Park Highlight: Glendalough State Park
As the snow begins to fall across Minnesota, consider a
winter retreat at a site like Glendalough
State Park. Nestled in the
transition zone between prairie and hardwood forest, Glendalough State Park is
located three hours northwest of the Twin Cities. Wildlife abounds year-round, and there are many observation decks along the trails. Cabins, yurts, and some campsites are open year-round. In winter, trails are groomed for skiing and snowshoeing. The park is one of a handful of parks that boasts a wonderful sledding hill for families to make lasting memories. Summer highlights of this 2,761-acre park are
a cart-in campground and the canoe-in campsites near the pristine shores of
Annie Battle Lake where there is solitude from the traffic and noise of traditional
drive-in camping. Other warm season favorites
are the paved bike
trail loop and numerous hiking trails, including two interpretive trails.
 The List: Parks with Yurts
Yurts are insulated canvas tents with wood floors and
woodstoves, available year-round in Minnesota state parks. They're perfect for
those who want a "camping out" experience but prefer not to sleep on
the ground!
In addition to the wood burning stove, each yurt has
operable windows, a domed roof with skylight, bunkbeds, and a table and chairs
or stools. They range from 16 to 20 feet in diameter and sleep 3 to 7 people.
Some are wheelchair accessible.
Glendalough State Park is one of three locations where you
can rent a yurt. Other sites include:
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 Find more information about yurts at Minnesota state parks.
 Game Time: Winter Geocaching
Geocaching is a high-tech sport that requires participants
to use a handheld GPS receiver or a smart phone to locate hidden clues and a final cache
outdoors. Geocaching is a great way to
get kids excited about going outside.
More than 28,000 geocaches are hidden around Minnesota,
including hundreds in state parks. They are tucked along state trails, on county and municipal
parklands, and in the margins of urban environments. Without a doubt, you’ve unknowingly passed by many
caches.
Not just any cache can be placed anywhere. Rules vary
depending on who manages the land. On state-owned land, most restrictions are
aimed at preventing damage to natural resources and historical or
archaeological sites.
Several state parks offer introductory-level programs to learn about the equipment and to get tips for
enjoying the sport of geocaching. These parks
also loan out GPS units for free use within the park.
Find a location where you can check out geocaching equipment (GPS units).
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Learn more about geocaching.
 Nature Sightings: Snow Birds
When many retired residents from Minnesota head south for
the winter, the real “snow birds” gather at bird feeders. These small feathered fliers are strong
enough to withstand the cold weather conditions that force many other species
southward during the winter months.
Northern cardinals, blue jays, black-capped chickadees and red-breasted
nuthatches are some of the common winter birds you may observe at your
neighborhood feeders.
Winter is a great time for kids and other beginners to
practice bird watching. This time of
year, the foliage is absent from the trees and the white snow creates a
backdrop to accentuate the colors and patterns of feathers. Birds may be easier to spot in winter, but
they tend to be less vocal outside of the breeding season when they must work
harder to find food and cover.
You can attract a variety of birds to your very
own backyard by providing bird feeders.
Build your own simple feeders from recycled items or purchase more elaborate feeders at
a local feed store.
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Explore winter bird feeding tips.
 Traveler Tip: Snow Depth and Trails Reports
Did you know you can check snow conditions and access winter
trails reports from your phone or computer?
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources maintains a snow depth map
that is updated every Thursday throughout the winter. In addition to snow depth information, you
can find detailed reports on cross country ski trails and snowmobile trails
around the state.
If you are planning a winter trip to explore outdoors, check
the Snow Depth and Groomed Trail
Conditions before you leave the house so you can plan accordingly. Most parks won’t rent out skis or snowshoes unless there is
adequate snow (6 inches or more).
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Check out the current snow depth map.
 Discover: Holiday Shopping at State Parks
Most Minnesota state parks have a Nature Store where you can
purchase camping supplies as well as souvenirs, candy and ice cream. Many unique outdoor-themed items can be
purchased to share as gifts including books, stationery, candles, and artwork
by local craftsmen. Purchases made at
Nature Store locations help support our state parks.
You can also purchase gift
cards either at a Nature Store or online.
Gift cards can be used for:
- Camping and overnight getaways in rustic camper
cabins, yurts, lodge rooms, modern suites, and more;
- Minnesota State Parks entrance permits, tours,
and golf;
- Canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard,
cross-country ski, snowshoe, and snow tube rentals;
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails apparel and
more from Minnesota State Parks gift stores.
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Find a Nature Store location near you.
 December Events
Make the best out of the short days this month by taking in
some fun winter programs at Minnesota state parks, including:
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Check out more programs and events.
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