Ah, winter! While some folks curl up under a blanket and hibernate during the winter months, resilient Minnesotans find frolicking outdoors invigorating! Enjoying the outdoors during winter fights seasonal depression and improves your well-being. So, we say, bundle up and get moving!
When the snow falls, northern Minnesota transforms into a winter wonderland. From snowshoeing or hiking through our scenic state parks, blazing new trails on a sled, or simply soaking in the magical beauty from new-fallen snow, Lake County makes the ultimate winter adventure destination.
Photo by Marlin Levison
Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, & Winter Hiking
There’s something magical about losing yourself in nature. So strap on some winter boots, snowshoes, or skis, head out to the wilderness, and soon you’ll experience inner peace. Feel your stress melt away as you focus on the sound of new snow crunching beneath your feet and watch your breath rhythmically move in and out.
Lake County offers endless options for getting outdoors near the North Shore and inland within the forest. No snowshoes? Luckily, several lodging establishments and state parks provide snowshoe rentals or free use for guests.
View Ski Trail Locations
Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking Locations
Snowmobiling & ATVing Across Lake County
Lake County, Minn., possesses some of the best snowmobile trails in the country. Nearly 150 miles of groomed trails bring you expansive views of Lake Superior or deep within the Superior National Forest. In addition, the North Shore Trail delivers some of the most ruggedly beautiful scenery in all of Minnesota.
The North Shore State Trail extends 146 miles from Duluth to Grand Marais. The trail runs through St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties in northeastern Minnesota, winding its way through the forests on the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior.
In Lake County, the Two Harbors Corridor Trail/Yukon Trail connects to the North Shore Trail and the Tomahawk Trail, which leads to Ely, Minn.
Many sledders can find lodging that easily accommodates groups and is located right off the trails for easy access.
View Snowmobile Maps and Entrance Points
Photo courtesy of Lovin Lake County
Dog Sledding
Dog sledding and skijoring are embedded in northern Minnesota culture. If you’ve never had the experience of mushing through the snowy woods, we highly recommend you give it a try. Guided rides can range from one- to two-hour excursions to extreme weekend winter camping adventures. Enjoy the great outdoors with adorable dogs who love to haul! Create unforgettable memories while driving your team of dogs through the beautiful north country.
The North Shore is home to the John Beargrease Dogsled Race, which runs from Duluth to Grand Portage. The notable event ranks as the premier long-distance sled dog race of the lower 48 and northern Minnesota’s top winter attraction! This year, the marathon runs from Sunday, January 30, to February 2, 2022. You can view all event details here.
Photo by Joann Jardine
Fat Biking
Fat biking has become a popular winter recreational activity in the great northwoods! So bring your fat bike or mountain bike and hit the trails to enjoy the North Shore this winter.
Lake County and the Minnesota DNR have created winter biking routes that wind through the forest on snowy trails. The county grooms the fat bike trails to pack the snow and keep ruts to a minimum. Two prominent areas to ride fat bikes include the Lake County Demonstration Forest and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
There’s Even More to Explore Up North!
Check out the rest of our Winter Adventure Guide and plan an unforgettable winter getaway to Lake County!
