MNweatherwear's Guide to MN Weather Fun is "Sectioned by Season".
SEASON 1: SPECTACULAR SPRING!
*Wake Up and Walk:
Cannon Valley Trail/Cannon Falls: A former Chicago Great Western Railway Line, the 19.7 mile Cannon Valley Trail connects the cities of Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing. An Asphalt Trail--that has a 115 gradual descent as it follows a "Rail Trail"--is open to hikers, bicyclers and in-line skaters. No motorized vehicles or pets allowed. This trail parallels the splendid Cannon River and offers stunning views of the entire valley including bluffs, wetlands, farmland and a handful of large lakes. A newer rest area boasts a gorgeous fire pit. To aid with the maintenance of this terrific trail, between April 1st and November 1st a Wheel Pass must be purchased – available at kiosks at major access points to the trial and local businesses. A Daily Wheel Pass is $7 and a Season Wheel Pass is $30. Parking for this Trail – in Cannon Falls at the softball fields, south of Welch the trailhead on Mt. Hill Road and at Anderson Park in Red Wing.
Minnesota River State Trail: This magnificent asphalt and dirt trail is now in 3 stages that total approximately 12.3 miles of trails at present but when completed this Trail will stretch from Big Stone Lake State Park north of Ortonville to Le Sueur a distance of more than 175 miles-WOW! Segment 1 begins at the southern end of Big Stone Lake – the headwaters of the Minnesota River!!--just east of the border of MN and SD. Begin your "journey" at Lakeside Park and move south along a tree-dotted route that at times closely hugs the waterway. Be prepared for outrageous River Views. Paddlers will see a diversity of terrain, ranging from steep granite bluffs to marshy lowlands. Trail ends in Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. Segment 2 starts in Milan and travels west from the outskirts of this Scandinavian town through open countryside to the Milan Beach Resort on Lac Qui Parle [a reservoir whose name means the "lake which speaks"]. Final Segment 3 begins in Montevideo. This small city named for its stunning views overlooks the vivacious valley and it is where the Minnesota and Chippewa rivers converge. Walk through rural landscapes to the small village of Wegdahl. Phase 1A of the 13-mile segment was completed in 2020. Phase 1B is next, and Phase 2 is tentatively scheduled for 2026.
Casey Jones State Trail: Walk this 20.5 mile trail that is asphalt, grass and gravel and is named after the famed railroad engineer Casey Jones, who died in a railroad accident in 1900 and was immortalized in a well-known ballad. If you can – think back to the "Casey Jones"/"Roundhouse Rodney" show we watched as "small folk". The Casey Jones State Trail is a multi-use recreational "Rail Trail" in southwestern Minnesota that connects points of natural interest--such as tallgrass prairie, wooded ravines, Lake Shetek and the sloughs around it, which all are remnants of the glacial landscape that once covered southwestern Minnesota.. It was one of the first Minnesota state trails to be established and it also consists of three segments. The longest segment is 13 miles of former railroad grade between the city of Pipestone and the Pipestone/Murray county line. Five miles of this segment from Pipestone to County Road 16 is paved. The remaining 8 miles are natural-surfaced. A second, small, natural-surfaced segment runs west 1.5 miles from the City of Lake Wilson. The third portion of the trail is a 6 mile, paved loop between Lake Shetek State Park and the City of Currie. The landscape surrounding this Trail is truly the "heartland" of America.
Lake Phalen Trail: This 3.2-mile paved trail loops around Popular Lake Phalen in St. Paul! The tree-dotted pathway offers views of the lovely lake! This Trail connects at its north-end to the Gateway State Trail and on its southern end to the Bruce Vento Trail. Parking is available in several lots in adjacent Phalen Regional Park. Make it a day-event by bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy in the Pleasant Park after walking!
In addition to "Hiking Hot Spots" found on our Year-Round Outdoor Fun Page – try out this Terrific Trail:
Superior Hiking Trail: The Superior Hiking Trail is a whopping 310-Mile Trail between the Canadian Border and Two Harbors! It is the ultimate way to experience nature while traveling through rugged and beautiful Northern Minnesota. Each "Season" offers new exceptional vistas of nature! This long-distance footpath is modeled after the Appalachian Trail and follows the famous shore of Lake Superior. It is 1,750 feet above sea-level and more than 1,000 feet above luminous Lake Superior. The trail is characterized by ascents to rock outcroppings and cliffs, and descents into numerous river and creek valleys crossed by attractive and functional bridges. Panoramic views of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains are abundant along the trail and at many points showcases waterfalls and rapids--bends and deep gorge--where years and years of rushing water has cut into layers of ancient volcanic rock. A very well-marked trail.
*Superb Skate-Boarding: Here is a list of Six Superb Skate-Boarding Parks around the Twin Cities:
3rd Lair-Golden Valley: Located at 850 Florida Avenue South in Golden Valley. Since 1997, 3rd Lair takes skateboarding to the next level by offering classes and skate clubs. What fun to join a club where members all enjoy skateboarding! This dynamic skate park allows bicycles. Hours: Open Everyday 12:00 Noon to 9:00 pm! Open Riding Rates are $15.00/session for regulars and $5.00/session for 3rd Lair Members. Summer Skateboard Camp is June 11 through August 24! TEN weeks of superior skating! See www.3rdlair.com.
Overpass Skate Park-Hopkins – [Operated by 3rd Lair!]: The Overpass Skate Park is owned by the City of Hopkins, operated by the 3rd Lair and opened in the Spring of 2000. This savvy Skate Park is one of the biggest skate parks in the entire Metro Area and is located under the Highway 169 bypass in Hopkins. The Park spans 18,000 square feet and offers skating enthusiasts piano banks, fun boxes, kinked rails and staircases, as well as protective helmets and pads. The Highway 169 overpass protects skateboarders, inline skaters, scooters, and BMX bikers from light rain, but does not offer protection from rainstorms or the elements of winter. This Park is seasonal and operates as the weather permits! Rates: $8/day and $6/day [Resident discount rate which includes Residents of Hopkins, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park] & 3rd Lair Members.
Glen Lake Skate Park-14350 Excelsior Boulevard: This Skate Park is open from dawn to dusk, year-round as weather permits! Bring your Boards and try out the American Ramp Obstacles! The Glen Lake Skate Park first opened in 2004 due to the efforts of several young Minnetonka residents-Kudos go out to you! Get Outside and Exercise!
Zero Gravity Stakepark-Mound: 2345 Cypress Ln, Mound, MN 55364. This remarkable Skatepark is approximately 150 feet long and 20 feet wide. This outdoor concrete park has several challenging features. Extreme skaters will appreciate the half pipes/ramps and other obstacles. Zero Gravity is free of charge and ideal for all ages. You will be guaranteed an unforgettable skateboarding encounter! Restrooms on-site.
Shoreview Public Skate Park-Shoreview: The SweetRoll is a Tier-One Skating Facility that is located on the north side of the Shoreview Community Center at 4580 Victoria Street North. It is adjacent to the City of Shoreview's 41 miles of paved trail system! The attractions include a wedge, a spine, a fun box, a quarter pipe, grind rails, and a mini ramp. This "sweet" Skate Park opens at 9:00 am Monday-Sunday. Bicycles and scooters are not permitted on the skate park.
Sliding Hill Skate Park: 1501 Columbus Ave North in New Prague opened for public use on July 18th, 2006 and has been a fan favorite ever since. Skateboards, Inline Skates and Bicycles are allowed in the Skate Park. Visit the quaint town of New Prague and this thrilling skate park.
*Best of Bicycling:
Red Jacket Trail: Between Mankato and Rapidan you will find this 6-mile paved trail that connects with two other trails. Two small parks lie along the short-scenic Trail--Weagel Park located one mile south of Mankato and Red Jacket Trail Park at the Le Sueur River with parking available at both locations. The Trail passes Mount Kato Ski Area and Mountain Bike Park before traveling along a wooded, secluded hillside that travels over railroad trestles--past rural scenery and into the Village of Rapidan.
Cuyuna Lakes State Trail: This 8-mile paved trail between Crosby and Riverton is located within the Cuyuna County State Recreation Area. One mile of the Trail passes through Aitkin along Highway 169. Explore this exceptionally scenic route through this superb State Recreation Area that offers views of crystal clear lakes (former mining pits), streams, woods and other relics of the area's mining past.
Mesabi Trail: Located at 111 Station 44 Road, Eveleth, MN this terrific trial runs from Grand Rapids to Ely. This paved bicycle trail is the longest continuous section of the Trail and connects Grand Rapids to Highway 135 just beyond Giants Ridge in Biwabik – about 85 miles. Other parts of the Trail include spurs and portions around Grand Rapids, Chisholm, Eveleth, Aurora, Tower/Soudan and Ely. The Mesabi Trail stretches from the Mississippi River to the BWCAW –from Grand Rapids to Ely, transversing 132 miles and connecting a total of 28 communities! Wow! Built partially on old railroad beds, logging and mining roads, the mighty Mesabi Trail takes riders through northeast Minnesota and the Iron Range, into woods, near creeks/ponds and by several old mining pits filled with emerald green water. $20 for an annual pass and $10 for a 3-day pass. Revenue from Wheel Pass sales helps support the trail! Hikers, Joggers, Walkers and persons with disabilities are not required to purchase a pass. Dogs are allowed.
Brown's Creek Trail: This 6-mile paved trail follows a portion of the former Minnesota Zephyr Railroad Route and generally follows Brown Creek--a designed trout stream--that hosts a nice, shaded area. The Trail navigates golf courses and crosses over Manning Avenue on a pedestrian bridge. This Trail connects with the Gateway State Trail in the City of Grant, letting trail users to go from the St. Croix River in downtown Stillwater to the Mighty Mississippi River!
Midtown Greenway: This remarkable trail in South Minneapolis has been referred to as a "Freeway for Bikes". It is the perfect year-round urban bike experience with a wide-smooth mostly flat trail that gives riders a taste of Minneapolis from the Mississippi River to Uptown and the "Chain of Lakes "Area without having to worry about busy vehicle traffic. The west end of the Trail connects with the Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail that links Minneapolis to St. Louis Park, Hopkins and beyond! The eastern end of the Trail connects to West River Parkway along the Mississippi River!
Sunrise Prairie Trail/Hardwood Creek Trail: This Trail is 20 miles north of the Twin Cities and consists of 25.5 paved miles that begins in North Branch and ends in Hugo. Between North Branch and Forest Lake the Sunrise Prairie Trail passes alongside residential areas/farmlands, hardwood forests and wetlands and bridges the Sunrise River at two sites. Stop for a rest at Stacy Lions Park where you will find picnic tables, a shelter, drinking fountain and restrooms. Near Forest Lake, the Trail becomes the Hardwood Creek Trail and this section of the Trail parallels Highway 61 south to Hugo.
Gear West Ski & Run--- Join Gear West's [1786 W. Wayzata Boulevard in lovely Long Lake, MN] Weekly Event: Tuesdays are for RUNNING. Do you like to run through woods on dirt or snowpacked trails? Then, please join the every week , year-round Tuesday Night Trail Run. Trail time is 6pm. Meet inside the ski and run shop about 10 minutes prior. Run to either Wolsfeld Woods or Woodrill with this fun, low-key social group. Get Outside and Exercise in Minnesota's Ever-Changing Weather!
*Other Spring Outdoor Activities:
Innovation Backstop & Field at Jackson Square Park:
Practice hitting "home runs" with a solar-powered artistic baseball backstop that is topped by steel "fins" and sculpted glass. It is lit by solar powered LED lights. Gaze at the plaque which tells the story of "kitten ball"! Spring training – just like the TWINS! An adjacent flood basin offers a great place to kick a soccer ball! Jackson Square Park is located at 22nd Avenue NE and Quincy Street NE in Minneapolis.
Mississippi River Paddle Share: This Twin Cities metro area self-serving kayak sharing system lets you rent a boat and paddle to a destination downriver. Use your online reservation code to access the kayak, paddle and life jackets inside the locker at your starting point location. Paddle and explore the river to your end location. Take out at your end location and return all equipment to the locker.
Nature Route - Mississippi Gateway Regional Park TO North Mississippi Regional Park;
Nature to City Route - River Park TO Boom Island Regional Park;
City Route - North Mississippi Regional Park TO Boom Island Regional Park;
The Gorge Route - Bohemian Flats Park TO Minneapolis Rowing Club/Lake Street Bridge;
Pickeral Lake Station - at Lilydale Regional Park.
SEASON 2: SIZZLING SUMMER:
MINNESOTA STATE PARKS system has more than 227,000 acres in 76 parks and recreation areas with 1030 miles of hiking trails! Voyageurs National Park is unique in that it is only accessible by Boat and is the gateway to the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area! MNWeatherwear highlights COOL CAMPING within our remarkable State Parks:
Bear-Head Lake State Park-Ely, MN: This secluded park on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area provides pristine lakes with red and white pine trees. Home to walleye, bass, crappies and trout, be sure to bring your fishing pole! Hike the outrageous trails or swim at the beach.
Rice Lake State Park-Owatanna, MN: Camp under tall hardwoods in this savvy State Park or paddle across the shallow lake for a private canoe campsite! This major wetlands is a must for birdwatchers and photographers.
Savannah Portgage State Park-McGregor, MN: This stunning Park was established in 1961 to preserve the historic Savanna Portage – a difficult 6-mile trail connecting the watersheds of the Mississippi River and Lake Superior. With over 15,818 acres of rolling hills, lakes and bogs come hike/walk the continental divide trail where water flows to the east to Lake Superior and to the west to the Mighty Mississippi. Swim in Loon Lake and plan that perfect campfire evening beneath the stars.
Lake Louise State Park-LeRoy, MN: For a mix of woodlands, savanna and meadows on the eastern edge of tall grass prairie---look no further. Bicycle along the 20-mile Shooting Star State Trail which bisects this picturesque park. Hike to the historic damn that impounds the Upper Iowa and Little Iowa Rivers. Swim at the beautiful Beach that draws visitors each summer. Fish away and plan that lakeside picnic! Tour the Park on Horseback for a memory-filled adventure.
Minnesota State Park Yearly Pass=$35.00; One Day Pass=$7.00.
TAKE TIME TO ATTEND-----TWIN CITIES BEST BEACHES:
White Sands Beach-Minneapolis, MN: 2801 W. River Parkway. A Must See --Wonderful White Sand Beach tucked away along the River! Let doggie run free. Relax next to a campfire. Park Hours: 11:30am-4:00am
Hidden Falls Park-St. Paul, MN: 1415 Mississippi River Blvd. So. This unique park dates back to 1887 when it was selected as 1 of 4 major park sites for the City of St. Paul! A best kept secret, this park has “Hidden Falls”, a boat launch, bbq grills, fire pit, restrooms, benches and trails that run along the shady wooded bottomlands next to the magnificent Mississippi River. Bring your dog and fishing pole. Park Hours: 8:00am-11:00pm and usually not crowded.
Weaver Lake Beach and Park-Maple Grove, MN: 8401 Dunkirk Lane North. Enjoy the 80-acre park with playgrounds and picnic areas with grills. Big Bonus is the Large Tube Slide to the Beach! Tennis, Basketball, Baseball and Volleyball courts. Fish from the Pier. There is fun for everyone! Concession stand and restrooms. Park Hours: Noon to 7:00 pm
Crystal Beach, Burnsville, MN: On Lac Lavon Drive (Cty. Road 11) This 24-acre park has paddleboat rentals and a keen kids play area, Volleyball courts, Picnic and shelter areas. Concessions, restrooms and an unguarded beach. Park Hours: 5:00am-10:00pm
Lake Nokomis Main Beach-Minneapolis, MN: 5001 W. Lake Nokomis Parkway. Swimming Lessons are available-start a child on a lifetime of fun and fitness! A fabulous Eatery and Concessions. A terrific ‘Tot Lot’ playground. Biking path and restrooms. Park Hours: 6:00 am-Midnight.
MNWEATHERWEAR.COM IS PLEASED TO PRESENT: SEASON 3 FABULOUS FALL:
Pumpkin flavored this and that, apple picking/baking, football and trees-a-turning -- can only mean Autumn has Arrived! Get Outside, Exercise and Explore Minnesota’s Gloriously Colorful Season 3!
Visit this AWESOME Apple Orchard:MNWeatherWear.com LOVES the Outstanding "LuceLine Orchard". Located at 2755 Rose Avenue in wonderful Watertown--let Hosts: Rich Pawelk and his wife Terri Traen--tempt you, your family and dog [on-leash] into this incredible Orchard which began in 2004 with a dream and 300 apple trees. September of 2012 saw the LuceLine Orchard's debut on the spacious 155 acres located adjacent to the lovely Luce Line Trail! LuceLine Orchard boasts seven different varieties of apples; squash/ gourds, a variety of pumpkins, and fantastic-fun food(s) that have a unique "apple" twist. The 80 acres of woods/wetlands are a "perfect" place to let doggie explore on-leash! Or to walk, run, horse-ride, bicycle or birdwatch while savoring the ever-changing Minnesota weather. "Small Folk" and Doggies are particularly keen on the Petting Zoo and Hay Mountain! All of the Incredible Items for purchase are "Minnesota Made"! Please see: www.lucelineorchard.com for additional details! See you there!
Minnesota's Spectacular Fall Color Show progresses from north to south, starting in early September and works its way down the state into mid-October. Check out these Suggested Routes:
Iron Range Loop: Highway 169 from Virginia to Tower; Highway 135 through Biwabik and back to Virginia. Peak: Mid September to Early October
The midst of Superior National Forest is heavily populated with maple, pine, birch and more and contains countless cool-clear lakes. On the southern shore of Lake Vermilion is Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. This underground mine portion of the park offers fascinating guided tours beginning with an elevator ride a half-mile underground into Minnesota’s oldest mine. Tours are daily through September and weekends through mid-October. Guides take you to where miners last worked before closure of the mine in 1962. Or visit a working underground physics laboratory where physicists and engineers from around the world are trying to find answers to questions about how the universe works. A Bicyclist? Try the 68-mile leg of paved and scenic Mesabi Trail that runs west from Virginia to Grand Rapids through the Mesabi Iron Range. Cruise by forests, lakes, fields, and streams. More a motorized type? Minnesota's premier off-highway vehicle recreation area spans 1,200 acres and has 36 miles of scenic trails. Scenic overlooks offer views that stretch for miles, and riders will find spectacular off-road riding for all skill levels.
Brainerd Lakes and Mille Lacs: Highway 371 and Highway 6 and the County Roads between them plus Highway 169 Peak: Late September to Early October
This route passes through prime lake resort country in central Minnesota, where you will find large lakes like Gull, Cross, Pelican, and the Whitefish chain, as well as dozens of littler lakes, sparkle among the forests of oak, maple, aspen and birch. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park explodes with amazing colors at the edge of Lake Mille Lacs’ vast waters. The observation tower here offers one-of-a-kind sights. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area boasts world-class mountain biking for bikers of all levels with more than 25 miles of single-track trail riding spread across 800 acres!
Mississippi Headwaters and Lake County: Highway 71 between Park Rapids and Bemidji plus numerous roads about these towns. Peak: Mid September to Early October.
The jewel of this route through northwest Minnesota is Itasca State Park, Minnesota’s oldest and second-largest state park, at the source of the legendary Mississippi River. In addition to the infamous old-growth white and red pine, you will find oak, maple, basswood, and aspen to add to the color array. The park is also home to tamarack, Minnesota’s deciduous conifer, with needles that turn bright yellow before dropping in the fall (typically a bit later than leaf-bearing trees). Take in the Mississippi Headwaters Center where the great river leaves Lake Itasca and begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Itasca State Park has 45 miles for your biking or hiking pleasure --30 trails through a wide variety of habitat. Lake Bemidji State Park, on the northeast shore of Lake Bemidji, offers diverse trees, wildflowers, grasslands, bogs and wildlife in a lakeside setting. Take the short hike to the Bluff at Rocky Point high above the blue waters to an incredible view of the lake with its ‘Popping of Color’ with pine, birch, maple and other colorful trees.
Historic Bluff Country: Highway 16 between LaCrescent and Dexter. Peak: Late September to Mid October
This lovely road in southeast Minnesota winds for 90 miles among the lushly wooded limestone bluffs of the Root River Valley. Travel through charming river towns that take you back in time! Minnesota’s largest Amish communities settled in this area and black horse-drawn buggies are a common sight along these roads. Shops in Lanesboro and Harmony offer unique Amish crafts. Take an Amish tour that, with the permission of the Amish community you can visit farms and settlements to learn about the culture and peek at the treasures for purchase. Explore the Root River Trail by bike, stopping for lunch or pie in a town along the trail.
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway: Minneapolis – a 53 mile Drive Along The Parkways. Peak: Late September to Mid October
With a park system as extraordinary as that of Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding suburbs, it’s hard to pick a favorite route, but Minneapolis’ Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is the perfect place to start exploring. As the nation’s longest continuous system of public urban parkways, the byway encompasses about 50 miles of tree-lined streets, connecting with more than 100 miles of biking and hiking trails. The historic Longfellow House near Minnehaha Park houses an interpretive center with information about this rad route. The longest sections are along the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes (Cedar Lake, Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles and Lake Harriet), Minnehaha Parkway and the West Mississippi River Parkway. The route also loops around Lake Nokomis and through Theodore Wirth Park which is home to the lovely Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. The Twin Cities Nice Ride system offers bike rentals at self-service racks along the route. Get Outside and Exercise in Minnesota’s Ever-Changing Weather!
Cheer for the Home Team:
The Vikings, Gophers and Minnesota United soccer team are local teams to "root" for this Fabulous Fall. Cheer-on the Vikings at their new exquisite home - the U.S. Bank Stadium.
Attend a Fall Festival:
Scarecrow contests, craft fairs and "booyas" are just a few ways Minnesota celebrates harvest season. A Few to Favor are: The Applefest & Catapult Contest at Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria; SeptOberfest in Wabasha and Stillwater’s Harvest Fest that offers a Giant Pumpkin Boat Race.
Oktoberfest:
New Ulm Shouts Out as Minnesota's ‘most’ German town, and the town means ‘business’ with Oktoberfest. Other towns join in on the fun as well with celebrations in Deerwood, Waconia, Moorhead and beyond but New Ulm is THE Ultimate Spot for Oktoberfest FUN.
Halloween Haven:
From kid-friendly to frightening, Halloween celebrations of all kinds are found in Minnesota. Anoka, the self-proclaimed ‘Halloween Capital of the World’ celebrates ALL MONTH long. Look to Valleyscare in Shakopee and All Hallow's Eve in Farmington.
SEASON 4: WONDERFUL WINTER!
The frost does not keep Minnesotans indoors--We embrace our Wonderful Winter Weather.
ICE-SKATING:
Loring Park: Skate away at Wells Fargo/Minneapolis WinterSkate. This outdoor rink is completely refrigerated, meaning you can enjoy skating under the magical Minneapolis skyline in the heart of the city whether it’s O or 50 degrees! With free, family-friendly special events, complimentary skate rental and a Warming House – This is the Spot to Skate! Be sure to take an irresistible photo in the “fun photo frame”.
Peavey Plaza: The sunken plaza on Nicollet Mall in dynamic Downtown Minneapolis is frozen for ice-skating in the winter. Most popular with office workers. Only in our special state of Minnesota is ice-skating a popular lunch-break Event.
SKI/SNOWBOARD:
Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area: This amazing adventure is the closest to Minneapolis and St. Paul. Located in Bloomington, just west of the Mall of America, this Ski and Snowboard area is part of the larger Hyland Lake Park Reserve, which offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails, and a Nordic Ski-Jumping Complex. A perfect place for beginners or for freshening-up skiing skills.
Buck Hill: This Resort in Burnsville is approximately 30 minutes south from Minneapolis or St. Paul and offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow-tubing. Buck Hill is most famous for its ski racing teams and has produced Olympic medalists like Lindsey Vonn (who began skiing here at age 2) and World Cup champions like Kristina Koznick. Winter tubing parties can be customized for private parties for 40 or more.
Afton Alps: One of the largest snowboarding and snow tubing areas near the Twin Cities located in quaint Hastings which is 45 minutes southwest of St. Paul. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are available for all ages and levels; group lessons start for Small Folk at age 4. Offers rental ski and snowboarding equipment, including high-performance ski equipment.
Welch Village Resort: Popular with local snow sports enthusiasts this Resort is about an hour southeast of the Twin Cities in the town of Welch. Lessons are tailored to all experience levels. Special rates for lift tickets and equipment rentals are available for groups. This ‘Rad Resort’ also offers a Night Club Membership: For a set fee, skiers get a no-cost lift ticket for use after 4 pm.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI: Most large parks and many gardens and open spaces in the terrific Twin Cities have cross-country ski trails open in the winter. Some of the most popular places to "Create a Cross-Country Ski Adventure" in and about the Twin Cities are listed below:
Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis has 25 kilometers of trails for beginners to advanced and a two-kilometer lighted trail for exceptional evening skiing.
Columbia Golf Course in Minneapolis has several super miles of trails.
Fort Snelling State Park has 12 miles of superior scenic trails with river views.
Como Park in St. Paul has some of the keenest trails in the entire Metro area.
Elm Creek Park Preserve in Maple Grove has several lighted trails, and "snowmaking" to keep the trails in pristine condition!
AT THE ABORETUM: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a very scenic place to ski and offers many amazing Year-Round Adventures. PLEASE see MNWW’s ‘At The Arboretum Page’ for Exceptional Events.
GOOD OLD-FASHIONED SLEDDING:
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT: [Baker Park Reserve/Carver Park Reserve/Elm Creek Park Reserve/French Regional Park/Hyland Lake Park Reserve]: Remember the excitement and thrill of an afternoon at a sledding hill? Even when your cheeks turned rosy and your toes went numb -- one more trip down the hill was what you did. It’s easy to feel like ‘Small Folk’ again at Three Rivers, where you'll find some of the best sledding hills in the Twin Cities. Bundle up and grab a sled, or rent one from the nature center for hours of exhilarating fun! Get Outside and Exercise!
ICE-FISHING FRENZY:
LAKE 1: Mille Lacs Lake – offers 74 miles of coastline! The lake that is more than 130,000 acres in size means fishermen have plenty of room to spread out. Known to be home to an abundance of Rock Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Small-Mouth Bass, Jumbo Perch, Tullibee and Muskie! Located a short drive from the Twin Cities –make it a day or weekend adventure!
LAKE 2: Lake Waconia is almost a ‘mini Mille Lacs’ with all the midlake structure and a sandy bottom. Everybody who fishes the West-Metro area fishes this lake! The Walleye and Crappie action is consistent in Wagner’s Bay just off of Pillsbury Reef. Pike are also prevalent. Many fishermen/women’s favorite spot.
LAKE 3: Lake Minnetonka—this rad recreational lake still has Walleye action that is fast. Winter Walleyes are found in the same areas as in the summer, only a bit deeper off the main lakes, humps and points. Depths of 30 feet are not usual. Gray’s Bay produces Crappies and Bluegills. Big Island’s northeast side is a multi-species hotspot. Catch Pike and Panfish there during the day then wait for the Crappie and Walleye to bite at night!
LAKE 4: Prior Lake – is rated good for Walleyes and excellent for Crappies! West-Metro DNR reports that Prior Lake has a high abundance of Bluebills through smaller in size. Prior Lake is the largest lake in the Southern Metropolitan area and ranks number 80 in size of all 10,000 Minnesota lakes. Total surface area of Upper & Lower Prior Lake: 1,356 acres
LAKE 5: Lake Phalen is an urban lake consisting of 198 acres located in St. Paul, Minnesota and in its suburb of Maplewood. It is one of the largest lakes in St. Paul and is the centerpiece of the Phalen Regional Park System. The lake drains into the magestic Mississippi River after traveling through Phalen Creek. This clear, deep lake is jammed with wonderful-tasting Walleyes! The beach on the south-end just off of Phalen Drive is a good location that offers easy access!
LAKE 6: Lake Harriet—is one of those inner-city metro lakes that sees very little pressure in the summer and winter even though it has been a well-known quality fishery for several decades. However, more and more portable fish houses seem to be setting up on the western shoreline each winter! Walleye stocking on this lake is done by the DNR annually and the majority of the fish are currently 5 years old or younger, making for some high-quality eating! The best reason to fish Lake Harriet however may be for the Crappies!!!