A Winter Escape to a Special Minnesota Destination

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Planning your escape into Minnesota’s wonderland of winter recreation is easy with the help of Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state’s official tourism office.

The season brings lots of reasons to treat yourself to a break: holidays, long weekends, even a touch of cabin fever. Who can resist the beauty and invitation a fresh, powdery snowfall presents?

Before you load the car, start your trip at the Explore Minnesota website, www.exploreminnesota.com.

Check out the “Deals†and “Packages†section of the website. Under “Deals,†you’ll find special offers and last-minute vacancies. You can also sign up to get these special weekly listings via e-mail.

Seasonal travel packages included on the website combine two nights lodging with a nearby attraction, activity, or dining experience. For example, a package could include two nights at a lodge and a day of dogsledding. These packages are a quick ticket to a planning a winter getaway. Both the deals and packages sections of the website are organized by geographic area of the state: northeast, north central/west, south, and the Twin Cities metro area. You can use the site to read Minnesotans’ favorite picks for winter activities, and search for bed & breakfasts, ski resorts, outfitters, trails, and much more.

The Explore Minnesota website also includes updated snow conditions and trail reports, so you can plan a last-minute adventure to a snowy destination. (Don’t let a bare backyard discourage you; chances are somewhere in the state has a decent amount of snow on the ground and groomed trails waiting.) Recorded snow reports are also available by calling 888-TOURISM (888-868-7476).