With such strong Scandinavian roots in Minnesota, it’s probably not a surprise that cross country skiing is one of the most popular things to do in the winter. So, with the official start of winter just around the corner, it’s time we talk about some of the best places to enjoy cross country skiing in Minnesota.
Not only is the sport incredibly popular in Minnesota, but it’s also one of the most accessible winter activities, as it can be enjoyed practically anywhere you are. Cross country skiing in Minneota also happens to be fun, great exercise, and the perfect way to enjoy Minnesota’s winter wonderland! Cross country skiing can be enjoyed at many of the top Minnesota State Parks and on local bike trails, hiking trails, and other Nordic Centers around the state.
Wherever you end up cross country skiing in Minnesota, you’ll find a range of trails from single-track for more traditional Nordic skiing to tracks built for skate skiers. There’s even a fair amount of lighted tracks for night skiing – a truly magical experience. Moreover, wherever your winter adventures take you this year, know you can warm up and put your feet up at the end of the day at one of our top-rated Minnesota Bed and Breakfasts.
Our Minnesota Bed and Breakfast group offers some of the most unique accommodations in the state. Coupled with exceptional Midwest hospitality, you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere better. Once you choose where you want to go this winter, find a nearby Minnesota Bed and Breakfast and book your room!
8+ Places for Cross Country Skiing in Minnesota
As this map of trails for cross country skiing in Minnesota illustrates, there are more trails around the state than you can possibly traverse in any given winter – and these are only the trails on lands operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, not taking into account other trails around the rest of the state, in addition to other potentially private or ungroomed trails that are surely out there.
Regardless, an extensive list of trails for cross country skiing in Minnesota is sure to welcome news to winter enthusiasts! Though we can’t possibly cover all of these trails, we have highlighted what we considered to be 15 of the best areas for cross country skiing in Minnesota.
- If you find yourself in the Duluth or Two Harbors area in the northeast, there are ample opportunities for cross country skiing in Minnesota, including at the area’s top state parks. Hit the trails at Jay Cooke State Park, Tettagouche State Park, and Gooseberry Falls State Park.
- State Parks aren’t the only great places to cross country ski in Duluth. The city also has an extensive network of parks that offer cross country skiing. There’s the popular Snowflake Nordic Center in town, too, which provides an option for night skiing for a truly magical winter adventure.
- If you find yourself near Grand Rapids this winter, consider heading to Mt. Itasca Winter Sports Center, where you’ll find almost 150 miles of groomed cross country skiing trails in Minnesota.
- In the nearby Bemidji area, you can enjoy excellent cross country skiing at Lake Bemidji State Park, where you’ll find 8-miles of groomed cross country trails and another 1.3-miles of skate-style skiing.
- Two popular destinations for cross country skiing in Minnesota in the Twin Cities metro area are Theodore Wirth Park and Elm Creek Park Reserve, the latter offering the opportunity for some beautiful night skiing.
- If you’re in the central part of the state, consider heading to Glendalough State Park near New York Mills, where you’ll find eight gorgeous miles of groomed trails to explore. It’s an exceptional place to enjoy cross country skiing in Minnesota. Just a little further to the south, near Alexandria, is Lake Carlos State Park, where there are another six miles of cross country skiing in Minnesota.
- If you find yourself in the southern part of the state near Red Wing, don’t miss some of the best cross country skiing in Minnesota at the Red Wing Nordic Center. Nearby Frontenac State Park is another exceptional place to strap on a pair of Nordic skis for a fun afternoon in the snow, as is the famed Cannon Valley Trail.
- A little further to the south, you’ll find one of the best bike trails in Minnesota, which also happens to be a fantastic place for cross country skiing in Minnesota: The Root River State Trail in Lanesboro.
Warm Up at our Minnesota Bed and Breakfasts This Winter
At the end of a long day out in the cold cross country skiing in Minnesota, there’s nothing better than returning to the warm, welcoming, and cozy accommodations among the members of the Minnesota Bed and Breakfast Association. Our collection of Inns represents some of the best places to stay in Minnesota.
At the heart of every guest experience at our Minnesota Bed and Breakfasts is incredible, personalized service that can’t be matched. You’ll receive a warm welcome when you check-in, and from there, our Innkeepers will tend to every detail of your stay to ensure it exceeds your expectations. You’ll never feel more at home than you do at one of our Minnesota Bed and Breakfasts.
We’ll start your day off on the right foot with a delicious and filling breakfast prepared fresh for you each morning of your stay. It’s the perfect fuel for cross country skiing in Minnesota! It doesn’t get much better than that! Experience the difference our Minnesota Bed and Breakfasts make in your getaways this winter. Book your room at our top-rated Inns today!
