Published September, 2006
Photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism
Any time of year, you’d be hard-pressed to find a sport that offers a better workout than cross-country skiing. Loved by many Minnesotans, skiing works the whole body with invigorating cardiovascular exercise. Unlike downhill skiing, which offers quick runs at thrilling speeds, you can enjoy cross-country skiing at any pace. And those on skinny skis rarely get cold, because they are constantly moving.
Skiing immerses you in Minnesota’s winter landscape. Take to the trails, where a fresh perspective waits. With no foliage on the trees, new vistas open up at familiar places. The linear shapes of deciduous trees and long blue shadows cast across pure snow create surroundings that are a study of shape and contrast.
You may find yourself contemplating the awesome silence of a thick pine stand after a heavy snowfall. Perhaps you will track along a river, marveling at sparkling ice formations. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment after the challenge of skiing up a hill, then revel in the exhilarating downhill ride. You’ll enjoy frozen lakes, whose flat surfaces are perfect for skiing. You’ll see plenty of wildlife, but few people.
Minnesota has more than 100 well-maintained ski trails, with an immense variety of scenery and terrain for all
skill levels.
For the complete winter getaway, spend the day skiing, then retire to a cozy cabin or lodge and relax with a steaming cup of cocoa in front of a roaring fire.
The chart below will help you find the perfect destination, whether you’re a veteran or a novice. Choose a trail based on length, terrain, track-set or difficulty.
This chart lists the groomed, track-set, cross-country ski trails of ten kilometers or more in Minnesota. Groomed trails have been cleared of obstacles and the surface of the snow has been tracked or smoothed for skate-skiing.
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Your Key to Ski
For the chart below
EG = Easygoing: Level trails with few to no hills
INT = Intermediate: Moderately rolling trails with some hills
EX = Expert: Challenging, steep hills and turns
AL = All Levels: Variety of skill levels represented
Track-Set Kilometers: The number of trail kilometers groomed with a set track.
Skate-Ski Kilometers: The number of trail kilometers without a set track for gliding/skating type of cross-country skiing.
Signs Note Difficulty: Trail signs ensure that every skier will find the right trail for his/her ability.
Maps Along Trail: Maps are posted for your convenience.
Toilet: Facilities can be found on-site.
MN Ski Pass Required: State law requires ski-trail passes for use at designated trails.
MN Ski Pass Sold: You can purchase a ski pass at the trailhead.
Other Fees: Vehicle permits or entrance fees required at some parks or ski areas (including all state parks).
Note: A vehicle permit is required for entry into any Minnesota state park and can be purchased at a park or at the Department of Natural Resources in St. Paul.
| 1. Gunflint Trail | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
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Banadad Ski Trail Boundary Country Trekking 218-388-4487, 800-322-8327; boundarycountry.com | 36.8 | INT | X | X | X | X | 30 miles NW of Grand Marais. BWCA’s longest tracked trail connects with Central & Upper Gunflint Nordic Trails System. Snowmobile groomed. | |||
Central Gunflint Ski Trail System | 77.0 | 50.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | 27 miles N of Grand Marais. Equipment rental. Lessons. 3 km lighted trails. Warming houses. Lake views and high bluffs in a pine forest with lots of wildlife. Trails running adjacent to BWCA. | ||
Pincushion Mountain Ski Trail | 25.0 | 25.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | 2 miles N of Grand Marais. Lighted trails. Warming houses. Views of river gorge and Lake Superior. Gentle to rolling terrain. | ||
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Upper Gunflint Ski Trails Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Pines, Heston’s, Moosehorn B&B, and Tuscarora; 800-338-6932; gunflint-trail.com | 90.0 | 17.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | 43 miles NW of Grand Marais. Equipment rental. Lessons. Warming houses. Scenic trails in Laurentian Highlands overlooking Canada. | ||
| 2. North Shore | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
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Bally Creek Trails Bear Track Outfitting/Bally Creek Camp; 218-387-1162, 800-795-8068 | 25.0 | 5.0 | INT | X | X | X | 6 miles NW of Grand Marais. Equipment rental. Lessons. Intimate trails through gently rolling hills covered with forest. Ski through to Cascade Park. 1 km skijorging. | |||
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Britton Peak/Moose Fence/Oberg Mt. Trails Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association; 888-61-NORTH; 61north.com | 65.0 | 65.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | Located in Lutsen and Tofte. Equipment rental. Custom designed by a trail-design expert. | ||
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Cascade River/Deer Yard Lake Cascade Lodge; 218-387-1112, 800-322-9543; cascadelodgemn.com | 60.0 | 25.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | 9 miles N of Lutsen. Equipment rental. River and lake views within a pine and hardwood forest. |
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Cascade River State Park 218-387-3053; dnr.state.mn.us | 16.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | Located between Lutsen and Grand Marais. Spruce, birch, and aspen forest. Warming house. | |
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Flathorn/Gegoka Trail National Forest Lodge; 877-353-0707, 218-663-7280; nationalforestlodge.com | 37.6 | AL | X | X | X | X | 7 miles N of Isabella. Warming huts. Large white and red pine forests with river views. | |||
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Gooseberry Falls State Park 218-834-3855; dnr.state.mn.us | 19.2 | INT | X | X | X | X | X | X | 13 miles N of Two Harbors. Rolling birch and conifer hills with views of Lake Superior and the Gooseberry River. Warming house in visitor center with fireplace. | |
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Lutsen Nordic Center Lutsen Mountains; 218-663-7281; lutsen.com | 16.0 | 16.0 | AL | X | X | X | Located at Lutsen Mountain Ski Area. Lift access to mountaintop trailhead with spectacular Lake Superior and inland forest views. Full service base area offers rental center, dining and trailside lodging. | |||
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North Shore Ski Trail Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association; 218-663-7804, 888-61-NORTH; 61north.com | 175 | 102 | AL | X | X | X | Several access points between Little Marais and Grand Marais. Equipment rental. Lessons. Views of Lake Superior. | |||
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Split Rock Lighthouse State Park 218-226-6377; dnr.state.mn.us | 12.8 | INT | X | X | X | X | X | X | 20 miles NE of Two Harbors. Lake Superior shoreline trail winds through birch forest. Warming house. | |
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Temperance-Cross River Trail Temperance River State Park; 218-663-7476; dnr.state.mn.us | 19.2 | INT | X | X | X | X | X | X | 1 mile N of Schroeder. Trail follows falls and rapids along rugged river gorges. | |
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Tettegouche State Park 218-226-6365; dnr.state.mn.us | 24.8 | INT | X | X | X | X | X | X | 5 miles NE of Silver Bay. Pine and hardwood forest cover. | |
| 3. Iron Range | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
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Big Aspen Trail USDA Forest Service; 218-229-8800; fs.fed/us/r9/superior | 32.0 | AL | X | X | X | 12 miles N of Virginia. Trail runs through pine and hardwood forest in the process of regeneration. | ||||
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Bird Lake Trail USDA Forest Service; 218-229-8800; fs.fed/us/r9/superior | 15.0 | AL | X | X | X | East edge of Hoyt Lakes. Scenery includes bogs and forest. | ||||
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Carey Lake Ski Trail Hibbing Parks and Recreation; 218-263-8851 | 22.4 | 12.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | 4 miles E of Hibbing. 4 km of lighted combination trails. Quad loop with pine and hardwood forest. Trail groomed with Yellow Stone Ginzugroomer. | ||
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Giants Ridge Cross-Country Ski Trails 218-865-3000, 800-688-7669; giantsridge.com | 60.0 | 60.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | 5 miles E of Biwabik. Equipment rental. Lessons. Lighted trails. Diverse scenery and wildlife. | |
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Lookout Mountain Trail USDA Forest Service; 218-229-8800; fs.fed/us/r9/superior | 24.0 | AL | X | X | X | 4 miles N of Virginia. Trail crosses the Laurentian Divide. Streams north of divide flow toward Hudson Bay; streams south flow toward Atlantic Ocean. | ||||
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McCarthy Beach State Park 218-254-7979; dnr.state.mn.us | 14.4 | INT | X | X | X | X | X | X | Located N of Hibbing. Warming house. Terrain with pine and birch woods. | |
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Sturgeon River Trail USDA Forest Service; 218-229-8800; fs.fed/us/r9/superior | 34.0 | AL | X | X | 10 miles N of Chisholm. Solitary ski experience in a diverse forest setting. | |||||
| 4. Ely Area | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
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Bear Head Lake State Park 218-365-7229; dnr.state.mn.us | 11.2 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | Located S of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Red and white pines, birch, aspen, and fir trees along trail. | |
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Bear Island Trail Northern Lights Lodge (218-827-2501 or 800-777-4406; northern-lights-lodge.com | 21.5 | AL | 10 miles S of Ely. Opportunities to see deer, moose, and timberwolves. | |||||||
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Hidden Valley Cross-Country Ski Trails Ely Nordic Ski Club; 218-365-3077; elynordic.org | 25.0 | 7.5 | INT | X | X | X | X | 1.5 miles E of Ely. Trail connects downtown Ely with the Hidden Valley Recreation Center. | ||
| 5. Grand Rapids-Voyageurs Area | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
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Big Ridge Trail Itasca County; co.itasca.mn.us | 10.4 | AL | X | X | X | 5 miles N of Goodland. Beginner to advanced loops. Rolling terrain and timbered areas. | ||||
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Black Bay/Echo Bay Ski Trails Voyageurs National Park; 218-283-9821; nps.gov/voya | 25.0 | AL | X | X | X | Black Bay: 11 miles E of International Falls. Echo Bay: 3.5 miles NW of Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center. Rolling hills through pines and aspens. | ||||
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Blueberry Hills Trail Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club; 218-246-8195, 800-355-9740 | 12.0 | 12.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | 5.5 miles NE of Deer River. Pine and hardwood forest with challenging hills. Heated building. | ||
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Cowhorn Ski Trail DNR Trails and Waterways; 218-999-7922 | 11.0 | INT | X | X | X | 7.5 miles S of Grand Rapids. Pine and hardwood forest. | ||||
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Kab-Ash Trail Voyageurs National Park; 218-283-9821; nps.gov/voya | 32.2 | 32.2 | AL | Near Ash River and Kabetogama 3 trail heads follow County Road 122 or 129. Trails wind through forest and wetland along Sullivan Bay. Not groomed. | ||||||
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Sugar Hills Cross-Country Ski Trail Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club; 218-326-5033, 800-355-9740 | 28.0 | 28.0 | INT | X | X | X | X | 7 miles S of Grand Rapids. Climb to Thunder Peak, surrounded by rolling hardwood forest. | ||
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Suomi Hills Ski Trail Chippewa National Forest; 218-246-2123; visitgrandrapids.com | 34.3 | INT | X | X | X | X | 14 miles N of Grand Rapids off state Highway 38. Birch and pine forest with rolling hills. | |||
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Tilson Creek Ski Trail DNR Trails and Waterways; 218-327-4408, 888-MINNDNR; dnr.state.mn.us | 16.4 | 12.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | 6.5 miles E of International Falls. Flat bog areas and steep rock ridges surrounded by pine and hardwood forest. | ||
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Trout Lake Recreation Area 218-832-3161 | 10.0 | INT | X | X | X | 13 miles N of Grand Rapids. Trail follows the forested shoreline of Trout Lake. | ||||
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Wabana Trail Itasca County; 218-327-2850 | 10.4 | INT | X | X | X | 6 miles N of Grand Rapids on Highway 38, and 6 miles N on County Rd. 49. Winding trail along Clearwater Brook with diverse terrain. | ||||
| 6. Duluth | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
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Boulder Lake Management Area 218-721-4903; blma.org | 21.0 | 8.0 | AL | X | X | X | 18 miles N of Duluth. Large pines with rolling hills. Ridges formed by glaciers. Travel and weather conditions available on website. | |||
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Fond Du Lac State Forest Ski Trail DNR Trails and Waterways; 218-327-4408; dnr.state.mn.us | 29.5 | AL | X | X | X | 6 miles NE of Cromwell. Warming houses. Trails wind through mixed-age conifer/hardwood forest. Very limited grooming. Snowshoeing. | ||||
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Jay Cooke State Park 218-384-4610; dnr.state.mn.us | 51.2 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | 5 miles E of Carlton. Warming house located in park office. Diverse scenery and wildlife in a rugged river valley. | |
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Lester-Amity Trail City of Duluth; 218-723-3586; ci.duluth.mn.us | 15.0 | 15.0 | AL | X | X | X | Located in eastern Duluth. Lighted trails. Trail winds between Lester and Amity Creeks. | |||
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Magney-Snively Trail City of Duluth; 218-723-3586; ci.duluth.mn.us | 14.0 | 14.0 | INT | X | X | X | Located in western Duluth. Hardwood forest overlooks St. Louis River. | |||
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Snowflake Nordic 218-726-1550; skiduluth.com | 15.0 | 15.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | Located in Duluth. Equipment rental. Lessons. Lighted trails. Warming house. Pine and hardwood forest with rolling hills. | ||
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Spirit Mountain 218-624-8544, 800-642-6377 ext.544; spiritmt.com | 22.0 | 22.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | 5 minutes S of Duluth. Equipment rental. Lessons. Warming huts. Wooded scenery and diverse wildlife. | |
| 7. East Central | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
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Banning State Park 320-245-2668; dnr.state.mn.us | 17.6 | EG | X | X | X | X | X | X | 4 miles N of Sandstone. Trail runs along the Kettle River through aspen, birch, maple, and pine forest. | |
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No Achen Trail Aitkin County Land Dept.; 218-927-7364; co.aitkin.mn.us | 10.3 | 10.3 | AL | X | X | X | X | 1 mile W of Aitkin on HWY 210, S on 422nd Place. Trail winds around several small lakes and through forest, bogs, and meadows. | ||
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Remote Lake Trails DNR Forestry; 218-426-3407 | 19.3 | INT | X | X | X | X | 7 miles N of McGregor. Warming houses. Hardwood forest with some conifer stands along rolling hills. | |||
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Savanna Portage State Park 218-426-3271; dnr.state.mn.us | 19.2 | INT | X | X | X | X | X | X | 20 miles N of McGregor. Warming houses. Rolling hills through pines and hardwoods. | |
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St. Croix State Park 320-384-6591; dnr.state.mn.us | 17.6 | EG | X | X | X | X | X | X | 15 miles E of Hinckley. Warming house located in trail shelter. Level terrain through mixed pine forest. | |
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Vasaloppet Public Ski Area Mora Vasaloppet; 320-679-2629, 800-368-6672; vasaloppet.org | 26.0 | 26.0 | EG | X | X | 12 miles N of Mora. Portions of trails used for Mora Vasaloppet Ski Race in February. | ||||
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Wild River State Park 651-583-2125; dnr.state.mn.us | 56.0 | INT | X | X | X | X | X | X | 11 miles E of North Branch. Trail center with fireplace, stove, and restrooms. Trails wind through prairie and hardwood forest. | |
| 8. Northwest | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
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Lake Bronson State Park 218-754-2200; dnr.state.mn.us | 11.2 | EG | X | X | X | X | X | X | 2 miles E of Lake Bronson. Warming house located in picnic shelter. Level terrain through prairies, oak savannas, and woodlands. | |
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Old Mill Trail Old Mill State Park; 218-437-8174; dnr.state.mn.us | 11.2 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | 35 miles NW of Thief River Falls. Equipment rental. Candlelit trails for special events. Warming house. Prairie and woods line rolling trails in historic Old Mill State Park. | |
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Zippel Bay State Park 218-783-6252; dnr.state.mn.us | 14.4 | 4.8 | EG | X | X | X | X | X | X | 18 miles NW of Baudette. Warming house. Level terrain in pine and hardwood forest. |
| 9. Bemidji-Park Rapids Area | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
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Buena Vista Ski Trail Buena Vista Ski Area; 218-243-2231, 800-777-7958; bvskiarea.com | 25.0 | 25.0 | AL | X | X | X | 12 miles N of Bemidji. Within nine lakes in a pine forest. Located on a continental divide. Home of the Finlandia Ski Marathon and Buena Vista Snowjourn. | |||
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Itasca State Park 218-266-2100; dnr.state.mn.us | 51.0 | 51.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | 2 miles N of Park Rapids. Warming house with fireplace. Lakes and pine forest surround the source of the Mississippi River. |
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Lake Bemidji State Park 218-755-3843; dnr.state.mn.us | 17.6 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | 7 miles N of Bemidji. Warming house in visitor center. Rolling trails through pine and hardwood forest. | |
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Movil Maze Bemidji Area Cross-Country Ski Club; 218-444-3541, 800-458-2223; visitbemidji.com | 14.0 | 14.0 | EG | X | X | X | X | 7 miles N of Bemidji. Equipment rental available in town. Lessons. Lighted trails. A favorite trail for ski racers who want to condition. | ||
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Rainbow Resort Trail 888-734-1140; rainbowresort.com | 23.0 | 23.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | 20 miles W of Itasca State Park. Ski free with cabin rental. Heavily forested area. Equipment rental, including snowshoes and ice skates. | |
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Soaring Eagles Trail Itasca Tour Ski Club; 218-652-2611, 800-247-0054 | 12.1 | 7.0 | EX | X | X | X | X | 8.5 miles N of Park Rapids. Scenic trails through pine and aspen forest. Rolling hills. Public chalet. | ||
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Three Island County Park Bemidji Area Cross-Country Ski Club; 218-444-3541, 800-458-2223; visitbemidji.com | 32.0 | 32.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | 12 miles N of Bemidji. Equipment rental available in town. Lessons. Lighted trails. Trails frame the snowcapped, open-flowing Turtle River corridor. | ||
| 10. Leech Lake Area | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
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Cut Lake Ski Trail Cass County Land Office; 218-947-3338 | 16.5 | AL | X | X | X | 11 miles W of Pine River. Varied terrain in Foothills State Park. | ||||
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Deep Portage Ski Trail Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center; 218-682-2325; deep-portage.org | 18.2 | 6.0 | AL | X | X | X | 12 miles E of Hackensack. Main lodge along trail. Rolling hills in Cass County/Deep Portage Conservation Reserve. | |||
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Goose Lake Ski Trail Cass County Land Office; 218-947-3338 | 15.0 | EG | X | X | X | 5 miles W of Longville. Gently rolling hills around wetlands. | ||||
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Washburn Lake Solitude Area DNR Trails and Waterways; 218-833-8710 | 22.5 | AL | X | X | X | 2 miles N of Outing. Diverse lake and woodland trail in Land O’Lakes State Forest. | ||||
| 11. Brainerd-Mille Lacs Area | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
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Crow Wing State Park 218-825-3075; dnr.state.mn.us | 10.0 | EG | X | X | X | X | X | X | 9 miles S of Brainerd. Nearly level trails along the Mississippi River through pine and oak forest. | |
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French Rapids Cross-Country Ski Area Brainerd Nordic Ski Club; 218-963-4762 | 12.0 | 12.0 | EX | X | X | 5 miles E of Brainerd on TH 210. Very challenging trails in glaciated area next to the Mississippi River. | ||||
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The Pines Ski Trail Grand View Lodge; 800-432-3788; grandviewlodge.com | 25.0 | 10.0 | AL | X | X | Located 13 miles N of Brainerd. Trails follows the scenic Pines Golf Course. Season/day passes available. | ||||
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Larson Lake Ski Trail Crow Wing County Parks Department; 218-824-1057 | 20.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | 3 miles W of Deerwood. Rolling terrain in mature oak forest. | |||
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Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 320-532-3523; dnr.state.mn.us | 32.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | 8 miles N of Onamia on US Highway 169. Warming house with fireplace. Equipment rental. Diversely forested trails. | |
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Northland Arboretum Brainerd Nordic Ski Club; 218-829-8770 | 16.0 | 20.0 | INT | X | X | X | X | 2 blocks N of Westgate Mall, off Excelsior Road. Warming houses. Lighted trails. Jackpine and savanna with wetlands and dune-type hills. | ||
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Pine Beach Ski Trail Kavanaugh’s Resort; 218-829-5226, 800-562-7061; kavanaughs.com | 40.0 | AL | X | X | 4 miles N and 7 miles W of Brainerd. Warming houses. | |||||
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Wolf Lake Ski Trail Crow Wing County Parks Department; 218-824-1057 | 15.0 | AL | X | X | 10 minutes NE of Brainerd. Warming huts. Mixture of young and mature pines with hardwood. | |||||
| 12. St. Cloud-Monticello Area | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
| Lake Maria State Park; 763-878-2325; dnr.state.mn.us | 22.4 | 8.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | 8 miles W of Monticello. Trail winds through hardwood forest and around lakes and ponds. |
| Wildwood Trail; 320-255-6172 | 10.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | 2.5 miles W of St. Joseph. Located 2 miles W of County Road 2 on County Road 51. Trail winds through wooded setting. | |||
| 13. Western Lakes | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
| Andes Tower Hills; 320-965-2455, 87-SKI-ANDES; andestowerhills.com | 15.0 | 15.0 | AL | X | X | X | 15 miles W of Alexandria. Equipment rental. Lessons. Lighted trails. Trails cut through and around lakes and forest. | |||
| Maplelag Trails, Maplelag Cross-Country Ski Resort; 218-375-4466, 800-654-7711; maplelag.com | 45.0 | 15.0 | AL | X | X | X | 20 miles N of Detroit Lakes. Equipment rental. Lessons. Maple forest with rolling hills. Destination cross-country ski resort. | |||
| Spidahl Ski Gaard; 218-736-5097; skigaard.com | 20.0 | 12.0 | AL | X | X | X | 14 miles NE of Fergus Falls. Equipment rental. Trails through sugar maple hills. | |||
| Trollskogen/Spruce Hill Trails, Douglas County Public Works Dept.; 320-763-6001; co.douglas.mn.us | 15.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | Trollskogen: 15 miles W of Alexandria. Intermediate trails through wooded glacial hills. Spruce Hill: 15 miles N of Alexandria. Gentle wooded hills. | |||
| 14. Southern Minnesota | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
| Cannon Valley Trail; 507-263-0508; cannonvalleytrail.com | 31.7 | 31.7 | INT | X | X | X | 30 miles S of St. Paul/Minneapolis. Trail runs between Red Wing and Cannon Falls. Level terrain runs along river and through hardwood forest and prairie. | |||
| Douglas State Trail, DNR Trails and Waterways; 507-285-7176; dnr.state.mn.us | 20.9 | 20.9 | EG | X | X | X | Trailhead located in Rochester. Trail runs through bluffs and woods. Very limited grooming. | |||
| Flandrau State Park; 507-233-9800; dnr.state.mn.us | 12.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | Located in New Ulm. Warming house located in picnic shelter. Varied terrain through combination of hardwood forest and grasslands in Cottonwood River Valley. | |
| Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park; 507-352-5111 | 17.6 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | 6 miles S of Wykoff. Warming house. Heavily wooded blufflands. | |
| Great River Bluffs State Park; 507-643-6849; dnr.state.mn.us | 14.0 | 2.0 | EG | X | X | X | X | X | X | 17 miles SE of Winona. Varied landscape passes by river valley overlooks. |
| J.C. Hormel Nature Center; 507-437-7519 | 15.0 | 3.0 | EG | X | X | X | Located in Austin. Equipment rental. Lessons. | |||
| Kaplan Woods Trail, City of Owatonna; 507-444-4321; ci.owatonna.mn.us | 10.0 | 10.0 | INT | X | X | X | X | Located in Owatonna. Equipment rental. Lighted trails. Warming house. 225 acres of hardwood forest. | ||
| Mississippi National Trails, City of Red Wing/Aura Ski Club; 651-385-3674 | 16.0 | 6.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | 2 miles S of downtown Red Wing. Trail rolls across gentle hills. Occasional views of bald eagles. | ||
| Nerstrand Big Woods State Park; 507-333-4840; dnr.state.mn.us | 12.8 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | 12 miles SE of Northfield. Warming house. Rolling river valley runs through hardwood forest. | |
| Root River State Trail/Harmony-Preston Valley Trail, DNR Trails and Waterways; 507-285-7176 | 96.3 | EG | X | X | X | 45 miles SE of Rochester. River views from trail. | ||||
| Sibley State Park; 320-354-2055; dnr.state.mn.us | 16.0 | 3.2 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | 15 miles N of Willmar. Warming house. Rolling, wooded hills located near Lake Andrew. |
| Oakridge Wet Bark Trail–Richard J. Dorer State Forest, DNR Forestry; 507-724-5264; dnr.state.mn.us | 14.2 | 14.2 | INT | X | X | X | 5 miles W of Houston. Warming houses. Very limited grooming. Picturesque landscape consists of hardwood forest and southern bluff lands. | |||
| 15. Twin Cities Area | ||||||||||
Location | Track-Set km | Skate-Ski km | Difficulty Rating | Signs Note Difficulty | Maps Along Trail | Toilet | MN Ski Pass Req’d | MN Ski Pass Sold | Other Fees | Description |
| Afton State Park; 651-436-5391; dnr.state.mn.us | 24.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | X | 5 miles S of Afton. Warming house with wood stove. Views of the St. Croix Valley from trails. | |
| Baker Park Reserve, Three Rivers Parks and Trails; 763-694-7660; ThreeRiversParkDistrict.org | 12.9 | 12.9 | AL | X | X | X | X | Medina. Equipment rental. Lessons. Hardwood forest with rolling hills. | ||
| Carver Park Reserve, Three Rivers Parks and Trails; 952-446-1801; ThreeRiversParkDistrict.org | 21.6 | 7.6 | INT | X | X | X | X | Victoria. Diverse scenery and wildlife. | ||
| Cleary Lake Regional Park, Three Rivers Parks and Trails; 763-694-7777; ThreeRiversParkDistrict.org | 16.5 | 16.5 | INT | X | X | X | X | Prior Lake. Equipment rental. Lessons. Lighted trails. Rolling hills and forests. | ||
| Cottage Grove Ravine, Washington County Parks; 651-430-8368; co.washington.mn.us | 8.4 | 4.8 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | 2 miles S of Cottage Grove. Wooded ravine with occasional clearings. | |
| Eagle Lake Regional Park, Three Rivers Parks and Trails; 763-694-7894; ThreeRiversParkDistrict.org | 8.0 | 2.5 | INT | X | X | X | X | Plymouth. Trails through woods and meadows. | ||
| Elm Creek Park Reserve, Three Rivers Parks and Trails; 763-694-7894; ThreeRiversParkDistrict.org | 17.9 | 12.6 | INT | X | X | X | X | Maple Grove. Equipment rental. Lessons. Lighted trails. New lodge. Snowmaking. Diverse scenery and wildlife. | ||
| French Regional Park, Three Rivers Parks and Trails; 763-694-7750; ThreeRiversParkDistrict.org | 10.2 | 8.1 | AL | X | X | X | X | Plymouth. Ski rental. Concessions. Lighted Trails. Natural setting. | ||
| Fort Snelling State Park; 612-725-2389; dnr.state.mn.us | 12.8 | 12.8 | EG | X | X | X | X | X | X | Located near Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport on the Minnesota River. Warming house. Level terrain along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. |
| Gateway State Trail, DNR Trails and Waterways; 651-772-7937; dnr.state.mn.us | 16.1 | 16.1 | INT | X | X | X | X | X | Located in rural Washington County near Stillwater. Former railroad grade runs through woods, wetlands, lakes, and farms. | |
| Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Three Rivers Parks and Trails; 763-694-7687; ThreeRiversParkDistrict.org | 11.3 | 11.3 | AL | X | X | X | X | Bloomington. Equipment rental. Lessons. Lighted trails. Rolling hills and prairie. | ||
| Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, Carver County Parks; 952-466-5250; co.carver.mn.us/parks | 10.0 | 5.0 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | Located S of Lake Minnetonka. Diverse scenery and wildlife. | |
| Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Dakota County Parks, 651-438-4660; 651-438-4671; co.dakota.mn.us | 20.4 | 3.8 | AL | X | X | X | X | X | Located in Eagan. Hilly terrain winds through woods, meadows, and lakes. | |
| Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, Three Rivers Parks and Trails; 763-694-7777; ThreeRiversParkDistrict.org | 19.4 | 19.4 | EX | X | X | X | X | Burnsville. Downhill runs and uphill grades through thick oak woods. Reputation for challenge. | ||
| Ritter Farm Park, Lakeville Parks and Recreation; 952-985-4600, 952-985-4690 | 20.0 | 20.0 | AL | X | X | X | 3 miles S of Buck Hill Ski Area. Lessons. Rolling hills with diverse scenery. | |||
| UMore Park, Dakota County Parks; 952-891-7000; co.dakota.mn.us | 17.7 | 17.7 | AL | X | X | X | Located in Rosemount city limits. Gently rolling terrain over ridges, past agricultural land, along wetlands, and through heavily forested areas. Interesting variety of scenery. | |||
| William O’Brien State Park; 651-433-0500; dnr.state.mn.us | 19.2 | 19.2 | INT | X | X | X | X | X | X | 2 miles N of Marine on St. Croix. Diverse scenery and wildlife. |
| Wirth Winter Recreation Area; 763-522-4584; minneapolisparks.com | 11.7 | 11.7 | AL | X | X | X | Located in Golden Valley. Equipment rental. Lessons. Lighted trails. Both level and hilly terrain. Snack bar. May increase to 30 km along lakes. | |||
