 February 2020
 Skiihng at Lake Bemidji State Park
We have snow. And places to enjoy it: 22,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, 1,100 miles of groomed ski trails, countless miles of woods and prairie for snowshoeing. Hop on a frozen lake for ice-fishing, biking, or skating—check ice conditions first!
The abundance of snow and low temps offer the perfect smörgåsbord of sports to choose from to get your vitamin D on the short MN winter days. But you don't have to choose: Consider snowmobiling to the edge of the BWCA Wilderness, then snowshoeing in for a day or two of world-class trout fishing.
Bookmark mnDNR.gov/snow for current snow conditions. Happy Trails!
 Experience the thrill of riding through the woods on a snowmobile.
Travel north from Tower to International Falls, through Kabetogama State Forest on this natural surface trail, primarily developed for winter use. The southern part of the trail features rolling hills with numerous lakes and streams. The higher ground is mainly forested with aspen; lower ground has a mix of spruce and ash. Map and more information.
 The faces and stories of our visitors and staff.
Sherry and Mike Klehr
We met Sherry and Mike at Itasca State Park when they were on their way to the Headwaters: They were snowmobiling to celebrate 29 years of marriage!
"We were married December 29, 1990, and went off to snowmobile with our friends for the next few days," reminisced Sherry. Mike grew up snowmobiling, and passed his love of the sport to his family. They enjoy this activity with friends, their adult children, and anyone who loves to be outside in winter.
Here's to many more years of sledding for Mike and Sherry!
Sherry is a retired teacher and Mike is a contractor who will likely never retire
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 Check the ice thickness at least every 150 feet: Use an auger, drill or ice chisel to measure clear ice and be especially cautious when drilling through snow or “white” ice. General guidelines and details on checking ice thickness can be found on our website.
You know those (very) cold MN days when the temps drop so low that your energy bars become jaw breakers? Pro tip: make your own bars! (1) Soak prunes in water for 15 minutes; (2) purée prunes in a processor; (3) add an equal amount of any of your favorite bar ingredients to create delicious, healthy bars for your outdoor winter exploration.
Bar ingredients could include oats, grated coconut, nuts, cocoa powder, sunflower seeds, chocolate chips, raisins and nut butter.
Minnesota United Snowmobile Association (MnUSA) works with the DNR to provide information regarding local snowmobile clubs, events, and resources.
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Start here if you've never snowmobiled before.
You need a snowmobile certification and know the state’s rules and regulations.
*Stay on marked trails to avoid striking an obstacle or trespassing onto private property.
*Leave the booze at home. Drinking and riding is one of two main factors in crashes, and plays a role in about 60% of those that are fatal.
*Watch the speed. Going too fast is the other main factor in crashes.
*Be careful on the ice. You need at least 5-7" of new, clear ice to support the weight of a snowmobile and rider.
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