Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Update - Dec. 16, 2021

Cross-country ski trails at dusk / Travis Novitsky

Greetings!

This is your Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Update. Explore Minnesota will report cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions each Thursday during the winter season, with updates as conditions warrant.

Most cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain closed or have been down-graded to poor condition due to recent unseasonably warm temperatures. One option for snowmobilers is a trail on Lake of the Woods that extends from the Wheeler's Point area near the mouth of the Rainy River 42-miles north to the Northwest Angle. This trail opens tomorrow, Dec. 17. Cross-country skiers can still find useable trails north of Grand Marais on the Central Gunflint Ski Trail system.

Snow has fallen in many areas of the state today, and more snow is expected Friday night. Combined with the cooler, more seasonable temperatures, it won't be long until trail conditions improve.

Start planning your perfect winter getaway now, because it won’t be long until Minnesota turns into a true winter wonderland. Whether you’re ice fishing on a frozen lake, snowmobiling through the North Woods or fat biking through former iron ore mines, countless winter adventures await in the True North.

Prior to making plans, please visit
Explore Minnesota's COVID-19 Information page.

[Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [Southern]

Northeast Region

Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail

In Cook County, just north of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, decent trail conditions remain for cross-country skiing on the Central Gunflint Ski Trail system.View current snowfall amounts in Cook County on the Cook County Webcams page. And for the most current ski and snowmobile trail conditions in the area, check out the Cook County Winter Trail Conditions page.

All other cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain closed or are listed in poor condition for this region of the state.

Northwest Region

Baudette/Warroad

Snowmobilers will find a great snowmobile trail that extends from the Wheeler's Point area near the mouth of the Rainy River 42 miles north to the Northwest Angle. The trail opens, tomorrow, Dec. 17! Learn more. There are also some land trails that are reported to be open, marked and groomed.

Check out the many webcams located throughout Lake of the Woods for current conditions.

Contact Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau for more information.

All other cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain closed or are listed in poor condition for this region of the state.

Central Region

All cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain closed or are listed in poor condition for this region of the state.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Three Rivers Park District parks in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright counties

Cross-country ski trails with man-made snow at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove and Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington are open, with rentals available. Please check the Three Rivers Park District Trail Conditions web page for the most current conditions.

All other cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain closed or are listed in poor condition for this region of the state.

Southern Region

All cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain closed or are listed in poor condition for this region of the state.

Information used to compile the Winter Trails Update is provided courtesy of the Minnesota DNR, the Three Rivers Park District and communities throughout the state.

Begin planning your winter getaway by contacting one of our travel counselors at 888-VISITMN (888-847-4866), or request a customized travel planner at Contact a Travel Counselor.

Please note that a Snowmobile State Trail Sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails. All cross-country skiers on state park or forest ski trails or on state or grant-in-aid trails who are 16 years or older must have a Minnesota Ski Pass. For further information, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-646-6367. To order cross-country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers, dial 1-888-665-4236 or access the DNR Online License Sales web site. To locate a license center in Minnesota to purchase ski passes and snowmobile stickers, check out DNR License Agents.

Have something else in mind?
OUR EXPERT TRAVEL COUNSELORS CAN HELP!