Winter Activities In The North Shore
Snowshoeing, dog sledding and skiing in the North Shore
Cross Country Skiing in Minnesota is extremely popular. Our cross country ski trail network is the largest in North America, totaling over 400 km. I had no idea it was this popular, did you? Of course you did.
I am heading to the North Shore soon so I am doing research on all of the trails available. There are 10 cross-country ski trails in Cook County alone. Don’t forget, anyone over the age of 16 will need a Minnesota State Trails Pass. They are available for the day or on an annual basis.
If you are interested in cross country skiing in Minneapolis click here
Source Visit Cook County
1.) Sugarbush Trail System
Tofte, 77km. Publicly maintained. Mountains and Lake Superior views.
2.) Lutsen Mountain
Trail pass from Lutsen Mountain required DISTANCE: 3 Kilometers
3). Norpine - Lutsen Mountains to Cascade (Features Fat Tire Bike trails)
4.) Norpine - Cascade & Deeryard Trails
#3 & 4 Lutsen, 63.5 km. Publicly maintained.
5.) Bally Creek Trails
Grand Marais, 25 km.
6.) Pincushion Mountain Trail System
Grand Marais, 25 km. Publicly maintained. Mountainside trails beside Lake Superior.
7.) George Washington Memorial Forest
Grand Marais, 3 km.
8.) Central Gunflint Trail System
Gunflint Trail, 98 km.
9.) Banadad Trail System
Gunflint Trail, 43 km. Publicly maintained. Winds through the BWCAW, connects with Central Gunflint Trail
10.) Upper Gunflint Trail System
Gunflint Trail, 70 km. Privately maintained. Wild beauty and roller-coaster terrain.
Dogsledding
The following businesses offer dogsledding adventures. Call ahead to reserve your spot. Bearskin Lodge
Gunflint Lodge - available as part of a lodging package purchase
Snowshoeing
Snowshoe in Minnesota state parks
Snowshoeing is a fun winter activity that gets all ages outdoors exploring the beauty of winter. You can snowshoe anywhere in Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas, except on trails that are specifically groomed for another activity, such as skiing or snowmobiling.
Before you go
Remember to check the snow and trail conditions before you head out.
Let's Go Snowshoeing article from Minnesota Conservation Volunteer .
Make a weekend of it! Rent a campsite or cabin and get the full experience.
Purchase a vehicle permit today and get a year of unlimited visits to all of Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas.
Source: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/snowshoeing.html
Big Bog State Recreation Area
Thirty-one Minnesota state parks rent snowshoes for $6 a day. Many parks also offer guided snowshoe hikes, during which snowshoe use is free
