Best Cross Country Skiing in Minnesota
Cross country skiing is an excellent choice for an afternoon activity, an outdoorsy date, or a fun family outing. If you’re in Minnesota, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some Nordic skiing. Check out these top Minnesota spots.
Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area, Maple Grove, MN
Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area is a top skiing spot. It has almost 18 kilometers of cross country skiing trails, and it’s also a hotspot for snow tubing and for beginners learning to snowboard and downhill ski. There’s something for everyone at this popular destination.
Mt. Itasca Winter Sports Center, Coleraine, MN
Mt. Itasca has been one of Minnesotans’ favorite ski spots since 1906. While it offers a variety of winter spots, it’s always an excellent choice for cross country skiing. Mt. Itasca even offers the unique sport of biathlon, a combination of cross country skiing and rifle shooting.
Theodore Wirth Park, Golden Valley, MN
If you live in Minneapolis, you don’t have to drive out into the countryside to take out your Nordic skis. Minneapolis’s own Theodore Wirth Park has a beautiful cross country ski trail that’s just waiting for you to explore it.
Glendalough State Park, Battle Lake, MN
One of the best aspects of cross country skiing is seeing beautiful winter landscapes along the way, and a fantastic place to do this is Glendalough State Park. Explore the lovely trails on your skis in the winter but be sure to also come back in the summer for swimming and canoeing.
Snowflake Nordic Ski Center, Duluth, MN
If you want an established and well-cared-for place to enjoy a cross-country ski outing, look no further than Snowflake Nordic Ski Center. This Duluth hotspot (or cold spot) is a full-service facility for cross country skiing and has everything you need for a wintery adventure.
Root River State Trail System, Lanesboro, MN
The Root River State Trail is an expansive 42-mile trail through Southeast Minnesota, spanning several towns from Fountain to Houston. It’s a top destination for trail recreation all year round, and in the winter, it’s ideal for cross country skiing.
Hyland Hills Ski Area, Bloomington, MN
Everyone in the Bloomington area knows that the Hyland Hills Ski Area is one of the best places to enjoy a day of Nordic skiing. This ski resort even offers lessons for those who are first learning the art of skiing.
Spidahl Ski Gaard, Erhard, MN
Spidahl Ski Gaard is a quaint yet exceptional place to take your skis. This Erhard ski area offers an extensive system of groomed ski trails so there’s plenty of space to explore, yet it maintains the charm and friendliness of a locally owned establishment.
Como Park Ski Center, St. Paul, MN
For those in St. Paul, Como Park Ski Center provides a convenient and relaxing place to enjoy a day of Nordic skiing. This ski locale features over 5 kilometers of groomed trails as well as opportunities for downhill skiing if you want to mix it up.
Ely Nordic Ski Club, Ely, MN
The Ely Nordic Ski and Bike Club is an esteemed club in Ely that maintains an outstanding network of ski trails including the Hidden Valley Cross Country Ski Trails. These beautiful trails are perfect for pros and beginners alike.
Key Insights at a Glance
