railroad Ave., Albany
Auto, Cycle and Snowmobile service
(320) 845-4856
ny
Enjoy the ma e
th
amenities of rail!
on T
Lake Wobeg s - Restaurants
ttraction
Shopping - A
ore!
and Much M
22 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 22
Minnesota Trails
11/2/15 9:23 AM
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Metro Ski Region
The many communities that make up the
metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St.
Paul provide an extensive network of
well-groomed cross-country ski trails.
Many regional parks make snow and offer
skiing whether it actually snows or not.
Twin City area ski clubs meet regularly
for fun, training and competition.
Afton | Afton State Park
29km 651-436-5391 (WH, P, B) A variety
of groomed, classic loops, featuring 2
miles of easy trails and13 miles of trails
rated intermediate to advanced. Trails
overlook the St.Croix River near Afton
Alps Ski Resort and have trail shelters.
Heated visitors center has parking and
bathrooms. The park also has snowshoe
trails and holds an annual candlelight ski.
MN ski pass required.
Bloomington | Hyland Lake Park Reserve
15km 763-694-7687 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to expert, groomed, classic and skate
trails over rolling hills and prairie. 9km
lighted trail. 5k man-made snow. Ski
Chalet serves as a warming house and
offers ski rentals. Three Rivers Park District
ski pass required.
Burnsville | Terrace Oaks Park
10.9km 952-895-4500 (WH,P, B) Beginner
to expert. Groomed, classic ski trails
along lakes and ponds through hills and
woods. Chalet available.
METRO TRAILS ski trail guide
Lino Lakes | Chomonix Golf Club
10km 651-482-8484 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate trails on flat terrain. Rent
skis at Chomonix Golf Course club house.
MN ski pass required.
Cokato | Collinwood Regional Park
8km 763-682-7693 (P) Intermediate,
groomed, classic trail on open fields with
some wooded areas.
Coon Rapids | Bunker Hills Regional Park
20km 763-757-3920 (WH, P, B)
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 763-757-4700 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate trails on relatively flat
terrain along Mississippi River. Rentals
available at Coon Rapids Dam Visitor
Center. MN ski pass required.
Cottage Grove | Cottage Grove Ravine
Regional Park
8k 651-430-8370 (P, B) Intermediate to
advanced trails with some steep slopes
and heavily-wooded ravines. 4.5 km
skate ski loop. MN ski pass required.
Eagan | Lebanon Hills Regional Park
20km 952-891-7000 (WH, P, B) 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.
Elk River | Woodland Trails
15km 763-635-1150 (P,B) 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 County Park
2.5km 763-682-7693 (P, B) Classic/skate
trails through hardwood forest and prairie
restoration area, adjacent to Mississippi
River. MN Ski Pass required.
Farmington | Whitetail Woods Regional Park
10km 952-891-7000 (WH,P, B)
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 763-694-7860 (P, B) Ungroomed
trails through restored prairie. User
tracked.
Hastings | Spring Lake Park Reserve
8.2km 952-891-7000 (WH,P, B) 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 651-430-8240 (P, B) Beginner to
intermediate, groomed, classic ski trails
on the wild and scenic St. Croix River.
1.8km skate loop. MN ski pass required.
MOORHEAD • ST. CLOUD • EDEN PRAIRIE • MANKATO • ROCHESTER
Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 23
Winter 2015-2016 23
11/2/15 9:23 AM
ski trail guide METRO TRAILS
Jordan | Minnesota Valley State
Recreation Area
8km 651-259-5774 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, classic ski trails through
wetlands, floodplain forest and oak
savanna. MN ski pass required.
Lake Elmo | Lake Elmo Park Reserve
20km 651-430-8370 (WH, P, B) 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 651-747-3900 (P) All skill levels.
Camel Back provides some fun hills, but
Oak Run is particularly exciting. Morgan
Lane offers beautiful view of a pond from
a birch-lined ridge.
Lakeville | Ritter Farm Park Ski Trail
10km 952-985-4600 (P, B) Beginner to
intermediate, groomed, classic and
skate ski with hills through the woods. MN
ski pass required.
Maple Grove | Elm Creek Park Reserve
18km 763-694-7894 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to advanced, groomed, classic and skate
trails. Some of the best ski trails in the
metro area with fantastic night skiing on
lighted trails and a 2.5 km loop with manmade snow. Elm Creek Chalet offers ski
rentals, snack bar and woodstove. Three
Rivers Park District ski pass required.
Maple Lake | Robert Ney Regional Park
5.6km 763-682-7693 (P) 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 763-694-7860 (WH, P, B)
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 651-748-2500 (P) Beginner to
intermediate classic ski trail through
mature woods. MN ski pass required.
Maplewood | Battle Creek Regional
Park - West
9.8km 651-748-2500 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to advanced, classic and skate ski trail. 4
km lit trail. MN ski pass required.
Marine | Big Marine Park Reserve
2.5k 651-430-8370 (P, B) Easy beginner
loop along Big Marine Lake. Classic only
MN ski pass required.
Marine on St. Croix | William O’Brien
State Park
19km 651-433-0500 (WH, P, B) Multi-trail
system, for all skill levels of classic and
skate skiers with views of St. Croix River.
Wetland Trail for beginners and Prairie
Overlook for the more advanced. Heated
trail center has a wood stove. Annual
candlelight ski. MN ski pass required.
Minneapolis | Columbia Golf Course
5km 612-789-2627 (P, B) Groomed,
classic trails on rolling golf course hills. MN
ski pass required.
Minneapolis | Hiawatha Golf Course
3km 612-724-7715 (WH, P, B) (P, B)
Groomed, classic and skate trails on
rolling golf course hills. MN ski pass
required.
Minneapolis | Theodore Wirth Regional Park
25km 612-522-4584 (WH, P, B) 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 Calhoun. Ski
rentals available. MN ski pass required.
Minnetonka | Glen Lake Golf Center
2.4km 763-694-7824 (WH, P, B)
Groomed, classic and skate trails through
rolling golf course hills. Rentals and
concessions available at the clubhouse.
Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.
Monticello | Bertram Chain of Lakes
Regional Park
3.5km 763-682-7693 (P) 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 763-682-7693 (P) Intermediate,
classic ski only. Close to Lake Maria State
Park. MN ski pass required.
Monticello | Lake Maria State Park
22.4km 763-878-2325 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, groomed, classic and
skate trails through rolling terrain, wooded
areas, old-growth forest areas and past
lakes and ponds. MN ski pass required.
Bike Hastings!
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Make the Most
of Winter
651-436-5245
www.aftonalps.com
90th & Penn, Bloomington MN
952-303-5683
XC ski shop specializing
in racing skis, equipment,
wax, and service. Excellent
selection of performance,
touring, & kids gear, too!
• Downhill skiing • Cross Country Skiing
uth of
• Snowshoeing • Snowboarding
Just minuteCsitsoies in
in 28 miles! of stunning trails
More
than
the Tw
en
v
• Explore Afton State Park,
s hea
ortMississippi
the
River, Vermillion
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.HastingsMN.org or call 651-437-6775
Call for our
new 96-page
catalog!
24 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 24
Minnesota Trails
11/2/15 9:23 AM
METRO TRAILS ski trail guide
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Plymouth | Eagle Lake Regional Park
9km 763-694-7695 (P, B) Beginner to
intermediate, groomed, classic and skate
trails through woods and meadows. Three
Rivers Park District ski pass required.
Plymouth | French Regional Park
8km 763-694-7750 (WH, P, B) 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.
Plymouth | Luce Line State Trail
11km 952-826-6769 (P) Beginner trail
through maple and basswood forest.
Prior Lake | Cleary Lake Regional Park
16.5km 763-694-7777 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, groomed, classic and
skate trails. Visitor center with ski rentals,
vending machine and fireplace. 4.5 km
lighted daily until 10 pm. Three Rivers Park
District ski pass required.
Ramsey | Rum River Central Regional Park
8km 763-757-3920 Mostly flat trail loops.
MN ski pass required.
Rosemount | Rock Trail
18km 651-423-2455 (P, B) Intermediate
trails groomed for both classic and
skate ski on gently-rolling terrain through
woods, agricultural land and two
wetlands in UMore Park. MN ski pass
required.
Saint Paul | Fort Snelling State Park
19km 612-279-3550 (WH, P, B) The park
offers flat, classical 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
10km 651-266-6400 (P) Intermediate trails,
open and fairly flat. Equipment rentals.
Savage | Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
15km 763-694-7777 (WH, P, B) 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 651-748-2500 (P) Beginner to
advanced trails through woods and
marshland, classic ski only. MN ski pass
required.
South Haven | Stanley Eddy Regional Park
12km 763-682-7693 (P) Advanced,
classic ski only. MN ski pass required.
Stillwater | Gateway State Trail
9.5km 651-772-7937 (P) Beginner to
intermediate trail through urban areas.
Not a loop. MN Ski Pass required.
Stillwater | Pine Point Regional Park
7km 651-430-8370 (P, B) 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 pines, small lakes
and picturesque farms. MN ski pass required.
Vadnais Heights | Vadnais/Sucker Lakes
7.3km 651-748-2500 (P) Beginner to
advanced, classic only trail on moderate
hills through woods. MN ski pass required.
Victoria | Carver Park Reserve
18km 763-694-7650 (WH, P, B) 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.
Stillwater | Brown’s Creek Nature Preserve
4.5km 651-430-8800 (P, B) Beginner classic
trails on moderate hills. MN ski pass required.
Stillwater | Brown’s Creek State Trail
9.5km 651-772-7937 (P, B) This former
railroad grade rises gently out of the St.
Croix River Valley. Connects downtown
Stillwater to the Gateway State Trail. MN
ski pass required.
White Bear Lake | Tamarack Nature Center
8km 651-748-2500 (WH, P, B) Beginner to
intermediate, classic-only trails through
prairie, woodland and marsh. Ski rentals
available. 1Km practice loop. MN ski
pass required.
Zimmerman | Sand Dunes State Forest Ann Lake Trail
8km 763-878-2325 (P) Beginner to
intermediate, classic only, rolling trails with
some challenging hills. Ski trail adopted
and maintained by Backcountry Trail
Patrol. MN ski pass required.
Sources: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Nordic
Ski Association, Skinnyski & Individual Trails
REGIONAL SALSA DEALERS
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freewheelbike.com
MILLTOWN PREMIUM
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311 Central Ave
Faribault, MN 55021
507-331-2636
milltownsports.com
REVOLUTION CYCLE & SKI
160 29th Ave S
St. Cloud, MN 56301
320-251-2453
revolutioncycleandski.com
ROCHESTER
CYCLING & FITNESS
1211 7th St NW
Rochester, MN 55901
507-289-7410
cycling-fitness.com
THE SKI HUT EAST
1032 E 4th St
Duluth, MN 55805
218-724-8525
theskihut.com
TONKA CYCLE & SKI
16 Shady Oak Rd S
Hopkins, MN 55343
952-938-8336
tonkacycleandski.com
TRAILBLAZER BIKES
14843 Edgewood Dr
Baxter, MN 56425
218-829-8542
trailblazerbikesmn.com
NORTH DAKOTA
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1711 S Washington
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701-772-5567
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WISCONSIN
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Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 25
Winter 2015-2016 25
11/2/15 9:23 AM
ski trail guide SOUTHERN TRAILS
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Southern MN Ski Trails
Southern Minnesota has a wide variety of
state parks, forests and recreational trails
that offer fine cross country skiing. Many
rivers provide high vistas and abundant
wildlife to view. The southern half of
Minnesota offers rolling bluff country in the
east and wide-open prairies in the west with
regions of old-growth forest in between.
Albert Lea | Myre-Big Island State Park
8km 507-379-3403 (WH,P, B) Beginner to
intermediate trails along Albert Lea Lake
and on Big Island. 8km groomed classic.
MN ski pass required.
Altura | Whitewater State Park
9.5km 507-932-3007 (WH, P, B) Beginner
trails along the Whitewater River. MN ski
pass required.
Austin | Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
15km 507-437-7519 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, classic and skate trails
through woods and prairie. Interpretive
building with displays. MN ski pass
required.
Currie | Fort Ridgely State Park
8km 507-426-7840 (WH, P, B) Beginner to
intermediate, groomed classic through
a variety of terrain. Sledding hill. MN ski
pass required.
Faribault | River Bend Nature Center
8km 507-332-7151 (WH, P, B) Beginner to
advanced, groomed classic through flat
prairie and woods with some challenging
hills. MN ski pass required.
Frontenac | Frontenac State Park
9km 651-345-3401 (WH, P, B) All levels,
groomed classic with overlooks of Lake
Pepin.
MN ski pass required.
Granite Falls | Upper Sioux Agency State Park
3.2km 320-564-4777 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, groomed classic. Area
has sledding hill and historic Upper Sioux
Agency site. MN ski pass required.
Houston | Richard Dorer State Forest Oak Ridge Unit - Wet Bark Trail
17km 507-724-2107 (P) Intermediate trail
over hilltop fields and scenic overlooks
with shelters along trail. MN ski pass
required.
Kellogg | Richard Dorer State Forest Snake Creek Unit
8km 507-206-2847 (P) Intermediate
to advanced remote trails through
beautiful forest and over creeks. MN ski
pass required.
Winter Wonderland at Jay C. Hormel Nature Center in Austin, MN.
Austin Daily Herald photo
Lanesboro | Richard Dorer State Forest Brightsdale Unit
8km 507-467-2437 (P, B) All levels, with
trails through woods along the Root River
with some open spaces near Eagle Bluff
Environmental Learning Center. MN ski
pass required.
Lanesboro | Richard Dorer State Forest Isinours Unit
5km 507-285-7176 (P, B) Groomed
classic only. MN ski pass required.
Lanesboro | Root River State Trail
67km 507-467-2696 (P, B) 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.
Le Roy | Lake Louise State Park
4.8km 507-352-5111 (P, B) Beginner to
intermediate, sporadically groomed by
local ski club. Scenic views of Lake Louise
and various streams. MN ski pass required.
Lynd | Camden State Park
10.2km 507-865-4530 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to advanced, groomed classic with
2.2km skate, through maple and
basswood forest. MN ski pass required.
Mankato | Minneopa State Park
6.4km 507-389-5464 (P, B) Beginner trail
through oak savanna, past the Twin
Waterfalls and Seppman Windmill with
overlooks of Minnesota River. MN ski pass
required.
Mankato | Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail
62.4km 507-362-4438 (P, B) Beginner
trail through a rolling wooded ravine to
prairie. Trailhead at Lime Valley Road
near Mankato. MN ski pass required.
Bike The Root River Trail
We Rent Tubes, Canoes & Kayaks!
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35455 State Highway 16
Lanesboro, MN 55949
507-467-2598 • www.eagle-cliff.com
Outdoor fun for everyone
www.redwing.org
26 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 26
Minnesota Trails
11/2/15 9:23 AM
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
Nerstrand | Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park
9.6km 507-333-4840 (WH,P, B) Beginner
to advanced, groomed classic trails. Ski
deep into the woods to find Hidden Falls.
MN ski pass required.
New London | Sibley State Park
13km 320-354-2055 (WH, P, B)
Intermediate to advanced with hills
and curves. Ski to the top of Mt. Tom for
the best view of the countryside. 16km
groomed double tracked classic, 4km
skate ski trails. MN ski pass required.
New Ulm | Flandrau State Park
9.7km 507-233-9800 (WH, P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, groomed classic, flat
trails on the bottom of the valley with
more challenging routes on the oakshaded bluffs with several overlooks of
Cottonwood River. Ski and snowshoe
rentals available. MN ski pass required.
Owatonna | Kaplan’s Woods
13km 507-444-4321 (P, B) Intermediate,
ravine terrain provides challenging hills
through hardwood forest near a lake
and river. Wide trails suitable for skate
ski and tracked for classic when snow
is sufficient with 3km lit trail. MN ski pass
required.
Owatonna | Rice Lake State Park
4km 507-455-5871 (WH,P, B) Beginner,
groomed classic with several loops
through woods and along a lake. MN ski
pass required.
Plainview | Carley State Park
3.2km 507-932-3007 (P, B) Intermediate
trail along the Whitewater River. MN ski
pass required.
Preston | Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
16km 507-352-5111 (WH,P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, groomed classic with
rolling terrain, a protected valley and
overlook near the Root River Valley. MN
ski pass required.
Preston | Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail
29km 507-886-2200 (P, B) Beginner
to intermediate, groomed, with some
challenging hills through a wooded area
and farmland. Connects communities
of Harmony and Preston. MN ski pass
required.
Red Wing | Cannon Valley Trail
32km 651-385-5934 (P, B) Mostly
intermediate, groomed classic and
skate. Trail offers views of overhanging
cliffs and stunning scenery. Connects
communities of Cannon Falls, Welch and
Red Wing. MN ski pass required.
Red Wing | Mississippi National Ski Trails
15km 651-385-5934 (P, B) 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.
Red Wing | Richard Dorer State Forest Hay Creek Unit
9.6km 507-206-2847 (P, B) Mostly
intermediate, groomed classic only. MN
ski pass required.
Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 27
SOUTHERN TRAILS ski trail guide
Flandrau State Park’s office, a historic WPA building.
Carolyn Marti Smith photo
Over 162 maintained miles of snowmobile
trails in Watonwan County!
Come in out of the
cold, soak in the hot
tub, or swim in the pool!
Party Rentals & pool passes
available all year long!
Disc Golf, a sport for
all seasons!
Join us for Winter Disc Golf in
St. James! It’s Free! It’s Fun!
St. James Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention & Visitors Bureau
516 1st Avenue South, St. James, MN 56081
888-859-0813
Winter 2015-2016 27
11/2/15 9:23 AM
ski trail guide SOUTHERN TRAILS
Rochester | Chester Woods Park
8km 507-285-7050 (P, B) 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 | Douglas State Trail
20.8km 507-288-4331 (P, B) Groomed
trails through forest, rolling fields and
pastures. MN ski pass required.
Rochester | Eastwood Golf Course
8km 507-281-6160 (P, B) All levels,
groomed classic and skate ski with 1km
lighted trail. Main training course in
Rochester.
Rochester | Soldier’s Field Golf Course
5 km 507-281-6160 (P, B) Intermediate,
groomed classic and skate ski. Quiet city
trails with lights offer good night skiing.
Spicer | Prairie Woods Environmental
Learning Center
10km 320-354-5894 (WH, P, B)
Beginner to advanced, groomed
classic and skate. Trails within 500-acre
environmental learning center campus
with woodland and prairie scenery and
abundant wildlife. Wide trails suitable for
skate ski, tracked for classic when snow is
sufficient. Rentals available. MN ski pass
required.
Starbuck | Glacial Lakes State Park
9.6km 320-239-2860 (P, B) Ungroomed
trail. MN ski pass required.
Wabasha | Richard Dorer State Forest Kruger Unit
4km 507-345-3401(P, B) Mostly
intermediate, groomed classic, trail runs
along a creek. MN ski pass required.
Waterville | Sakatah Lake State Park
8km 507-362-4438 (P, B) Intermediate
to advanced. Ski the challenging hills
near Upper Sakatah Lake. MN ski pass
required.
Watson | Lac qui Parle State Park
8km 320-734-4450 (WH, P, B) Beginner,
groomed and flat with stunning views of
Lac qui Parle Lake. 1 mile of skate ski trail
available. MN ski pass required.
Willmar | Swan Lake Ski Trails
5km 320-235-1166 (WH, P, B) Groomed,
classic and skate for all levels on Eagle
Creek Golf Course. MN ski pass required.
Key: WH=Warming House P=Parking B=Bathroom
St. Mary’s University ski trails in Winona. Mary Farrell Visit Winona photo
Winona | Great River Bluffs State Park
16.3km 507-643-6849 (P, B) 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 | Saint Mary’s University
14.5km 507-452-0735 (WH, P, B) Mostly
intermediate to advanced with some flat
terrain for beginners. Groomed classic
and skate ski, through hardwood forest,
an old apple orchard and near Gilmore
Creek. Some lit sections.
Sources: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota
Nordic Ski Association, Skinnyski &
Individual Trails
WELCOMES
YOU TO
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MINNESOTA
PEPSI BOTTLING CO.
PIPESTONE, MN
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WINTER THERAPY
A glorious trail.
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Best latté ever.
One spirit renewed.
visitwinona.com • 800.657.4972
28 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 28
Minnesota Trails
11/2/15 9:23 AM
Northwest
Angle
Lake of
the Woods
Lost River
Garden
Island
Zippel
Bay
Parks, Trails, Forests, Rivers
Franz Jevne
Hayes Lake
Smokey
Bear
Beltrami Island
Littlefork
Thief Lakes
Old Mill
Rainy Lake Trail
Pine
Island
Voyageurs
National
Park
Big Bog
Rec. Area
r
Lit
Red
Lake
Lower
Red Lake
Big
71
tle
Fo Koochiching
rk
Riv
er
Fo
rk
Riv
er
Blackduck
Buena
Vista
Battleground
Brainerd
Mille Lacs
Kathio
Charles A.
Lindbergh
siss
er
i Riv
Trail
r
Rive
Terr
e
e de
pew
a Riv
er
Pom
m
Chip
Lac qui
Parie
il
Tra
Big Stone
National
Big
Stone
Lake
Sauk River
Sibley
Nort
h Fo
Monson
Lake
Glacial
Lakes
Trail
Willmar
River
rk C
row
Rive
r
Shurburne
National
Mis
St. Cloud
siss
Lake
Maria
ipp
i Riv
er T
rail
Upper Sioux
Agency
ot
aR
Kettl
e Riv
er
William
O’Brein
DESIGNATED WATER WAYS
BIKING TRAILS
BIKEWAY
Gateway
Trail
May 2013
Afton
Fort
Snelling
MN National
Wildlife Refuge
r
VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK
LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAILS
Browns
Creek
Trail
Grand
Rounds
71
ive
BWCAW
Interstate
Carlos
Avery
94
l
Luce Line Trai
l
LRT
es
WILDLIFE REFUGES
NATIONAL FORESTS
Wild
River
Dakota Trai
inn
WITH FOREST MANAGEMENT UNIT
St. Croix
Lac qui Parle
M
STATE PARKS
Nemadji
DESIGNATED FOREST
Ru
m
Wob
eg
Find More Maps at
www.MNTrails.com
Maps • Guides • Features
St. Croix
35
on
Glacial
Lakes
Jay
Cooke
Banning
Rum
River
ipp
Soo Line
Lake
Mille Lacs
Mis
sT
rail
Moose
Lake
River
Lake
Carlos
ke
x
Aleeau t
Lav men
Seg
Father
Hennepin
Soo Line Trail
u
S
ke
La
io
gw
ata
n
71
Long Prairie River
l La
Lake
Mille Lacs
Crow
Wing
ai
Tr
Duluth
Fond du Lac
Willard
Munger
Trail
Solana
l
er
at
rW
io
r
pe
Su
Savanna
Portage
Rice Lake
National
rH
il
ra
gT
n
iki
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Snake
Ce
ntr
a
r
ve
Ri
Wealthwood
Wing
River
Glendalough
Trail
Ottertail River
C
Savanna
Cuyuna
Country
Rec. Area
Pillsbury
Crow
Grand
Portage
George H. Crosby
Manitou
Che
n
Lyons
pi
ip
iss
iss
Gooseberry
Falls
er
t Riv
a
Paul
Bunyan
Trail
Maplewood
Glendalough
M
Grand
Portage
Tettegouche
ue
louq
l
rai
rT
Pine River
Foot
Hills
Whiteface
River
ive
Hill
River
Huntersville
94
Trail
Badoura
r
Rive
Cloquet
Valley
iR
North Country
Heartland
Trail
Smoky
Hills
North
Country
Trail
Anniversary
Remer
Judge
C.R.Magney
Split Rock
Lighthouse
ipp
Moorhead
ouis
St. L
Pat
Bayle
Cascade
River
River
iss
Two
Inlets
Schoolcraft Golden
Leech Lake
Me
Hill Annex
Mine
iss
Tamarac
National
Buffalo
River
Migizi
Trail
Paul
Bunyan
Trail
White
Earth
Superior
National Forest Temperance
Finland
il
i Tra
sab
M
Red River
Itasca State Park
Bear
Island
Soudan
Underground
Mine Bear Head
Lake
Hibbing
Bowstring
Lake
Winnibigoshish
Bemidji
Paul
Bunyan
McCarthy
Beach
George
Washington
Sunrise Prairie
Hardwood Creek Trail
Itasca
Wilderness
Trail
Vermilion
State Park
Sturgeon
River
Scenic
Lake
Bemidji
BWCA
BWCWA
Burntside
Big Fork
Chippewa
National Forest
Border Route Trail
Kekekabic Trail
iT
ra
il
Rive
am
Lake
Red River
Rec. Area
Kabetogama
er
Riv
Red
Upper
Red Lake
lion
mil
Ver
Agassiz
National
iG
Twin
Lakes
tc
h
Lake
Bronson
Gi
Roseau River
Minnesota
Valley
Split Rock
Creek
Lake
Shetek
Watonwo
n River
Sakatah
Lake
Rive
Sakatah Singing
Hills Trail
r
Nerstrand
Big Woods
Mankato
Minneopa
Frontenac
GoodhuePioneer
Rice
Lake
Douglas
Trail
Rochester
Des Moines River
35
Blue
Mounds
Blue Mounds
Trail
Kilen
Woods
r
ive
at R rail
Greidge T
Whitewater
R
bro
o
onw
Cott
r
ive
od R
Straight River
Camden
Casey Jones Trail
Cannon
Valley Trail
Flandrau
Marshall
Pipestone
National
Monument
er
Cannon Riv
Albert Lea
Blazing
Star Trail
Myre
Big
Island
Carley
Zum
Fort
Ridgely
Fair Ridge
Trail
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
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Minnesota Trails 1511MNTrails.indd 29
Winter 2015-16 29
11/2/15 9:23 AM
Business
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CROW WING CYCLEWORKS
33754 Charles Avenue, Jenkins
www.crowwingcycleworks.com
218-568-5299
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115 3rd Avenue SW, Crosby
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e-mail: northerncycle@charter.net
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e-mail: northerncycle@charter.net
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160 29th Avenue South, St. Cloud
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2
35
Duluth
94
FREEWHEEL BIKE WEST BANK 612-339-2219
1812 S 6th Street, Minneapolis
www.freewheelbike.com
612-238-4447
St. Cloud
Southern
Region
Mankato
2834 10th Ave. So., Minneapolis on Midtown Greenway
www.freewheelbikecenter.com
GATEWAY CYCLE
651-777-0188
HOIGAARD’S
952-929-1351
6028 Hwy 36 Blvd N, Oakdale
www.gatewaycycle.com
71
35
MICHAEL’S CYCLES CHASKA
952-361-6550
RAMSEY BICYCLE 6825 Hwy. 10 NW, Ramsey
www.ramseybicycles.com
763-323-6666
A quick and easy reference for
planning your adventure!
A Victorian Bed & Breakfast
Four Uniquely Decorated Rooms
2 Blocks from the Wobegon Trail
Call us today! 320-491-1072
605 Main Street South
Sauk Centre
763-755-8871
STRAUSS SKATES AND BICYCLES
1751 Cope Avenue E, Maplewood
651-770-1344
$
- Indoor/Outdoor Bike Storage
- Massage/Sauna/Whirlpool
45 Single
Occupancy
$80 Double
Occupancy
www.TheEnchantedInnMN.com
VISIT OUR FABULOUS GIFT SHOP!
TONKA CYCLE AND SKI
952-938-8336
TRAILHEAD CYCLING
& FITNESS
763-712-0312
VALLEY BIKE & SKI
800-780-1515
952-43-BIKES
CARLTON BIKE RENTAL
218-384-4696
16 Shady Oak Road S, Hopkins
www.tonkacycleandski.com
90
90
MICHAEL’S CYCLES PRIOR LAKE
952-447-2453
700 N Chestnut Street, Chaska
www.michaelscycles-mn.com
PIONEER CYCLE
12741 Central Ave., NE, Blaine
www.pioneercycle.com
Metro
Region
11350 Aquila Drive, Suite 505, Champlin
www.trailheadcyclingandfitness.com
7707 149th Street W, Apple Valley
www.valleybikeandski.com
100 Chestnut Ave., Carlton
www.carltonbikerental.com
June 25-30
INFORMATION
TRAILBLAZER BIKES BAXTER 218-829-8542
14843 Edgewood Drive, Baxter
www.trailblazerbikesmn.com
141 Main Street South, Hutchinson
www.outdoormotionbikes.com
Northeast
Region
2
www.straussskatesandbicycles.com
JAKE’S BIKES ALEXANDRIA
611 3rd Avenue E, Alexandria
www.jakesbikes.com
Minnesota Trails
Directory Regions
Northwest
Region
16731 Hwy. 13 S, Prior Lake
www.michaelscycles-mn.com
www.easyridersbikes.com
TOURIGHT BICYCLE SHOP
124 2nd Street NE, Little Falls
www.tourightbicycleshop.com
Southern MN
5425 Excelsior Blvd, St. Louis Park
www.hoigaards.com
EASY RIDERS BICYCLE & SPORT
415 Washington Street, Brainerd
218-829-5516
ITASCA TRAIL SPORTS
316 NE 4th Street, Grand Rapids
www.itascatrailsports.net
Northwestern MN
BIKE CENTER
CENTRAL LAKES CYCLE 2010 Hwy. 210 E., Fergus Falls
www.centrallakescycle.com
Metropolitan MN
FREEWHEEL MIDTOWN
BIKE SHOPS
105 7th Avenue S, St. Cloud
www.fitzharrismn.com
Northeastern MN
320-587-2453
BEMIDJI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
218-444-3541
300 Bemidji Ave., Bemidji
www.bemidji.org
CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL ASSOCIATION 320-763-0102
324 Broadway, Alexandria
www.centrallakestrail.com
FERGUS FALLS CVB
BEHIND BARS BICYCLE SHOP 612-436-0255
112 Washington Ave. W, Fergus Falls
www.visitfergusfalls.com
BIKE KING
PO Box 268, Nevis
www.nevischamber.com
208 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis
www.behind-bars.com
651-457-7766
6489 Cahill Avenue, Inver Grove Heights
www.bike-king.com
VISIT BRAINERD
800-450-7247
VISIT WINONA
507-452-0735
14084 Baxter Drive, STE 12, Brainerd
www.visitbrainerd.com
CARS BIKE SHOP
160 Johnson Street, Winona
www.visitwinona.com
763-784-6966
2661 Co Road I & Old Hwy 10, Mounds View
www.CarsBikeShop.com
218-332-5425
NEVIS CIVIC & COMMERCE
BOKOO BIKES & PADDLE SPORTS
952-934-6468
550 Lake Drive, Chanhassen
www.bokoobikes.com
www.scscbiketour.com
Share your winter pictures:
We’re all about the snow!
www.mntrails.com
30 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 30
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11/2/15 9:23 AM
LODGING
BERT’S CABINS
15782 Wilderness Drive, Lake Itasca
www.bertscabins.com
218-266-3312
B&Bs
EMBRACING PINES B&B
218-224-3519
218-731-5026
ENCHANTED INN B&B
320-491-1072
GREAT RIVER INN
320-414-0281
HEARTLAND TRAIL B&B
218-732-3252
LEECH LAKE B&B
218-547-2231
PILLAR INN B&B
320-685-3828
WALLER HOUSE INN 320-632-2836
32287 Mississippi Road, Walker
www.embracingpines.com
MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS HOSTEL
Itasca State Park
218-266-3415
27910 Forest Lane, Park Rapids
www.hiusa.org/parkrapids
605 S Main Street, Sauk Centre
www.theenchantedinnmn.com
SIMPLY SISTERS RETREAT CENTER
320-309-8006
724 Second Street Southeast, Little Falls
www.greatriverinn.com
SINCLAIR LEWIS CAMPGROUND
320-352-2203
20220 Friar Road, Park Rapids
www.heartlandbb.com
58 Ivy Avenue NE, Richmond
www.mnretreatcenter.com
826 Park Road, Sauk Centre
www.ci.sauk-centre.mn.us
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
7231 W Hwy. 61, Tofte
www.americinn.com
1088 Hwy. 61 N, Two Harbors
www.americinn.com
COUNTRY INN TWO HARBORS 877-604-5332
1204 7th Avenue, Two Harbors
www.countryinntwoharbors.com
FUN
SPIRIT MOUNTAIN218-628-2891
800-642-6377
9500 Spirit Mountain Place, Duluth
www.spiritmt.com
11058 Steamboat Loop, Walker
www.leechlakebb.com
419 Main Street, Cold Spring
www.thepillarinn.com
310 3rd St SE, Little Falls
www.wallerhouseinn.com
Waller
House
Inn
“ You awnotn’t
w .”
o
t leave
301 3rd St. SE
Little Falls, MN 56345
(320) 632-2836
www.wallerhouseinn.com
YOUR CENTRAL MN OUTDOOR HEADQUARTERS
RENTAL
SALES
COUNTRY BED AND BREAKFAST
5 miles from Taylors Falls 651-257-4773
LEASE
Skis
Snowshoes
Fatbikes
www.countrybedandbreakfast.us
GREEN HERON B&B
218-999-5795
2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids www.greenheronbandb.com
MORNING GLORY B&B
726 2nd Avenue NW, Grand Rapids
www.morningglorybandb.com
866-926-3978
218-326-3978
POPLAR CREEK GUESTHOUSE B&B
800-322-8327
11 Poplar Creek Drive, Grand Marais
218-388-4487
www.tourightbicycleshop.com
320.639.2453 | Little Falls, MN
www.boundarycountry.com
TUBBSSNOWSHOES.COM
Minnesota Trails 1511Willmar Lakes Area.indd 1
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Winter 2015-2016 31
11/2/15 10:04 AM
11/2/15 10:05 AM
FREE HOT HOME-STYLE BREAKFAST
INVITING INDOOR POOL
UPDATED GUESTROOMS
ADVENTURE AWAITS AT
AMERICINN
[800] 634.3444 AMERICINN.COM
See more about these
locations at AmericInn.com.
©2012 AMERICINN INTERNATIONAL, LLC
From the lakes of Minnesota to the big skies of Texas,
the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern Seaboard, taking
good care of people in this great big country of ours is
what we do best. We’ve earned our stripes when it comes
to genuine hospitality, and you’ll feel it the moment
you walk through our doors. From a friendly smile to a
free, hot American breakfast, stop in and discover true
AmericInn® hospitality.
Alexandria, MN
Austin, MN
Baudette, MN
Bemidji, MN
Chanhassen, MN
Cloquet, MN
Detroit Lakes, MN
Fergus Falls, MN
Lake City, MN
Pequot Lakes, MN
Red Wing, MN
Roseau, MN
Sauk Centre, MN
Silver Bay, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Tofte/Lutsen, MN
Two Harbors, MN
Virginia, MN
White Bear Lake, MN
Willmar, MN
[320] 763.6808
[507] 437.7337
[218] 634.3200
[218] 751.3000
[952] 934.3888
[218] 879.1231
[218] 847.8795
[218] 739.3900
[651] 345.5611
[218] 568.8400
[651] 385.9060
[218] 463.1045
[320] 352.2800
[218] 226.4300
[320] 253.6337
[218] 663.7899
[218] 834.3000
[218] 741.7839
[651] 429.7131
[320] 231.1962
32 Winter 2015-2016
1511MNTrails.indd 32
Minnesota Trails
11/2/15 9:23 AM