It’s just about time to grab your Minnesota Ski Pass and head to the charming town of Duluth, where you can enjoy some of the best cross country skiing in Minnesota! If you don’t already know, winter is an exciting and wonderful time to visit us in the city of Duluth. In fact, once blanketed by a nice layer of snow, Duluth transforms into an absolute winter wonderland, filled with activities like skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more.
While you’re here enjoying and exploring the vast wilderness surrounding Duluth, you’ll need a place to stay. There are two spectacular and historic Bed and Breakfasts in Duluth MN that offer distinct, unparalleled lodging experiences on the North Shore. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just need a change of scenery this weekend, consider a Duluth Bed and Breakfast as an exceptional place to get away!
Where to Use Your Minnesota Ski Pass in Duluth
Minnesota is home to a pretty incredible network of well-maintained cross-country ski trails – in fact, there are more miles of cross-country ski trails in Minnesota than there are miles between St. Paul and Los Angeles! Luckily for us, many of these amazing trails are right here in the Duluth area, including at our state and city parks. Though there are of course private cross-country ski trails and plenty of public-use winter hiking trails suitable for snowshoeing, a vast number of the state’s groomed cross-country ski trails require a Minnesota Ski Pass.
If you’re coming to Duluth and intend to explore a number of these trails, we recommend you have a Minnesota Ski Pass on hand. It is easiest to buy the Minnesota Ski Pass online, but for that, you’ll need to make sure you plan far enough in advance to get the pass in the mail. You can also pick up a Minnesota Ski Pass in person if needed – they are sold at a variety of DNR locations around the state.
For just $25, the Minnesota Ski Pass will give you access to the state’s vast network of groomed cross-country ski trails. Of course, you can also buy a single day pass for $10 if you prefer. Once you have your pass in hand, here is where you should test out your cross-country skiing skills in the Duluth area, including both city and state parks.
- Duluth City Parks, including Piedmont, Magney-Snively, Chester, and Lester-Amity.
- Hartley Nature Center, which offers 10 miles of nordic ski trails.
- Jay Cooke, which offers 20 miles of groomed cross country skiing trails in MN, along with another 12 of ungroomed trails and plenty of backcountry access for snowshoeing as well.
- Two Harbors Area Ski Trails, also known as the Erkki Harju Ski Trail, and which offers a wonderful range of trails and styles of cross country skiing.
- Gooseberry Falls State Park has a warming house, which may or may not be open this season, and 12 miles of classical cross-country skiing.
Another really popular place for cross country skiing in Duluth, but which does not require the Minnesota Ski Pass, is the Snowflake Nordic Center, which offers 13 kilometers of expertly groomed trails and a warming chalet. There are also several miles of nordic trails at Spirit Mountain which don’t require the Minnesota Ski Pass. Separate entry to both is required.
Another fun and interesting way to experience winter in Duluth is by participating in what has to be one of the most unique winter sports, skijoring. It’s a delightful combination of cross-country skiing and dog sledding. There are plenty of dog-friendly trails for you to get out and enjoy.
The Best Bed and Breakfasts in Duluth MN
Your Minnesota Ski Pass is your ticket to fun here in Duluth this winter! And, while you’re here, you’ll need someplace to relax, unwind, and warm up after a fun day out in the sun. For that, there’s nothing better than one of our Duluth Bed and Breakfasts.
