The winter landscapes show off the natural beauty of Minnesota.
There are a variety of winter attractions in Minnesota. Diversions include dog sledding, skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowboarding, ice fishing and more. Minnesota State Parks offer sightseeing and many activities, too. The winter landscapes show off the natural beauty of the state and visitors can view frozen waterfalls, snow-covered forests, game trails and other habitats. Additionally, Minnesota is home to special fairs and festivals that make a winter visit to Minnesota worthwhile.
Dog Sledding
Most dog sledding treks are in northwestern Minnesota.
Dog sledding is a popular new snow sport in Minnesota. Adventure trip organizations offer many forms of the sport. Trips vary from a sightseeing ride in a dog sled to learning to mush and handle a team. Visitors may also choose from trips that last several hours to several days and include camping or staying in lodges. There are about two dozen dog sled outfitters in Minnesota, with most dog sledding treks are in northwestern Minnesota. Ely, Minnesota is a popular dog sledding center.
Moose Track Adventure Resorts
593 Kawishiwi Trail
Ely, MN 55731
800-777-7091
moosetrackadventures.com
Minnesota Skiing
There are many skiing opportunities in Minnesota.
Minnesota is also a popular skiing destination for both downhill and cross-country skiing. Minnesota has 12 ski areas. Lutsen is Minnesota's largest ski area. It features more than 1,000 acres, 90 runs, a 900 foot vertical drop and a gondola. Lutsen is also the home of Olympic skier Cindy Nelson. The Afton Heights ski area offers 48 trails through the hills of the St. Croix River Valley. Located near the Mall of America, the Hylands area offers cross-country skiing. The U.S. ski teams train in the Buck Hills ski area. Other popular ski areas include Spirit Mountain and Mount Kato.
Lutsen Mountains
P.O. Box 129
Lutsen, MN 55612
218-663-7281
ski@lutsen.com
Minnesota Snowmobiling
Most snowmobile trails are maintained by volunteers.
Minnesota offers 20,000 miles of snowmobiling trails. Snowmobile clubs and other volunteers maintain most of Minnesota's trails. Many resort areas offer snowmobile rentals and lodging along the trails. Ely, Minnesota is a popular snowmobile hub. Many trails leave from the Ely area. Some popular trails include the Taconite Trail, which stretches between Ely and Grand Rapids, and the Tomahawk Trail, which leads east and connects to the popular North Shore Trail and the Yukon Trail. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers general and safety information, maps, brochures, and the licenses and permits required for snowmobiling in the state.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Rd.
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
800-657-3929
info.dnr@state.mn.us
Minnesota Winter Festivals
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival boasts giant ice and snow sculptures.
Winter festivals abound in Minnesota. The yearly Saint Paul Winter Carnival occurs every January. The carnival features giant ice sculptures, snow sculptures, winter royalty coronations, parades, digging for buried treasure in the snow and more. Other Minnesota festivals include Icebox Days in International Falls, the Ely Winter Festival, the Winter Fest in Spicer and the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in Duluth.
Tags: area offers, cross-country skiing, Department Natural, Department Natural Resources, landscapes show