Cross-country skiing

Miles of cross-country ski trails meander through dozens Minnesota state parks. Here's a handy chart to help find which park has the perfect trail for you.

Before you go... Find out the snow conditions.

Attend a candlelight event this winter.

Some state parks offer rental skis for $10/day - look for the * in the chart below.
Have a dog? Itasca State Park has special trails packed just for skijoring! Learn more...
Restrooms and vault toilets are open daily at all Minnesota state parks throughout the year.
All skiers age 16 or older must carry a signed ski pass when using cross-country ski trails in state parks.
Minnesota state parks not listed here either do not have or do not groom ski trails.
Please note: Occasionally, due to extreme weather or poor snow conditions, an event may need to be canceled or changed. When in doubt, call the park.

Top 12 skiing destinations	Perfect for a weekend ski trip	Occasional groomed ski trails
Afton Cascade River Gooseberry Falls Itasca Jay Cooke Lake Bemidji Lake Maria Mille Lacs Kathio* Sibley Tettegouche Wild River William O'Brien Trails: groomed at least twice a week, maintained for daily use; key trails groomed within 24 hours of a significant snow fall. Warming shelter:** available on weekends and holidays (all week at some state parks).	Banning Bear Head Lake Camden Charles A. Lindbergh Crow Wing Flandrau* Fort Snelling Frontenac Lake Carlos Maplewood McCarthy Beach Minneopa Minnesota Valley SRA Nerstrand Big Woods St. Croix Sakatah Lake Savanna Portage Split Rock Lighthouse Trails: available for use daily and groomed at least for weekends and holidays. Warming shelter: may be available at some locations, with a focus on availability for weekends and holidays.	Buffalo River* Father Hennepin Forestville/Mystery Cave Fort Ridgely Glendalough* Great River Bluffs Hayes Lake Lac qui Parle Lake Bronson Moose Lake Myre - Big Island Old Mill Rice Lake Scenic Upper Sioux Agency Whitewater Zippel Bay Trails: available for use daily and may be groomed on some weekends or for special events. Grooming not top priority. Warming shelter: may be available at some locations for special events or on an irregular basis.
* State parks that offer ski rentals ($10/day) **At Wild River State Park, ski equipment is available for rental from a private concessionaire located at the park's Trail Center. Rental concession hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For rental rates or to reserve equipment, call Wild River Ski Rental at 651-257-0685.

Events

01/01/12 - 02/19/12	William O'Brien State Park	St. Croix Valley Youth Ski League
02/10/12	Jay Cooke State Park	Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe CANCELLED
02/12/12	Fort Snelling State Park	Learning to Cross Country Ski
02/12/12	Fort Snelling State Park	Learning to Cross Country Ski
02/18/12	Gooseberry Falls State Park	Gooseberry Falls Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe, and Hike
02/18/12	Father Hennepin State Park	Candlelight Ski
02/18/12	Mille Lacs Kathio State Park	Cross Country Ski Lessons and Trail Tour
02/25/12	Old Mill State Park	Candlelight Ski
02/25/12	Maplewood State Park	Candlelight Ski

Find more events.

Cross-country skiing

Top 12 skiing destinations

Perfect for a weekend ski trip

Occasional groomed ski trails

Events