Minnesota Trails Winter 2020/21

Winter 2020/21

200+

Ski Trails

The Joyce Estate …PAGE 8

Winter Camping …PAGE 10

Skiing the North Shore …PAGE 16

Crosby - Ironton - Deerwood - Bay Lake - Cuyuna - Emily 522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue Sauk Centre, MN 56378

www.MnTrails.com Minnesota Trails Staff Jan Lasar Editor/Publisher Joyce Frericks Accounting Brian Dingmann Page Layout & Design Graphic Design

We’re here to help!

Cuyuna Lakes Chamber members are open for business and ready to serve you!

Editorial Board Brett Feldman Executive Director Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Vol. 25, No. 4 November 2020 Minnesota Trails magazine is a continuation of Minnesota Bike Trails & Rides, published quarterly in cooperation with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that acquires, protects and enhances critical lands for public enjoyment. Your $35 membership subscription supports this work.

Minnesota Trails is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials and reserves the right to reject unsuitable advertising.

Information in this publication is as accurate as possible. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not of Minnesota Trails.

Continuing the

SERVICES LODGING CUYUNA LAKES CHAMBER 117 West Main Street, Crosby 218-546-8131 www.cuyunalakes.com

DEERWOOD BANK 21236 Archibald Rd., Deerwood 218-534-3111 www.deerwoodbank.com We’re here for you.

JACOBS REALTY Hwy. 6 & 210, Crosby 218-546-8346 www.jacobsrealtymn.com Find a home and a great place to live.

MID MINNESOTA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 117 West Main Street, Crosby 218-546-5428 www.mmfcu.org A CO-OP Shared Branch! Stop by.

218-546-8131

DEERWOOD

MOTEL

EAT & DRINK

DEERWOOD MOTEL 23688 Forest Road, Deerwood 218-534-3163 www.deerwoodmotel.com Great rooms at great prices.

DEERSTAND RESTAURANT & BAR 24188 Mohs Street, Deerwood 218-534-9253 www.deerstandrestaurant.com Why limit happy to one hour?

RED RIDER RESORT 23457 Co. Rd. 31, Crosby 218-838-6858 www.redriderresort.com Cabins and camping right off the trail.

SPECIALTY STORE

TRAILSIDE TAVERN & PATIO 212 West Main Street, Crosby 218-546-5465 www.trailsidetavern.com Crosby’s newest trail-friendly restaurant

VICTUAL 124 W Main St., Crosby 218-545-1000 www.shopvictual.com Ice cream, cheese, charcuterie, gourmet, gifts, spirits

www.cuyunalakes.com

2 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

Index Features

Columns

Departments

5 2020 Photo Contest Winners Lisa Filter

4 Minnesota Miles

13 2020/21 Ski Trail Guide Minnesota’s 200+ Ski Trails

8 The Joyce Estate David Johnson

Cover photo:

27 2020/21 Winter Events

10 Winter Camping Tom Watson 12 State Park Winter Greta Alms 16 Skiing Minnesota’s North Shore Jan Lasar

Jan Lasar

Wadena’s Black’s Grove Park has eight miles of groomed cross-country ski trails.

Jan Lasar photo

Ski and Fat Bike Adventures

28 Trails Q&A Conversations with Trail Users 29 MN Trails Map

Minnesota’s Trails At-A-Glance

30 Trail Partners Find Trail-Friendly Businesses

Index photo:

Freshly groomed ski trails at Lake Bemidji State Park.

Jan Lasar photo

Thank you!

Find us on:

Minnesota Trails

Winter 2020-2021 3

OFF TO A

Fresh Start

A trip to the headwa- Minnesota Miles What were the ters of the Mississippi River challenges? at Itasca State Park is pretty There were very few challenges to much mandatory for anyone the project. Weather and high water living in or visiting Minnesota. did not pose an issue and conditions If you’re from here, you likely were excellent. To best accommodate have a black and white photo visitor access to the headwaters, work of your grandparents or great was done during off-peak times. grandparents posing by the riverbank in their Sunday best, Who did the work? your parents have taken you The restoration was a DNR partnerthere when you were a child, Jan Lasar ship among DNR Divisions. The NorthTrails Editor/Publisher and your own kids have been west Region Parks and Trails Resource there or are about to go.

If you’re not from here, a Min- crew, Itasca State Park staff, the Ecological and nesotan has driven you Up North and Water Resources River Ecology Unit and the Fish watched with pride as you walked across and Wildlife Fisheries Habitat crew each played the famous rocks that divide Lake Itasca an integral role in the project. From design of the and the fledgling river. It’s our Nile, our project by the River Ecology Unit, to project manAmazon, our Yangtze all rolled into one, agement and public outreach by Parks and Trails and this ritual is more Minnesotan than to the intricate work by the Fisheries Habitat crew hotdish. to delicately place the boulders, this partnership But like all things that are loved reduced the cost of the project by using agency a lot, the wear of half a million annual talent and resources. visitors was starting to show. To address erosion issues at the headwaters, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) brought together a team of experts to restore the shoreline of the famous lake and river. Kristi Coughlon, MNDNR Northwest Region Information Officer filled me in on the details.

How long did it take?

The project itself was several years in the planning. The headwaters site was closed to visitors for a short period of three and a half days from Oct. 5 to the afternoon of Oct. 8.

What are the benefits?

The Itasca Headwaters Restoration project has many benefits. Creating a buffer along the headwaters shoreline provides crucial streambank and channel stability to combat erosion and ensure the health of the ecosystem downstream. The natural design of the boulders at the headwaters provides a properly shaped channel. Natural flow now directs water away from the shoreline and prevents scouring of the streambanks.

Will there be a noticeable difference for visitors?

Visitors may notice a narrowing of the channel and the addition of boulders along the shorelines.

Additional flat boulders and a small step-down along the north shoreline guide river access for visitors who like to wade across.

MORE INFORMATION For details about this project visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/ mississippi-river-headwaters.html To see the live Headwaters live stream webcam and historic photos visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ state_parks/Itasca/headwaters.html

Why was the project needed?

Erosion at the headwaters has occurred gradually over a long period of time. Because of heavy visitation rates and the action of water scouring and undercutting the shoreline, the mouth of the river has widened. The rock dam changed over the years and became ineffective at preventing erosion of the shoreline of the river at the headwaters site and was directing flow into the banks.

What were the goals?

The overall Itasca Headwaters Restoration project goal was to address the erosion at the headwaters site to ensure the Mississippi River downstream remains protected into the future. To do so, stone was added to the area to lessen the amount of sand and silt being transported into the river by visitors. This now redirects flows toward the middle of the river and stabilizes the shoreline.

The channel was narrowed and native vegetation was planted between the rocks along the streambank to stabilize the shore.

BEFORE

AFTER 4 Winter 2020-2021

All photos by MNDNR Minnesota Trails

people saving special places

w w w. p a r k s a n d t r a i l s . o r g

Winners Announced PARKS & TRAILS COUNCIL’S ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST

~ 2020 ~

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota’s annual photo contest showcased Minnesota’s parks and trails in all four corners of the state. A total of 437 submissions were entered across all five categories. We thank everyone who shared their photos and the panel of judges who made challenging decisions among many quality photos. View the 2nd and 3rd place and honorable mentions, plus all the entries and more photographer’s notes from the winning photos at:

parksandtrails.org/events/2020-photo-contest

1ST PLACE NORTHEAST STATE PARKS CATEGORY

Jim Schnortz at Tettegouche State Park

Photographer notes: The photo was taken Mar 3, 2019 at the now collapsed Sea Stack in Tettegouche.

I had seen photos taken by others and wanted to capture it from up close. I’d made images of it from down the shoreline, but never hiked out to it. I ended up buying a pair of crampons to walk on the ice not long before taking this shot. I took the photo at around 4 in the morning, it was very cold, below zero. This is a single exposure, not a blend in Photoshop or anything like that. It has an overall cold mood, which is appropriate for the time of year.

See winners of other categories on next page

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota would like to thank the following sponsor Minnesota Trails

www.pincushiontrailsinn.com Winter 2020-2021 5

1ST PLACE SOUTHEAST STATE PARKS

Aaron Kostko at Great River Bluffs State Park

Photographer notes: Taken in October 2019. The morning was chilly and incredibly still and quiet. The hike to the overlook is only about one mile, but I rushed to make sure I got there before sunrise. I didn’t see anyone else on the trail, but there were a few people enjoying the overlook when I arrived. We all knew we were witnessing something beautiful and relatively rare.

1ST PLACE STATE TRAILS CATEGORY

Walt Huss at North Shore State Trail

Photographer notes: On January 26 I left Minneapolis for the North Shore to photograph the 2020 John Beargrease sled dog race. I set up near where the trail crossed Hwy. 2. I walked a short distance up the trail and set up my camera and tripod. Sitting down in the deep snow, it wasn’t long before the first dog teams began arriving, spaced out every 10 minutes or so.

6 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

1ST PLACE NORTHWEST STATE PARKS

Jussi Lehti at Buffalo River State Park

Photographer notes: Taken early October 2017 at a lookout point on the River View Trail. We were returning from a camping trip in northern Minnesota and pulled over for hike, to check out the fall colors and stretch our legs from a long drive. We scouted this park earlier in the year and knew this was the location to return to for a nice fall picture of the river.

1ST PLACE SOUTHWEST STATE PARK

Bobby Duehring at Minneopa State Park

Photographer notes: Taken May 26, 2020, shortly after noon. The day was mild, humid (and buggy!) and overcast, with occasional light rain. To me, this photo exudes the powerful bond between the cow and calf. The cow is exceptionally protective of the calf. The calf had been running around playing with other calves moments earlier.

Minnesota Trails

Winter 2020-2021 7

Ode to a Place:

The Joyce Estate

By David Johnson

I’d just convinced myself that it was just the cold air carrying the sound of the howling wolves so purely over the icy lakes that made it sound like they were right next to the tent.

“They’re miles away” I thought and began to drift off to sleep. Suddenly, a loud bang jolted me awake.

In the dark, my mind raced to explain the sound. Anything that loud, I knew, was bigger than a wolf. It had come from somewhere out on the lake by which we were camped. Why would someone be out dropping an aluminum boat on the ice, now, in the middle of winter, in the middle of the night, miles from a parking lot? Or had a moose crashed through the ice while crossing the lake? Maybe a tree had cracked and fallen?

Beside me, my fiancé, Alison, wrapped tightly in her sleeping bag, was also awake, taking measured breaths and trying to listen more fully.

It was our first time winter camping. For the occasion, we’d skied to our favorite summertime campsite on the Joyce Estate, north of Grand Rapids. Like the winter-camping newbies we were, we’d carried our gear on our backs instead of pulling it on sleds. The extra weight overwhelmed the camber of our skis, making them stick instead of glide, which made the trek to the lake harder than it needed to be.

After a hot dinner, an early January sundown,

and appreciating the quiet, crystal-clear stars, our skiing slog caught up to us and we tucked into our bags. That’s when the wolves started up. Unlike with the wolves, however, I couldn’t presume that the sudden, loud and strange sound was a safe distance from our tent.

The Joyce Estate, now part of the Chippewa National Forest, was the summer camp of David Gage Joyce, a Chicagoan and heir to a timber fortune who chose the North Woods of Minnesota for his grand summer retreat. ‘Nopeming’, or ‘Place of Rest,’ by his own translation of the Ojibwe word, was surrounded by 4500 choice acres of lakes and forest. Construction on Joyce’s compound began in 1915 and ultimately sprawled to 40 buildings.

They included an enormous main lodge, private cabins for guests and quarters for staff, boat docks, a seaplane hangar, a greenhouse, an observation tower, a lakeside sauna with a rooftop tea house, a tennis court, and even a nine-hole, par-three golf course.

Mr. Joyce entertained America’s jet set at his Nopeming with summer parties. His love of premium liquor was famous, and when supplies were low he was said to have it plane-dropped by parachute into his lake and picked up by rowboat.

Joyce passed away in 1937, followed by his second wife, Beatrice, in 1948.

Joyce’s only child, Beatrice Clotilde Joyce, inherited the estate and kept the parties going.

She died childless in 1972 as the third-richest woman in the world, with almost $800 million in today’s dollars. With the family line at its end, the Joyce Estate went on the market. The Nature Conservancy bought the property for $2M (or $12.3M today), and turned it over to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in 1974.

Today, nature has reclaimed most of Nopeming, but the USFS continues to preserve the shells of a few of its original buildings.

Many other concrete foundations and examples of stonework are left to slowly crumble. What remains is, as intended, just enough to appreciate the old grandeur of the place where people of unimaginable wealth once threw boozy summer parties.

David Johnson is a runner and skier from Duluth with a passion for exploring Minnesota’s Outdoors. His bucket list includes skiing the whole Banadad Trail.

Growing up, I ran the old access roads. These narrow and rolling trails, now open to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and classic skiing in the winter, have tire ruts first laid down by David Joyce himself. I swam in the perfect, cold sand-andturquoise-water of the estate’s deep Trout Lake.

In the winters, skiing at night with a headlamp, alone, it was easy to imagine the old spirits at my back, chasing me out.

Presently, no imagination was necessary.

Some brute and very real thing was haunting us.

Then, the same loud crash came from the lake again, and again. A quick discussion with Alison landed me the job of leaving the tent to check it out.

I quickly layered up and stepped out onto the snowy mound where we had pitched our tent.

With the headlamp off, it took a moment for my eyes to adjust. Nothing moved out on the blank white of the lake. Everything was fixed under the canopy of stars.

Then came the sound, yet again, loud enough to echo off the frozen shoreline trees. But I still hadn’t seen anything move.

I don’t remember exactly how long it took, standing there in the freezing air, looking for a man wrestling a boat, or an angry, drowning moose.

Embarrassingly long. But finally it dawned on me.

The ice was alive. Logic poured in, and relief with it. The lake was simply expanding and cracking as it cooled after a sunny winter day. I’d just never spent a night outside next to a lake in the middle of winter. Now I knew how loud it could be.

I laughed at my fear and felt gratitude for having a place like this where I could witness and learn wild things lost to civilized life. I shared my epiphany out loud with Alison, still waiting in the tent. Back inside my sleeping bag I rewarmed, and finally slept. It helped that the wolves had moved on, too.

There is no substitute for ‘being there’ when it comes to the experience of wilderness and, I argue, historic places. Being there will always be the best portal into the spirit of a place like the Joyce Estate. It’s where I learned to ski, taught my dog to trail run, and where I first mooned a game camera to make my girlfriend-now fiancé-laugh.

It’s a sublime and restorative place, and I always look forward to returning, much like its former millionaire owners who had the power to go anywhere and do anything.

Historical facts from: Waleski, Joseph and Boese, Donald L. (1991) “The Joyce Estate.” Grand Rapids Companion: Reflections of the People and Events That Shaped Grand Rapids During Its First 100 Years (1891 - 1991). Grand Rapids, MN: Grand Rapids Centennial Committee.

Hawkinson, Susan and Jewett, Warren. (2003) Timber Connections: The Joyce Lumber Story. Grand Rapids, MN: Bluewaters Press.

8 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

THE JOYCE ESTATE Find the Joyce Estate north of Grand Rapids off MN Highway 38. To reach the southern access trail, turn onto Clearwater Road (County 60) at mile 12.5. After 1.3 miles on Clearwater Road, turn left onto Bluewater Road (County 335; a dirt road). Follow Bluewater for miles. You’ll arrive after a curving downhill and a sharp right bend in the road. The parking lot is on the left. From this southern trailhead, it is 3.3 miles one way to the estate.

Minnesota Trails

Winter 2020-2021 9

BASICS OF

WINTER CAMPING

By Tom Watson

Extending your camping season into winter may seem like a daunting adventure at first glance. Fewer daylight hours and colder temperatures bring new challenges, but with just a few modifications of gear and learning some additional skills, most campers can safely and comfortably enjoy camping in wintry weather.

Here are a few basic adaptations to summer camping routines and gear that can help you make a cozy transition into becoming a winter camper.

These all become routine campsite chores as you start developing your winter camping sense. Start off gradually and extend your camping weekends into progressively colder weather. A good transitional compromise into the winter camping mindset may be a state park camper cabin. You can enjoy the comfort of a warm, cozy cabin for sleeping while practicing your winter campfire cooking, testing wardrobe options and developing other cold weather camping and recreation skills. For refrenece check out Tom Watson’s books “Best Tent Camping-Minnesota” and “Minnesota Camper Cabins”.

For a list of winter camping opportunities in state parks, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/winter_camping_map.html NOTE: Due to the COVID crisis, operations at state park campgrounds are individually altered or closed-down. Call ahead to the specific state park you intend to visit for the most current, accurate information on winter opportunities, restrictions, closures, etc.

Winter Wardrobe

TIP: Buy winter boots

1/2 size larger • Dress in layers: A wicking to accommodate layer next to your skin, wearing thicker insulation layer(s) to retain wool socks. warmth, outer layer(s) Begin your day for protection against the fully layered, take off or add elements and additional layers as activities warmth. dictate.

• Head: Wool stocking cap, use second, dry one as a night cap.

• Legs: Wool pants, coveralls, water-resistant snow pants.

• Feet: Winter boots with removable liners (easier to dry and re -warm), wool socks.

• Hands: Mittens with liners keep hands warmer than gloves. Liners can be removed and dried out.

Cold Weather Hydration

Pitching Your Tent • Choose your site carefully: Avoid broad, open areas, wind corridors, snow-laden overhead branches.

• A 3-season dome or pup tent that sheds snow works best.

• Pitch your tent over packed-down snow to take advantage of its insulating ability. It ’s warmer than bare, frozen ground.

• Consider ice stakes and deadman anchoring in deep snow.

• Ventilation minimizes condensation and moisture build-up: Avoid introducing moisture into your tent by leaving wet clothing outside and not cooking in the vestibule area.

TIP: Duct tape wrapped around gripping area takes the sting out of extremely cold-to-the-touch bottles.

• Drink plenty of water and replenish before you feel thirsty.

• Stow water bottles upside -down in insulated pockets so the cap doesn’t freeze. Water starts to freeze on whatever end of the bottle is pointing up.

• B oil all snow, even freshly fallen snow, before drinking.

• Melt snow with water, instead of on the stove, before boiling. It saves time and fuel.

Snow stakes or deadman anchors like a log or large rock

TIP: Pile up snow around base of tent to help block cold winds.

Use a hay bale filled depression

10 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

Main fire-generating coals

Pot of hot water

Cooking & Meals

TIP: Use an insulated picnic cooler to keep foods from freezing. Burying it in the snow further insulates it.

• Consider one -pot meals you can create ahead of Cooking time and reheat over the embers fi re. raked • Menus should be about 50% carbs, 30% fat, from fire 20% protein.

• B owls keep food warmer than plates.

• Hardwoods like oak, hickory, ash and maple burn longer and slower and produce lasting coals for cooking and warmth.

Warming • Create separate areas within your campfi re ring Area for making and maintaining coals, dispersing warmth and cooking .

TIP: Metal utensils draw heat from food.

Use wooden spoons to stir, etc.

Wool Sleeping cap

sleeping system

• A liner insert (wool, fl annel, synthetic) will increase the warmth of your summer bag.

• Use a sleeping bag rated for at least 10 degrees colder than you’ll be exposed to.

• Use a self-infl ating sleeping pad to cushion against hard ground. Add a closed-cell pad immediately below sleeping bag to insulate your body against surrounding cold air.

TIP: A sleeping bag with a dark interior warms and dries quicker when turned inside out in the sun.

Closed-cell foam pad

Appropriate temperature-rated sleeping bag with sleeping bag liner “Space” blanket or tarp surrounded by natural insulation like grasses and leaves to help keep you dry, warm, and loft you off the snow.

TIP: Use a hot water bottle or even warmed rocks wrapped in a towel to warm the inside of your sleeping bag foot area.

Minnesota Trails

Air mattress

Warm under-layers for sleeping including wool socks

Winter 2020-2021 11

State Park Winter

NORTH AND SOUTH

By Greta Alms

North: Jay Cooke The best time to get out and explore Jay Cooke State Park is the winter. No mosquitoes, no ticks or any other bugs, endless adventure and the promise of a steaming cup of hot cocoa at the end of the adventure was all I needed to lure me to Carlton, MN. Everything is better with snow on it. A simple, clean, white coat on everything makes for a gorgeous scene, and you can cross country ski, snowshoe and even snowmobile- three amazing pastimes you can only do with snow.

The bad thing about winter is that there aren’t many daylight hours, but the great thing about that is that it’s easy to plan and be there when the sun rises and sets. Nothing beats watching the sunrise from somewhere that is already incredibly beautiful.

The swinging bridge at Jay Cooke State Park is only the beginning of this nearly 9,000-acre park. There are 50 miles of hiking trails and up to 30 miles of ski trails to explore. Grab your snow shoes and skis, bundle up and see Nature up close and personal and at its finest.

With over 300,000 annual visitors to the park it can be hard to have the place to yourself, that’s why winter is the best time to explore its nooks and crannies- just you and the wildlife.

To really experience this park in the winter you can rent a camper cabin and stay overnight.

Just imagine: It’s below freezing outside but you’re toasty warm in your own space. When you wake up, a fresh coat of snow blankets the entire world, quieting everything- including your thoughts.

Build a fire and brew a cup of coffee over it to truly get a sense of heaven.

Jay Cooke’s famous swinging bridge with a coat of snow.

All photos by Greta Alms

South: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park

Forestville Mystery Cave State Park is stunning and offers much more than your typical state park. It’s an easy way to spend a day exploring some of southern Minnesota’s beauty, history and adventure. Though rated moderate, the Hiking Club trail through the maple trees had me breathing hard.

While I was expecting beautiful scenery and nature, I had not expected to find myself in the middle of a historic village run by the Minnesota Historical Society. Cross an 1899 steel-truss bridge, one of the oldest in the country, and enter into historic Forestville.

Forestville was settled in 1853 and at its peak had more than 150 inhabitants and 20 homes. Even more impressive was that it also had two sawmills, a school, two hotels, a blacksmith and a cabinetry shop. It was set up as a company town in order for farm hands to help in the fields with planting, harvesting and maintenance of the 1000 acres that Felix and Thomas Meighen owned along the south branch of the Root River.

Forestville is typically open for tours May through October, but the Minnesota Historical Society has temporarily closed the site due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can still stroll around the grounds and get a feel for what it was like to live in this town 100 years ago.

Historic Forestville is only one tiny piece of the entire State Park. Drive over to the opposite side and walk along the hiking club paths for glimpses of pileated woodpeckers, gently flowing streams, amazing stands of maple trees and some extraordinary views of the valley.

And just like at Jay Cooke State Park, you can rent a camper cabin and extend your experience with an overnight stay.

The iron bridge takes you across the south branch of the Root River and into historic Forestville.

Winter hiking trails at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.

A quiet St. Louis River on a frosty morning.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Greta Alms is a pickle-eating, travel-loving Minnesotan who has lived across and travelled the world but has never found a better place than Minnesota. She brags about Minnesota and the Midwest on her blog at www.picklestravel.com 12 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

2020/21

Before traveling to a ski venue check local trail conditions. Find more info and maps at www.mntrails.com/ski-trails Coleraine | Itasca Trails (Mount Itasca) 10km - Beginner to expert, groomed for skate and classic skiing on flat to very hilly terrain. Heated chalet available. MN Ski Pass required on west public trails.

Additional fee for east biathlon course with snowmaking.

Cohasset Area

MINNESOTA

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Northeast Ski Region: Miles of Trails

Along the North Shore of Lake Superior, throughout the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, to the Chippewa National Forest, northeastern Minnesota offers some of the biggest snowfalls in Minnesota and many well-groomed trail systems.

Biwabik | Giants Ridge 60km - All levels, US Ski Team training center using the Superior National Forest with views and roller coaster rides. 3km lit for Nordic skiing and some of the trails can be reached by a chairlift.

Brimson | Mother Bear Ski Trail 10km - Classic ski trail through jackpine forests, black spruce swamps and over glacial eskers, with lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. MN Ski Pass required.

Carlton | Jay Cooke State Park 51km - Beginner to advanced with a wide variety of trails, some along the St. Louis River. Warming shelter with a woodstove and bathrooms is open seven days a week. MN Ski Pass required.

Chisholm | Sturgeon River Trail 35km - Excellent beginner trail for classic skiing in the Superior National Forest. Long stretches of solitary trails. Two Adirondack shelters, groomed, scenic views of Sturgeon river. Groomed occasionally.

Cloquet | Pine Valley Ski Trails 10km - Intermediate to advanced, challenging with difficult climbs, yet gradual, rolling sections. Partially lit, adjacent to Cloquet recreation center.

2.5k lighted. The back of the 5K loop across Spring Lake Road is skate and classic groomed.

Minnesota Trails

Northeastern Trails

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

• Minnesota Power/Blackwater Trails 4km - Beginner trails groomed for skate and classic skiing. Lighted. MN Ski Pass required.

• Portage Park 4km - Beginner classic trails near the Mississippi River. MN Ski Pass required.

Cook | Ashawa Nordic Ski Trails 20km - The Ashawa Trail Ski Club maintains 20km of trails north of Cook.

Trails are set for classic ski only and accessible from three separate trailheads and maps are available at the Crescent Bar and Grill north of Cook, MN. • Paddy’s Loop - Located 3.8 miles north of Cook on E. Olson Road, this easy to moderate classic ski trail originates and terminates at the Crescent Bar and Grill on East Olson Road. Trails are primarily on flat terrain through a mature black spruce forest and on parts of the Vermilion Fairways Golf Course. Total distance is 5 km.

• Wood Loop - Located 6 miles north of Cook on Co. Rd. 24. Look for the signed parking lot on the west side of the road just before Pehrson’s Resort.

The complete Wood Loop is 8 km of moderate skiing through a mix of young and mature stands of aspen, ash, pine and spruce. One-way trails have two long, sloping downhill opportunities. A shelter on Beatty Hill offers a view of Cook and the surrounding area.

• Sunset Loop - Located 9 miles north of Cook on Co. Rd. 24, 1/2 mile north of Raps Road. Look for the parking lot on the west side of the road. Sunset Loop offers moderate to advanced levels of skiing. A number of hills and a view of Sunset Lake make for an exciting 7 km of diverse terrain skiing.

Deer River Area • Blueberry Hills 12km - Beginner to expert with many loops, five miles northeast of Deer River. Heated chalet available. MN Ski Pass required.

• Amen Lake Trail 7km - Intermediate, groomed, classic ski trail 13 miles north of Grand Rapids.

Ski through hardwood forest with rolling hills. Connects to south end of Suomi Hills ski trails near Marcell. MN Ski Pass required.

Duluth Area • Bagley Nature Area 2.7km - Two Intermediate, classic loops on the UMD campus.

• Biskey Ponds Trails 12km - Beginner to advanced classic ski trails through a scenic landscape with a near-wilderness feel, just north of Fish Lake Reservoir. Five distinct loops.

• Boulder Lake 21km - Beginner to advanced, 11km of skate ski. Wolfski’s Ski Den warming shack is open sunrise to sunset.

Groomed regularly for classic and skate ski, very well maintained by Minnesota Power.

• Chester Bowl Park 3km - Intermediate to advanced cross country ski trails and downhill skiing. Chalet and ski rentals available. MN Ski Pass required.

• Hartley Park 5km - Beginner to intermediate with some gentle slopes. Classic only.

Equipment rentals available. Home to Hartely Nature Center. MN Ski Pass required.

• Korkki Nordic 11km - Intermediate to advanced single track classic trails, groomed daily. Steep hills, designed for racing.

MN Ski Pass required.

• Lester-Amity Trail 15km - Beginner to advanced trail of varied terrain through pine, aspen, and birch forests. Additional 3km circles the Lester Park Golf Course and 5km trail lit mornings and evenings. Chalet available. MN Ski Pass required.

• Magney-Snively Park 14km - Intermediate to advanced, beautiful hardwood forest with large hills. A rugged trail not recommended for beginners.

• Piedmont Trail 5km - Beginner to intermediate trail through aspen, birch and hardwood forest. Beautiful overlook of St. Louis River Valley. MN Ski Pass required.

• Snowflake Nordic Ski Center 15km - Intermediate classic and skate ski trails, groomed daily. Lessons and rentals available. Warming chalet with showers, sauna, changing rooms, lounge, and snacks.

• Spirit Mountain 24.5km - Spirit Mountain has two cross-country ski areas for all skill levels. The upper trail system consists of 22km of beautifully wooded crosscountry ski trails. The new Grand Ave Nordic Center on the bottom of the hill is a work in progress, but it currently has 2.5km of nordic trail, 1.5 of which have snowmaking. All trails are groomed daily and the Grand Ave Chalet offers rentals, lessons and a restaurant.

Winter 2020-2021 13

Northeastern Trails

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Ely Area • Bear Head Lake State Park 11km - Beginner trails through boreal forest circling Norberg Lake, groomed for classic ski. Trail Center with toilets, water and warming house. MN Ski Pass required.

• Hidden Valley Trails 25km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic and skate trails.

Rolling to hilly terrain, through birch and pine stands. Connects to Silver Rapids Ski Trail. MN Ski Pass required. https://www.elynordic.org/crosscountry-ski-trails • Silver Rapids Ski Trail 8km - Classic-groomed trail Scenic overlook at Farm Lake, access behind Fall Lake Town Hall. Connects to Hidden Valley Trails. MN Ski Pass required. https://www.elynordic.org/crosscountry-ski-trails • Trezona Ski Trail 6.5km - Beginner trail groomed for classic and skate ski. Relatively flat with some rolling terrain. Starts in town, circles Miner’s Lake with views of remains of Pioneer Mine. https://www.elynordic.org/crosscountry-ski-trails

Grand Marais Area

Goodland | Big Ridge Trail 10km - Intermediate, groomed, classic ski trail near Goodland, MN, about 23 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. Ski rolling hills through hardwood, evergreens and young aspen. MN Ski Pass required.

Pincushion Mountain offers well-groomed skate and classic trails. Jan Lasar photo

• Bally Creek Trails 25km - A series of short to medium length, easy to intermediate loops in the Superior National Forest. A long connector trail to Cascade River State Park is groomed when conditions allow. MN Ski Pass required.

• Pincushion Mountain Trails 25km - Beginner to advanced, well designed classic and skate trail two miles north of Grand Marais with beautiful Lake Superior views and separate snowshoe trail. 1.6km lighted trail. MN Ski Pass required.

• George Washington Pines Winter Recreation Trail 3km - Groomed for classic and skate skiing. Skijorers and walkers may use the skate ski lane. Just 6 miles north of Grand Marais along the Gunflint Trail in the George Washington Memorial Forest.

• Central Gunflint Trail System 77km - All skill levels. An extensive ski trail system 30 miles north of Grand Marais and close to BWCAW. Connects to the eastern end of the 27-km Banadad Trail via Poplar Creek and Lace Lake trails. Lighted sections at Bearskin and Golden Eagle Lodges.

Grooming is shared by local lodges, so skiers need to purchase a trail pass.

• Banadad Trail 27km - The longest tracked ski trail through the BWCAW is a true wilderness experience on its own, but it also connects two major ski trail systems, the Central and Upper Gunflint Ski Trails. Eastern end: Here the Banadad connects to the Lace Lake Trail (5km), the Tim Knopp Trail (3 km) and the Tall Pines Trail (3 km).

The Lace Lake Trail provides access to the Poplar Creek Trail and the Central Gunflint Trail system. Park at about 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail (County Rd. 12), from Grand Marais, just off Little Ollie Road.Western end: Parking is available just off County Rd. 12, at fire # 10045, about 10 miles from the eastern trail head. Currently, there is no direct connection to the Upper Gunflint Trail system, but it’s only about a mile away. MN Ski Pass and Boundary Waters permit needed.

• Upper Gunflint Trail System 45km - All levels, 45 miles north of Grand Marais. These trails near the Canadian border and BWCAW are mostly classic trails with some skate skiing. Grooming is done by local lodges, so skiers need to purchase a trail pass. Access to the 27-km Banadad Trail is close by, but no direct connection exists.

Find More Information at www.mntrails.com/ski-trails

2020/21 Grand Rapids Area • Alder Pond Trail 10km - Beginner, groomed classic ski trail through aspen and coniferous forest. MN Ski Pass required.

• Golden Anniversary State Forest • Cowhorn Lake Trail 8km - Intermediate, classic ski trail with rolling hills through old growth aspen forest. Intersects Boomer Blue Trail. MN Ski Pass required.

• Boomer-Blue Trail 7km - Beginner, classic ski trail, double-tracked with snowshoe lane. Dogs are allowed. Intersects Cowhorn loop. MN Ski Pass required.

• River Road Trail 3km - Intermediate, classic ski trail with rolling hills through majestic pines. MN Ski Pass required.

• Forest History Center 4km - Beginner, classic ski trail through 1900s logging camp and virgin timber forest. MN Ski Pass required on one main trail.

• Legion Park Trail 4km - Intermediate trail, groomed for both classic and skate skiing near Grand Rapids High School. 3 km lit. MN Ski Pass required.

• Sugar Hills 28km - Intermediate to expert trail, groomed for both classic and skate skiing on hilly terrain through hardwood forest. Thunder Mountain provides excellent panoramic views.

MN Ski Pass required.

• Sylvan Point Trail 6km - Beginner classic trail. Connects Grand Itasca Hospital to Forest History Center.

• U of M 8km - Easy loops on the campus of the U of M North Central Research & Outreach Center through Black Spruce bog and Minnesota’s oldest Red Pine research plantation.

• Wabana Trail 10km - Intermediate, classic trail, winds through scenic, rolling hills. MN Ski Pass required.

Hibbing | Carey Lake 22km - Beginner to advanced groomed trails with 10km side by side classic and skate skiing with views of the lake, lowlands, bogs, and jack pine stands. 3.8 km Black Forest loop is lit from 5-10 pm daily.

Hinckley | St. Croix State Park 17km - Groomed, classic ski trail with many loops for all skill levels. A warming house with fireplaces is available. MN Ski Pass required.

Hoyt Lakes | Bird Lake Trail 19km - Beginner to advanced trail over birch and aspen hills with views of Bird and Lillian Lakes. One-way trail with some loops.

14 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

2020/21

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Ski trails skirt Lake Superior at Cascade River State Park. Jan Lasar photo International Falls Area • Tilson Creek Ski Trail 16km - Intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails in the Koochiching State Forest. MN Ski Pass required.

• Voyageurs National Park 53km - This National Park has three trail systems: Black Bay Trails, three loops totaling 13km. A 1km trail connects to Tilson Creek Trails. Access to Black Bay Trails is at Rainy Lake Visitor Center via Rainy Lake Ice Road. Echo Bay Trail, a 4km loop.

Access through Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center.Kab-Ash Trail, a 35km system. Access near Ash River Visitor Center.

Isabella | Flathorn Gegoka Trail 30km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, single tracked in the Superior National Forest near Isabella, MN. Some paths on old logging roads. Accommodations are available at National Forest Lodge. MN Ski Pass required.

Marcell Area • Suomi Hills 30km - Easy, groomed ski trail on rolling hills through the Chippewa National Forest. Connects with Amen Lake Trail.

• Trout Lake 17.7km - Easy classic ski trail through the Chippewa National Forest. 3 miles from historic Joyce Estate, a National Historic Site.

Mora | Vasaloppet Nordic Center Trails 15km - Classic and skate ski trails and 5km lit trails start and end at Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center which offers waxing room, showers, sauna, and is open daily throughout the season.

Minnesota Trails

Nashwauk | Stoney Ridge Trail 10km - Intermediate trails, groomed for classic skiing. Mostly flat with a few rolling hills through woods. MN Ski Pass required.

Silver Bay Area • Tettegouche State Park 25km - Intermediate to advanced, classic trails with many loops and good views of lakes and hills. About 6km of skate ski trail. Four historic skiin cabins at Mic Mac Lake. Take a side trip to 70-foot High Falls on the Baptism River. Warming house is the lodge at Tettegouche Camp. MN Ski Pass required.

• Northwoods Ski Trail 19km - Intermediate, groomed singletrack, classic trail through an intimate wooded setting, following the contours of rolling hills. Trail travels past Bean and Bear Lakes. A connector trail to Tettegouche State Park is groomed when conditions allow. Trailhead is on the west edge of Silver Bay, past the Superior Hiking Trail trailhead on Penn Boulevard/ County Rd 11. Access is on the right at Beaver River.

Tofte/Lutsen Area • Sugarbush Trail System 65km - Extensive trail network for all skill levels. Groomed for both classic and skate skiing with spectacular views of Lake Superior. Some trails allow skijoring. Clubhouse trailhead offers ski rentals. Parking at Britton Peak, Onion River Road and Moose Fence trail heads. MN Ski Pass required.

• Norpine Trail System 58km - Groomed for both classic and skate ski with resorts along the way.

Includes the Massie and Hall loops and Deer Yard Lake and Cascade trails. Connects to trails inside Cascade River State Park to the east.

MN Ski Pass required.

Northeastern Trails • Lutsen Mountains 3 km - Cross-country ski trail on Ullr Mountain. Ski from base area out and back or ride chairlift to top of Ullr Mtn and enjoy the added glide of ‘more down than up’. Pass includes one chairlift ride. FEE applies.

• Cascade River State Park 27km - Beginner to advanced, classic, single tracked, groomed weekly.

Heavily forested trails along Cascade River and several little creeks. Spot moose and wolves down the river valley from Lookout Mountain. Woodheated warming house available.

Connects with Cascade trail system to the west and Bally Creek Trails to the east. MN Ski Pass required.

Tower | Howard Wagoner Trail 11.5km - Four distinct loops. Beginner to intermediate trails through pine forest, groomed for classic ski only.1.3km lighted loop. The main trail system has some steep hills. The north trailhead is at the intersection of Enterprise Drive and County Road 135. Skiers can connect to the main system from here via a one-way trail or park at the south lot or access the trail at the south lot about a mile south on County Road 135. MN Ski Pass required.

Two Harbors Area • Gooseberry Falls State Park 19km - Groomed, classic ski trail with many loops on gradual hills and unique views of frozen waterfalls. Ski over the bridge at Fifth Falls. MN Ski Pass required.

• Erkki Harju Ski Trail 10.5km - Intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trail through scenic city forest. 3km lit until 10 pm daily.

MN Ski Pass required.

Virginia | Big Aspen Recreation Area 33km - Beginner to intermediate classic trail with shelters and a beautiful overlook on old logging roads and abandoned RR grades of the Virginia and Rainy Lake Lumber Co. Sources: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Nordic Ski Association, Skinnyski & Individual Trails.

Open year round

For our guests hitting the trails a boxed breakfast is available.

2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids, MN 218-999-5795 • www.greenheronbandb.com Winter 2020-2021 15

Sk ng Minnesota’s North Shore

By Jan Lasar

Last February, my wife Jen and I decided to pack up our ski gear to head to the North Shore for a few days to explore the area between Grand Marais and Two Harbors. With so many ski trails to choose from, it wasn’t easy to decide where to go, but we finally decided on Pincushion Mountain, Cascade River and Gooseberry State Park and the Erkki Harju Trail.

A skijoring team takes off from the Chalet area.

All photos by Jan Lasar

PINCUSHIONMOUNTAINSKI TRAILS We arrived just as they were finishing up the races for their annual Pincushion Ski Festival.

It’s just a short drive up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais; in fact, you can see the city and the lake from the parking lot. Pincushion Mountain is bounded to the west by the Gunflint Trail and to the northeast by the Devil Track River and has trails from easy to advanced. Its 25-mile multiuse trail system is maintained by the North Superior Ski and Run Club and lovingly groomed for skiing and fat bikes in the winter. (See my interview with club president Chris O’Brien “Still Going Strong After Forty Years”, on page four of the 2019/20 winter issue, available at www.issuu.com/minnesotatrailsmagazine).

We missed the races, but there was just enough time for a little exploration on our own before the skijoring demonstration and we took off in search of the easy trails. Neither Jen nor I practice what you’d call competition skiing. It’s more like aggravated walking with boards on our feet, but our ancient, waxless skis have carried us to some wonderful places, and that’s what it’s all about for us.

The trails were nice, broad swaths through the woods, flanked with green conifers and the nude, white trunks of birch. West Overlook, Lower Snowman, Upper Snowman and Lynn’s Loop

make a series of interconnected circles and were fun to ski with their rolling ups and downs. There was plenty of room for a huge skate lane and a nice ski track. With the sun shining in a cloudless, blue sky, temperatures edged close to 30 degrees that day, a very welcome change from the deep freeze the week before.

Part of the Pincushion Ski Festival was a skijoring demonstration, where dogs, attached by a harness, pull skiers along the trail. At the starting line near the chalet, a crowd had gathered to watch the event and dogs were barking and yipping in anticipation. Bonfire smoke drifted across the field and kids were running or skiing around. One by one, the dog-person teams took off, staggered about a minute apart. Some dogs bolted down the trail on command, the skier in tow. Others had

Group ski at Cascade River State Park.

to be coaxed by the racer and the cheering crowd until finally sauntering off, weaving back and forth. It was a carnival atmosphere.

We’ll definitely come back to Pincushion to check out the rest of the trails in the summer and bring the mountain bikes.

16 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

CASCADE RIVER STATE PARK At the Cascade River Wayside on Highway 61 we took in the scenery and the water falls.

It was another sunny day with bold, blue skies and the view across Lake Superior was great.

In the distance, Wisconsin and Michigan were shrouded in a bank of clouds, otherwise it was clear. The breeze from the lake was chilly, and it was only 15 degrees, so we didn’t hang out at the Wayside very long.

Across the road, we took the hiking trail up to the falls. The stairs leading up to the vista were completely covered in ice and snow and resembled a bobsled run. It’s well worth the effort, but I highly recommend traction cleats for this trek.

Cascade River State Park has a 27-mile classic, single track trail system ranging from beginner to advanced. Trails inside the park connect to the Bally Trails in the east, and the Cascade Trails to the west. We decided to start at the warming house, go northeast through the group camp, cross Highway 61 and come back going west on the ski trail that’s right along Lake Superior for a trip of about three miles.

The trail started out as a wide, easy path through the forest, then turned a bit more intimate the farther east we went. At the easternmost point we crossed the highway after a steep descent.

Back on the trail, we continued along the shore past the backpacking campsites. We took off the skis and walked down a footpath to the campsites on the lake. Very carefully, we negotiated the icecovered rocks on the shore -not an easy task with hard-bottomed ski boots- and found a sunny spot out of the wind to have lunch.

There’s nothing like sitting down on a rock to eat your sandwich on the shores of Lake Superior on a sunny afternoon in February. We looked out onto the lake, watched the waves wash over the glazed rocks, enjoyed the warming rays and talked about how days like these make all the drudgery

of winter worthwhile.

The next one-mile stretch followed the shore of Lake Superior and came close to the edge of the cliffs at times.

We were told that the tracks in this section f re q u e nt l y g e t windblown, but we were lucky that day.

They were in great shape and made for a very scenic one-mile ski with fantastic views.

Back on the north side of Highway 61, we found our way back to the warming house. A fire was going in the wood burning stove and a half a dozen other skiers were inside, swapping stories. We joined in the conversation to warm up and dry out a little.

ERKKI HARJUSKI TRAIL This trail in Two Harbors is named after a local resident who came up with the idea for a ski trail right in town, just south of the Lake County Fairgrounds. Its 10.5km of broad, groomed skate and classic trail make several interconnected loops and are rated intermediate. The longest loop around the perimeter has a couple of expert spurs. About 3km of the system are lit and it’s very well marked with signs at all intersections.

As soon as we hit the trail, it started snowing lightly, which added to the experience. When

Wilderness close to town: Erkki Harju Ski Trail in Two Harbors.

you’re on the Erkki Harju Trail it’s easy to forget you’re never far away from town or Highway 61.

It’s a wonderful, undulating trail through birch and conifer forest with some fun, rolling hills to keep it interesting. The snow picked up and started to wash out our tracks, but that didn’t take away any of the enjoyment.

We did run into a gentleman on a snowmobile grooming the trail who told us he had spotted a moose here earlier in the day. It’s not every day you get last tracks and first tracks in the same day, and we enjoyed every minute of it.

Continued on page 18

A deserted Agate Beach in February Minnesota Trails

Winter 2020-2021 17

Continued from page 17

GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK Before starting the long way home, we squeezed in one final ski at Gooseberry Falls State Park. The park has 19km of groomed skate and classic trails ranging from easy to intermediate, with some difficult stretches thrown in. Basically, the easy trails are near the lake, south of Highway 61, and the more challenging routes are on the other side of the road. We headed toward the lake on the easy trails, which put us on a section of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. It was very cold and the wind was getting stronger the closer we descended toward shore. At the Picnic Flow picnic area, we were rewarded with absolutely stunning views from the cliffs above the water. Lake Superior was surprisingly still and leaden, despite the biting winds.

Blue-grey clouds raced above us, and small pockets of shrubs poked their dead twigs through the crusty snow here and there. It was rough and inhospitable, but beautiful at the same time.

During the summer, this is a hotspot of activity, but that day we were the only ones around. If you want to experience the park without the 750,000 people who come here each year, a blustery February day is the perfect time.

We poked around the beach at the Lakeview Shelter for a while, and ducked inside the building to be out of the wind and have lunch. It was a quick affair, because we were starting to get chilly and wanted to move on.

The route took us past a spot with great views of the river gorge and the Middle and Lower Falls. We wanted to watch people ice climbing down there, but the wind blasting through the valley was so brutal and cold, we had to move on and get back to the car. And just like that, our four-day trip to the North Shore came to an end. We turned our rig full of sweaty gear and sandwich wrappers toward home and arrived just before dark.

Winter solitude at Picnic Flow.

Give the gift of Minnesota’s spectacular natural world.

Purchase gift cards at mnDNR.gov/GiftCard

18 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

2020/21 Central Ski Region: A Variety of Trails

The state parks, forests, wetlands and private resorts in the heart of the state offer a ski experience ranging from remote to all-inclusive.

Aitkin | No Achen Trail 11.3km - Beginner to advanced, groomed classic and skate trails through rustic forest. MN Ski Pass required.

Aitkin | Vispo Ski Trail 3.5km - Four interconnected classic loops with a sledding hill about 13 miles southeast of Aitkin. MN Ski Pass required.

Battle Lake | Glendalough State Park 13km - Beginner to intermediate, classic trails on rolling hills over prairie and northern hardwoods that pass several lakes. Weekend shelter with fireplace, camper cabins. Ski and snowshoe rentals. MN Ski Pass required.

Brainerd Area • French Rapids 9.5km - Expert only. Well-groomed and challenging trails in glaciated area with great views of Mississippi River Valley. MN Ski Pass required.

• Northland Arboretum 20km - Beginner to intermediate, classic and skate ski with nearly 5 km lighted trail. A trail fee applies.

• Pine Beach Trails 40km - Mostly beginner to intermediate with some advanced loops. Varied terrain through pine and hardwood forest around several scenic lakes. Trail links Kavanaugh’s and Cragun’s resorts. Ski rentals at Cragun’s. MN Ski Pass required.

Carlos | Lake Carlos State Park 9.5km - Intermediate, groomed classic only, rolling terrain through tamarack bog, marshes, woodland ponds and lakes. The park has a rustic warming shelter with a wood burning stove. MN Ski Pass required.

Clearwater | Warner Lake County Park 6km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic through woods with some challenging hills. 41-acre site surrounding Warner Lake.

Central Trails

SKI TRAIL GUIDE Collegeville | Saint John’s Arboretum 18km - Classic and skate skiing through the wooded hills of Saint John’s Arboretum. Some hills are challenging.

Cross Lake | Nordic Ridge Trail 9km - Easy to advanced series of interconnected loops starting at the Crosslake Community Center.

Deerwood | Larson Lake Ski Trails 11.6km - Intermediate to advanced skate and classic in varied terrain with a mix of hardwood and mature pines.

Passes by Larson Lake.

Elk River | Woodland Trails 15km - Beginner to advanced, groomed skate and classic ski trails with many loops. Maintained by Elk River Nordic Ski Club. MN Ski Pass required.

Erhard | Spidahl’s Ski Gaard 24km - All levels. Groomed classic and skate through 340 acres of hardwoods and prairie near Maplewood State Park.

Privately owned. Fee applies. Ski and snowshoe rentals.

Ironton | Wolf Lake Ski Trail 9km - Beginner to advanced, groomed classic with challenging hills through hardwood forest and mature pine.

Shelter along trail, maps at intersections.

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FergusFallsTrails.com Minnesota Trails

Winter 2020-2021 19

Central Trails

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Kensington Area • Andes Tower Hills Ski Area 15km - All levels of classic and skate through forest and around lakes. Adjacent to downhill ski area with 1.5km lit trail. Ski rentals available. A fee applies.

• Trollskogen Ski Trail 12km - Intermediate level loops around several lakes at Kensington Runestone Park. Visitor Center is open as a warming house. MN Ski Pass required.

Little Falls | Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge 5.6km - Beginner trail, groomed with two parallel tracks, with gentle hills.

Trail follows Platte River, skirts around several wetlands, winds through mixed hardwoods, crosses fields restored with prairie grasses. Waterfowl observation deck along trail overlooking Skunk Lake.

Long Prairie | Faust’s Woods 4.5km - This series of interconnecting loops over easy, wooded terrain is on private property, but open to the public.

Depending on conditions it’s groomed flat for skate skiing, single or double tracked. From Long Prairie go south on Hwy. 71, then west on County Rd 10. Turn north on Ginseng Road and the parking area will be on the left after about 1/4 of a mile.

McGregor Area • Remote Lake Trail 19km - Beginner to Intermediate classic ski trail within Savanna State Forest offers a wilderness-like experience. Connects to Savanna Portage State Park trails. MN Ski Pass required.

• Savanna Portage State Park 16km - Beginner to intermediate groomed classic tracks on rolling hills throughout the park. Connects with Remote Lake Trail near Loon Lake.

This connector trail has some steep sections.

The Cut Lake Ski Trail area near Pine River offers multiple loops totaling 16 km.

Jan Lasar photo

2020/21 Milaca | Milaca Trails 8km - City of Milaca trails are groomed single track. Park at Recreation Park and take the pedestrian bridge over the Rum River to access the trails.

Miltona | Spruce Hill Park 5km - 97-acre park with gentle, wooded hills through tamarack. MN Ski Pass required.

New London | Sibley State Park 13km - Intermediate to advanced with hills and curves. Ski to the top of Mt. Tom for the best view of the countryside. 4km skate ski trails. MN Ski Pass required.

Nisswa | Grand View Lodge 8km - All levels over three loops, groomed for classic through 360 acres of pines, prairie and wetland at The Pines golf course.

Onamia | Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 32km - Beginner to advanced, several loops through wooded terrain. Ski rentals available. MN Ski Pass required.

Palisade | Long Lake Conservation Center 5km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic ski trails through rustic forest. The conservation center building is open weekdays during business hours.

MN Ski Pass required.

Pelican Rapids | Maplewood State Park 8km - Intermediate to advanced, four loops of classic ski through hardwood forest, over hills and around many lakes.

Additional 8km backcountry trail. MN Ski Pass required.

Pine River | Cut Lake Trail 16.5km - Beginner to advanced skiing around Deer and Cut Lake. MN Ski Pass required.

Rice | Mississippi River County Park 6km - All beginner trails, groomed for classic skiing right along the Mississippi River.

Saint Cloud Area • Graystone Trails 17km - Beginner to intermediate with a few challenging hills. Many loops through scenic woods, pastures and apple orchards. Maintained by the Nordic Ski Club of Central Minnesota.

MN Ski Pass required.

• Riverside Park 5km - Beginner to intermediate trails with flat to rolling hills along the Mississippi River near downtown St. Cloud.

Saint Joseph | Kraemer Lake-Wildwood County Park 6km - Beginner to advanced. Six classic ski loops that wind through a wooded setting. MN Ski Pass required.

Sauk Centre | High School Trail 2.25km - Groomed classic and skate ski trails next to the Sauk River. Rated easy to moderate with cut-offs to avoid the few hills.

Find More Information at www.mntrails.com/ski-trails 20 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

2020/21

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Central Trails

Spicer | Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center 10km - Beginner to advanced, groomed classic and skate. Trails within 500 acre environmental learning center campus with woodland and prairie scenery and abundant wildlife. Rentals available. MN Ski Pass required.

Wadena | Black’s Grove 9km - Beginner to advanced, classic ski trails that wind through a wooded setting. Waite Park | Quarry Park and Nature Preserve 6.3km - Beginner to intermediate with a skating loop and classic loops. Ski past granite quarries and rock piles on lighted trails. 323 acre State Scientific and Natural Area within park with additional 5km of ungroomed rustic trail shared by snowshoers and skiers. Quarry Park parking pass required.

Willmar | Swan Lake Ski Trails 5km - Groomed, classic and skate trails for beginners on Eagle Creek Golf Course. Restaurant and bathrooms available during business hours. MN Ski Pass required.

Sources: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Nordic Ski Association, Skinnyski & Individual Trails Pile of granite blocks form a unique background for a ski outing at Quarry Park in Waite Park. Jan Lasar photo

Minnesota Trails

Winter 2020-2021 21

NO REASON FOR AN OFF-SEASON Your time on the trails doesn’t have to stop because of cold weather. We have all the gear you need to stay warm, battle the elements, and enjoy your favorite pastime. Visit your authorized Trek retailer online today for information, hours, and services!

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22 Winter 2020-2021 TK20_MN_Retailers_October_Group_Ad.indd 1

Minnesota Trails

10/8/20 11:45 AM

2020/21 Northwest Ski Region: Plenty of Choices From the edge of Lake of the Woods to the Headwaters of the Mississippi, northwestern Minnesota offers the widest variety of cross-country ski trails in the state.

Bemidji Area • Buena Vista Ski Area 25km - Intermediate to advanced loops through woods in a privately owned ski resort since 1949 with downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sleigh rides, replica logging village, large lodge, kitchen and shops. MN Ski Pass required.

• C.V. Hobson Forest Trail 7km - Beginner, groomed for classic.

Red and white pine and tamarack bog along Lake Lyra. MN Ski Pass required.

• Fern Lake Trail 3.5km - Intermediate to advanced, groomed classic ski trail. MN Ski Pass required.

• High School Trail (Lumberjack Trail) 6.5km - Easy beginner trail, groomed classic and skate. MN Ski Pass required.

• Lake Bemidji State Park 13km - Beginner to advanced, four loops, groomed double classic near Lake Bemidji. MN Ski Pass required.

• Montebello Trail 4km - Gentle beginner course in the city of Bemidji with 2km of lighted trail.

MN Ski Pass required.

• Movil Maze 14km - Intermediate to advanced, classic and skate. Steep and rolling hills through black spruce bog, red pines and hardwoods. MN Ski Pass required.

• Three Island Lake County Park 25km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic and skate with beautiful views of Three Island Lake and Turtle River. MN Ski Pass required.

Callaway | Maplelag Resort 64km - All levels, many well groomed loops through maple forest with rolling hills.

Mostly classic trails with some skate ski in a privately owned cross-country ski resort.

Detroit Lakes Area • Detroit Mountain 7km - Beginner to advanced ski trails ranging from skate and classic to classic only. Detroit Mountain’s lodge has bathrooms, changing rooms and a restaurant with a fireplace. Rentals are available.

• Dunton Locks County Park 6.1km - Beginner with some hills, west of Detroit Lakes, groomed classic all levels.

• Mountain View Rec. Area 4.9km - All levels, both classic and skate skiing on wide, regularly groomed trails through hardwood forest.

Minnesota Trails

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Northwestern Trails

• Pickerel Lake Ski Trails 9.1 km - Narrow single track trails through hardwood forests. Groomed occasionally.

Erskine | Rydell National Wildlife Refuge 2.5km - Relatively flat with rolling hills, groomed for classic skiing.

Fertile | Agassiz Environmental Learning Center 20 km - Classic, groomed ski trails traverse forests, oak savannas, prairies and sand dunes.

Hackensack Area • Deep Portage Ski Trails 18km - Beginner to advanced classic trails through rolling hills. Located in the Deep Portage Conservation Reserve.

• Hiram Ski Trail 8km - Beginner to advanced classic trails inside Foot Hills State Forest, just west of Tenmile Lake. MN Ski Pass required.

Longville | Goose Lake Ski Trail 17.3km - Beginner to intermediate classic trails through woods, over gently rolling hills and around wetlands. MN Ski Pass required.

Moorhead | M.B. Johnson Park 4km - Scenic trails through woods and along the Red River of the North. Other ski trails available at Gooseberry Mound Park and Viking Ship Park, which has some lit trails.

Outing | Washburn Lake Solitude Area 22.4km - Beginner to advanced trail in the Land O’Lakes State Forest.

Park Rapids Area • Itasca State Park 20km - Beginner to advanced, groomed with many loops. Ski to the headwaters of the Mississippi River among towering white pines on easy rolling hills. Visitor center with fireplace is open year round.

• Soaring Eagle Trails 10km - Beginner to advanced skate and classic trails that wind through a varied forest with rolling hills. MN Ski Pass required.

Rochert | Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge 13km - Ski through a mix of hardwood and coniferous forests as well as wetlands. Groomed occasionally.

Thief River Falls Area • Golf Course Trail 12km - Beginner to intermediate classic trail. Ski on the frozen Thief River from Red Robe Park to the golf course.

• Greenwood Trails 1.5km - Beginner classic ski trails that wind through a wooded setting along the Red Lake River.

Walker | Shingobee Recreation Area 9km - Beginner to expert trails on the slopes of the Shingobee River Valley.

Groomed for classic and skate skiing.

Sources: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Nordic Ski Association, Skinnyski & Individual Trails

#VisitParkRapids

The Perfect Winter

Getaway!

Enjoy miles of groomed cross country ski trails and snowmobile trails through the Park Rapids Lakes area and experience the true stillness of winter in the Northwoods.

800-247-0054

www.parkrapids.com

Home of

WORLD FAMOUS ITASCA STATE PARK Winter 2020-2021 23

Metro Trails Metro Ski Region: Urban Trails Wonderland The many communities that make up the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul provide an extensive network of well-groomed cross-country ski trails.

Many regional parks make snow and offer skiing whether it actually snows or not.

Twin Cities area ski clubs meet regularly for fun, training, and competition.

Afton | Afton State Park 19km - A variety of groomed, classic loops with trail shelters overlooking the St. Croix River near Afton Alps Ski Resort.

Heated Visitors center has parking and bathrooms. The park also has snowshoe trails. MN Ski Pass required.

Annandale | Stanley Eddy Regional Park-South 5km - Scenic, rolling hills, lakes and marshes in a densely wooded area. Trail is groomed for skate and classic skiing.

Stanley Eddy Regional Park is made up of three distinct parcels with separate entrances. Skiing is at the south unit only.

The north unit has snowshoe trails. MN Ski Pass required.

Anoka Area • Greenhaven Golf Course 5km - Skate and double-tracked, classic groomed trails through rolling golf course hills and trees. Trails are only open when groomed and posted as open. Golf course building and restroom is open during regular business hours.

• Anoka Nature Preserve 5km - Flat and easy trail loops through stands of oak trees and open areas.

Bloomington | Hyland Lake Park Reserve 15km - Intermediate to expert, groomed, classic and skate trails over rolling hills and prairie. 8km lighted trail. 5km trail with snowmaking. Ski Chalet serves as a warming house and offers ski rentals.

Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Burnsville Area • Alimagnet Park 6km - Short and flat beginner trails. All trails are multi-use and allow walking, snowshoeing and skijoring.

• Terrace Oaks Park 10.9km - Beginner to expert.

Groomed, classic ski trails through heavily wooded, hilly areas. Chalet available as a warming house on weekends.

Cambridge Area • Spirit River Nature Area 5-8km - Beginner classic and skate ski trails through prairie, deciduous forest, and wetlands. Parking and restrooms at Anoka Ramsey Community College.

• Springvale County Park 5km - Gently rolling hills, open fields and hardwood forests within a 200acre park.

2020/21

SKI TRAIL GUIDE Chanhassen | Lake Minnewashta Regional Park 8km - Classic ski trails through 340-acre park on the shores of Lake Minnewashta.

Ski rentals available.

Chaska | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum 13km - Six loops of classic-only ski trails through the 1,200-acre arboretum grounds.

Snowshoeing trails are also available.

Oswald Visitor Center has rentals, restrooms, snowshoe rentals and a gift store. The Arboretum Cafe is open all week.

Cokato | Collinwood Regional Park 5.8km - Intermediate, groomed, classic trail on open fields with some wooded areas. No MN Ski Pass required.

Coon Rapids Area • Bunker Hills Regional Park 20km - Intermediate trail loops on flat to slightly hilly terrain. Rental skis available. Warm up inside the Bunker Hills Activity Center on weekdays. MN Ski Pass required.

• Mississippi Gateway Regional Park 10km - Beginner to intermediate trails on relatively flat terrain along Mississippi River. Rentals available at Coon Rapids Dam Visitor Center on weekends. MN Ski Pass required.

Cottage Grove | Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park 8km - Intermediate to advanced skate and classic trails with some steep slopes and heavily wooded ravines. An additional 9km of trails are multi-use and open to winter biking, snowshoeing, walking and skijoring. MN Ski Pass required.

Eagan | Lebanon Hills Regional Park 29km - Beginner to advanced trails, groomed for classic skiing. Trails wind through the hilly, wooded countryside and around scenic lakes and ponds. This large park is split into a western section with 3.8km skate and 6.6 km classic skiing and an eastern section with 19km classic only. Ski rentals available.

Dakota County ski pass required.

Eden Prairie | Staring Lake Park 4km - Classic trail on the south side of Staring Lake. Warming house with bathrooms is available when the adjacent sledding hill is open. No MN Ski Pass required.

Falcon Heights | Les Bolstad Golf Course 6km - Three skate and classic loops starting and ending at the golf course club house. Trails groomed by U of M Outdoor Adventures.

Farmington | Whitetail Woods Regional Park 7km - Intermediate classic trails around Empire Lake. Connects with Lone Rock Trail in Rosemount. Camper cabins and fire rings available. Dakota County ski pass required.

Hastings Area • Spring Lake Park Reserve 8km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic (5.4km) and skate (2.6km) ski trails. Schaar’s Bluff offers views of the Mississippi River Valley.

Dakota County ski pass required.

• St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park 12.5km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed trails on the scenic St. Croix River. The east and south loops offer a combined 10km of double tracked classic skiing, while the west loop has 2.5 km of side by side skate and classic single track. MN Ski Pass required.

Lake Elmo Area • Lake Elmo Park Reserve 19.5km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails on gently rolling hills offering a variety of experiences and challenges.

Some lighted trails. Nordic center has bathrooms and vending machines.

MN Ski Pass required.

• Sunfish Lake Park 7 to 9km - All skill levels. Camel Back provides some fun hills, but Oak Run is particularly exciting. Morgan Lane offers beautiful view of a pond from a birch-lined ridge. Groomed occasionally by volunteers.

Lakeville | Ritter Farm Park Ski Trail 9km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic and skate ski with hills through the woods. MN Ski Pass required.

Lino Lakes | Chomonix Golf Club 10km - Beginner to intermediate trails on flat terrain. Rent skis at Chomonix Golf Course clubhouse. MN Ski Pass required.

Maple Grove | Elm Creek Park Reserve 18km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic and skate trails. Some of the best ski trails in the area with fantastic night skiing on over 5km of lighted trails and a 2.5 km loop with snowmaking. Elm Creek Chalet offers ski rentals, snack bar, and woodstove. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Maple Lake | Robert Ney Memorial Park Reserve 16.5km - Intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails over small hills and flat areas. Nature Center offers rentals weekends January-March. No MN Ski Pass required.

Maplewood Area • Battle Creek Regional Park - East 6km - Beginner to intermediate classic ski trail through mature woods. MN Ski Pass required.

• Battle Creek Regional Park - West 10km - Beginner to advanced, classic and skate ski trails. The World Cup Gold, Silver and Bronze trails are the most difficult. 4km lit trail. MN Ski Pass required.

Marine on St. Croix Area • Big Marine Park Reserve 1.9k - Two classic, groomed, easy loops along Big Marine Lake. An additional 2.5km loop is open to winter biking, walking and skijoring.

MN Ski Pass required.

• William O’Brien State Park 19km - Multi-trail system, for all skill levels of classic and skate skiers with views of St. Croix River. Wetland Trail for beginners and Prairie Overlook for the more advanced. Heated trail center has a wood stove. MN Ski Pass required.

24 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

2020/21 Medina | Baker Park Reserve 14.5km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic and skate trails through woods and meadows. Equipment rentals, warming house, and snack bar at Chalet. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Minneapolis Area • Chain of Lakes Regional Park 10.7km - Groomed, beginner-friendly flat trails around Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles.

Connects with Theodore Wirth Park trails to the north. Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) Pass required.

• Columbia Golf Course 3.5km - Groomed, classic and skate trails on rolling golf course hills.

Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) Pass required.

• Hiawatha Regional Park 4km - Groomed, classic and skate trails on rolling golf course hills with a view of the Minneapolis skyline.

Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) Pass required.

• Theodore Wirth Regional Park 25km - Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic and skate ski trails.

3km lighted trails. One of the largest venues with snowmaking capabilities in the Twin Cities features some incredible hills on the north while the south side is primarily flat. Connects to Chain of Lakes Regional Park trails to the south. Ski rentals available.

Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) Pass required.

Minnetonka | Glen Lake Golf Center 2.4km - Groomed, classic and skate trails through rolling golf course hills.

Rentals and concessions available at the clubhouse. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Monticello Area • Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park 3.5km - Great beginner trail through pines along Bertram, Long, Mud and First Lake. Groomed classic ski only.

No MN Ski Pass required.

• Harry Larson County Forest 3.2km - Intermediate, classic ski only.

Close to Lake Maria State Park. No MN Ski Pass required.

• Lake Maria State Park 10km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic trails through rolling terrain, wooded areas, old growth forest areas and past lakes and ponds. MN Ski Pass required.

North Branch | Wild River State Park 48km - Beginner (22km), intermediate (25km) and advanced (5km) trails along the St. Croix River. 27km are combined classic and skate ski. Heated trail center has rentals available. MN Ski Pass required.

Norwood Young America | Baylor Regional Park 5km - Classic ski trails around marshes along the shores of Eagle Lake in a 200-acre park. Includes a 1/4-mile boardwalk. Ski rentals available.

Minnesota Trails

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Metro Trails

Otsego | Otsego Regional Park 3km - Beginner trails alongside paved park trails on the Misissippi River. Tracks are set when sufficient snow is available, otherwise they’re groomed flat. No MN Ski Pass required.

Plymouth Area • Eagle Lake Regional Park 6km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails through woods and meadows. Fat Biking and skijoring allowed on skate lanes. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

• French Regional Park 8km - Variety of terrains from beginner to advanced. Groomed, classic and skate trails over rolling hills. 4.5km of lighted trails attract many after-work skiers. Rentals and concessions available at visitor center. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Prior Lake | Cleary Lake Regional Park 10km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails. Visitor center with ski rentals, vending machine and fireplace. 4.5 km lighted trail. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Ramsey | Rum River Central Regional Park 8km - Beginner to intermediate skate and classic trail loops. MN Ski Pass required.

Rosemount | Lone Rock Trail 18km - Intermediate trails groomed for both classic and skate ski on gently rolling terrain through woods, agricultural land and wetlands in UMore Park.

Connects with trails at Whitewoods Regional Park.

Saint Paul Area • Como Park 5km - Intermediate to advanced classic and skate trails. 1.7k lighted trail. Equipment rentals.

• Fort Snelling State Park 19km - The park offers flat multi-use trails which are shared by skiers, hikers and fat tire bikers. The Pike Island Loop with its views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers is the only trail groomed just for skiing.

Visitor center serves as a warming house. MN Ski Pass required.

• Highland 9 Golf Course 3.5km - Beginner to intermediate classic and skate trail loop.

• Phalen Regional Park 7.5km - Intermediate classic and skate trails, open and fairly flat.

Savage | Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve 14.5km - Some of the most exciting and challenging trails in the metro. Groomed, classic and skate trails. Trailhead building serves as a warming area on weekends.

Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

Shoreview | Grass Lake 3km - Beginner trails through woods and marshland, classic ski only. MN Ski Pass required.

Stillwater Area • Pine Point Regional Park 6.5km - Beginner to intermediate trails groomed for classic and skate skiing. This small park near the end of the Gateway Trail has beautiful scenery with trails winding through large pine plantation, by small lakes and picturesque farms. MN Ski Pass required.

• Brown’s Creek Nature Preserve 4.5km - Beginner classic and skate trails on moderate hills. MN Ski Pass required.

Vadnais Heights | Vadnais/Sucker Lakes 8km - Beginner to advanced, classic-only trails on moderate hills through woods with lake views. Sucker Lake loop is north of County Road F, Vadnais Lake loop is south. MN Ski Pass required.

Waconia | Carver Park Reserve 18km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails through hardwood forests and marshlands. Lowry Nature Center offers a warming place and has ski rentals on weekends. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.

White Bear Lake | Tamarack Nature Center 8km - Beginner to intermediate, classiconly trails through prairie, woodland, and marsh. Ski rentals and lessons available.

1km practice loop. MN Ski Pass required.

Bike Hastin

More than 28 miles of stunning trai Sources: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Nordic Ski Association, along the Mississippi River, Vermillio Skinnyski Individual Trailsbyways.

Falls and&other scenic

Hastings Area

Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

Just minutes south of the Twin Cities in winter sports heaven!

• Snowboarding • Downhill Skiing • Snowshoeing • Cross Country Skiing • Explore Afton Alps, Welch Village & Carpenter Nature Center

For info: 651-437-6775 www.visithastingsmn.org Winter 2020-2021 25

For m

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Southern Trails Southern Ski Region: Skiing with a View The southern half of Minnesota offers rolling bluff country in the east and wide-open prairies in the west with regions of oldgrowth forest in between. A wide variety of state parks, forests and recreational trails offer fine cross country skiing.

Austin | Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 10km - Beginner to intermediate, classic and skate trails through woods and prairie. Interpretive building with rentals serves as a warming house. No MN Ski Pass required.

Faribault | River Bend Nature Center 11km - Beginner to advanced, groomed classic through flat prairie and woods with some challenging hills. MN Ski Pass required.

Frontenac | Frontenac State Park 11km - All levels, groomed classic with overlooks of Lake Pepin. Two warming shelters available. MN Ski Pass required.

Henderson | Ney Nature Center 10km - Groomed, classic ski trails through the 446-acre Ney Wildlife Preserve.

Rentals available at the nature center.

A trail fee applies.

Root River State Trail 48km - Beginner to intermediate trail offering views of tall bluffs and abundant wildlife. Track set between Isinours Junction and Houston. MN Ski Pass required.

New Ulm | Flandrau State Park 9.5km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic, flat trails on the bottom of the valley with more challenging routes on the oak shaded bluffs with several overlooks of Cottonwood River.

Ski and snowshoe rentals available.

Beach house serves as a warming shelter.

MN Ski Pass required.

Northfield | Carleton College Arboretum 18km - Trails in the upper arboretum (6km) are groomed for skating and classic skiing, the remainder are classic only. Trails are shared with walkers.

Owatonna Area • Brooktree Golf Course 3km - Easy skate ski and classic loop.

• Kaplan’s Woods Parkway 13km - Intermediate, ravine terrain provides challenging hills through hardwood forest near a lake and river. Wide trails suitable for skate ski and tracked for classic when snow is sufficient. Trail travels from Morehouse Park through Kaplan’s Woods Parkway and into the County Country Club grounds. MN Ski Pass required.

Find More Information at www.mntrails.com/ski-trails

ake a T • Ice Fishing the on St. k atLake reaJames b • Snowshoeing lake!

• Groomed Snowmobile Trails

discoverstjamesmn.com • 888-859-0813 www.discoverstjamesmn.com

Over 9 miles of paved bike trails starting at Memorial Park

- Picnic Tables and Grills - Beautiful Lake Views - Kayaks, Canoes, & Paddle Boards - Disc Golf - Sand Volleyball - Fishing Docks - Skateboarding

t. James S r e v o c is FREE Snowshoe Rentals FREE bike rentals D Right on St. James Area Bike Trail

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2020/21

SKI TRAIL GUIDE

Red Wing Area • Cannon Valley Trail 23km - The Cannon Valley Trail is open to a variety of uses in the winter. From Cannon Falls, Mile 1-15.5: Cross Country Skiing only.

Mile 15.5-17.5: Side by side fat biking and cross country skiing. Mile 17.519.7: Trail is plowed and open to hiking and biking. Trail offers views of overhanging cliffs and stunning scenery. Connects communities of Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing.

MN Ski Pass required for skiing only.

• Mississippi National Ski Trails 8km - Beginner to advanced, groomed for classic skiing. 8km classic loop through wooded terrain offers extensive views of Mississippi River, considered one of the most spectacular in the state. Flatter and easier trails groomed for both classic and skate skiing are on the golf course to the south, where the trailhead is. MN Ski Pass required.

Rochester Area • Chester Woods Park 8km - All levels, groomed trails through a wooded and hilly county park with views of Chester Lake, usually groomed for both classic and skate skiing. Trails are well marked with maps at most intersections. A trail fee applies.

• Eastwood Golf Course 6km - All levels, groomed classic and skate ski loops with 2.5km lighted trails.

• Essex Park 8.5km - Groomed classic and skate ski through woods and restored prairie.

• Soldier’s Field Golf Course 5km - Intermediate, groomed classic and skate ski. Quiet city trails offer good skiing.

• Quarry Hill Park 10 km - Relatively flat, groomed trails through rolling hills around an old quarry. Quarry Hill Nature Center is open all year and has equipment rentals. A trail fee applies.

Winona Area • Great River Bluffs State Park 5km - Beginner to intermediate, groomed classic with overlooks of the Mississippi River Valley. MN Ski Pass required.

• Saint Mary’s University 14.5km - Mostly intermediate to advanced with some flat terrain for beginners. Groomed classic and skate ski, through hardwood forest, an old apple orchard, and near Gilmore Creek. Some lit sections.

Sources: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Nordic Ski Association, Skinnyski & Individual Trails

THIS| 507-375-3241 WINTER! Tiell Campground

26 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

2020/21

FAT BIKE AND SKI EVENTS

2021 FAT BIKE EVENTS Fat Bike Rennet January 9, 2021 Hyland Lake Park Reserve Bloomington, MN: 10km or 25 km illuminated race on Hyland Lake Park’s ski trails. Hosted by Three Rivers Parks. www.mntrails.com/event/fat-bikerennet/ St Croix 40 Winter Ultra January 16-17, 2021 St. Croix State Park Hinckley, MN: 40km endurance race by foot, ski or fat bike. www.mntrails.com/event/st-croix-40winter-ultra/ Fatbike Frozen Forty Jan 23, 2021 Elm Creek Park Reserve Champlin, MN: A great mid-winter challenge on a course composed of 100% groomed single track. Solo, 2 lap, 3 lap, or 4 lap competition. www.mntrails.com/event/fat-bikefrozen-forty/ Arrowhead 135 January 25-27, 2021 International Falls, MN: 135-mile ski, bike and run endurance race on the Arrowhead State Trail. www.mntrails.com/event/ arrowhead-135/

Fat Bike Vasaloppet February 14, 2021 Mora, MN: The event starts and finishes in downtown Mora, with beautiful trails winding through the Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center complex the day after the Vasaloppet ski race. www.mntrails.com/event/fat-bikevasaloppet/

2020/21 SKI EVENTS Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener December 5, 2020 Hyland Lake Park Reserve Bloomington, MN: Kick off Minnesota’s ski season with free skiing, rental equipment and lessons for all ages. www.mntrails.com/event/minnesotanordic-ski-opener/ Ski Rennet January 9, 2021 Hyland Lake Park Reserve Bloomington, MN: Ski and skijoring races of varying lengths for skiers of all abilities. www.mntrails.com/event/ski-rennet/ Pre-Loppet January 10, 2021 Theodore Wirth Regional Park Minneapolis, MN: A primer for the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival with ski races from 1-17km and an 8km and 17km fatbike race. www.mntrails.com/event/pre-loppet/

Winter Events City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival February 5-7, 2021 Theodore Wirth Regional Park Minneapolis, MN: A family-friendly winter festival with numerous ski and fat bike events, skijoring and a nighttime luminary loppet.

Moraloppet Ski for the Cause February 6, 2021 Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center Mora, MN: Fundraiser event for skiers of all capabilities ranging from beginners to elite athletes, plus a time of socializing and refreshments. www.mntrails.com/event/moraloppetski-for-the-cause/ Vasaloppet February 13-14, 2021 Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center Mo: Two-day ski festival with races of 13-52km, fat tire bike race, skijoring and Miniloppet for kids. www.mntrails.com/event/vasaloppet/ Pepsi Challenge March 6, 2021 Giants Ridge Biwabik, MN:This competition has an event for every level of racer: The Giants Ridge 8k, the Great River Energy Rush 25k and the Pepsi Challenge 50k. www.mntrails.com/event/pepsichallenge/

As of deadline, the information in this calendar was accurate, but events may be cancelled on short notice due to uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Check www.mntrails.com/events for additional information.

Minnesota Trails

Winter 2020-2021 27

TrailsQ&A

2020/21

Trails Q & A

Phyllis Brown Twin Cities

Seen: Cross-Country Skiing at Cascade River State Park with husband Mark.

Occupation: I’m almost done being occupied, but I manage software projects.

What’s your favorite part about this park? The scenery is just spectacular and there are some interesting hills.

Gear: Alpina Touring ski boots, Atomic Motion 52 skis, Swix poles.

How many miles did you ski today? About five Your favorite Minnesota State Park? Afton State Park, because of the pretty views, lots of kilometers and challenging hills.

What’s another place you like to ski? I like the trails at Bearskin Lodge on the Gunflint Trail Trail Treat: We often bring oranges. That cold citrus flavor really hits the spot.

Worst Trail Experience: Getting lost skiing at Porcupine Mountains in Michigan.

We ended up doing some bushwhacking and crossing a stream and got back way after dark.

Best Trail Experience: Back country skiing through 18 inches of fresh snow at Jay Cooke State Park.

What would you do with $1,000? I don’t need $1,000, so I would give it to the Nature Conservancy or the Sierra Club.

Advice for the novice skier: Take some lessons, it’s not just walking on skis. Don’t let anyone tell you that skiing is only for flat areas. When it comes time to buy equipment, buy from someone who knows what they’re doing and spend your money on the boots. It’s the most important part.

Future Minnesota Plans? We’re going back up to Bearskin Lodge in a couple of weeks.

Snapshots of people we meet along the trail

Kent Montgomery Brainerd, MN

Seen: Brainerd Arboretum ski trails.

Gear: Alpina ski boots, Atomic skis, and Yoho poles.

Occupation: Instructor in the Natural Resources Department at Central Lakes College and volunteer ski coach at Brainerd Junior High School.

Best Skiing Experience: My best time is anytime I’m out there skiing with the kids.

Worst Skiing Experience: None. What do they say? The worst day fishing still beats the best day at work.

Advice for new skiers: Hook up with a club or a team. We learn from each other and keep each other going.

What’s your favorite trail at the Arboretum? Big Ben. It has lots of climbs and drops.

Why do you ski? Because it keeps me in shape. And because I still can.

How did you get started skiing? In tenth grade my dad bought me a set of skis and I joined the high school team. He must have known something I didn’t back then.

Trail Treat: A nice pint of Fenceline beer from Jackpine Brewery in Baxter.

With $1000 I would: Buy a few more sets of high-end skis for the high school kids.

Chris Bradshaw

Connie Burns

Columbus, MN

Seen: Hiking knee-deep in snow at William O’Brien State Park Occupation: Retired Electrician How many miles do you winter hike per year? I never keep track, but it is more and more every year.

Favorite Minnesota place: Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area. I pick a zerodegree day, hike in a half a mile and just sit there, contemplating Nature.

Best Minnesota experience: Sitting on the banks of the Kettle River at Banning State Park with no cares in the world.

Worst Minnesota Experience: There are no worst, unless getting eaten by bugs is included.

What would you do with $1,000? I would donate it to Family Pathways Food Shelf. But next time I’ll donate to the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota, also.

Trail Treat: Cliff or Elevation Bar. Or, from a local source, the Monster Coolies at the Scandia Café can’t be beat Advice to winter hikers: Always bring water and a change of clothing.

Future Minnesota plans: Hit every state park!

Alexandria, MN

Seen: Skiing at Lake Carlos State Park Occupation: Health Ed Coordinator and Dietician Gear: Atomic Nordic skis

How many miles do you ski per year? About 50 Best MN experience: An overnight stay at a yurt at Glendalough State Park.

Favorite MN place: The Boundary Waters because the canoeing is so incredible.

Trail Treat: Anything with peanut butter.

Advice for the novice skier: Take it slow and work out your upper body before the ski season.

Future MN plans: I want to visit Maplewood State Park and explore southeastern Minnesota.

QA

28 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

Garden Island Rec. Area

Lake of the Woods

Zippel Bay Lake Bronson

Red River of the North

Rainy River

Hayes Lake

Franz Jevne

75

International Falls

Old Mill

Red Lake

59

Crookston

Lake Bemidji

2 La Salle Lake Rec. Area

Leech Lake Walker

Itasca

Heartland Park Buffalo River Detroit Paul Rapids Lakes Bunyan North Country Pine Trail Crow 59 Wing Maplewood Otter Tail 94 Brainerd Wadena

Moorhead

Glendalough Central Lakes Alexandria

75

Glacial Lakes Pomme de Terre

Big Stone Lake 12

Chippewa

Lake Wobegon

Monson Lake

Willmar

Kettle

Lake Maria

Father Hennepin

59 71

212

Lake Rec. Area

George H. Crosby Manitou Silver Bay

Gooseberry Falls

Gitchi Gami Trail

Superior Hiking Trail Lake Superior Duluth

Moose Lake

Alex Laveau Segment

Sand Stone

Banning St. Croix

Mora

Split Rock Lighthouse Two Harbors

Hinckley

MAP LEGEND PRAIRIE DECIDUOUS FOREST CONIFEROUS FOREST TALLGRASS ASPEN PARKLAND

Snake

35

St. Croix River

STATE PARKS

Rum

North Branch Sunrise Prairie Hardwood Creek Grand Rounds

Minneapolis Luce Line Hutchinson Crow, Dakota LRT South Fork Greenleaf

212 Upper Sioux Agency

Mille Lacs Lake

Lake Superior

Tofte

Tettegouche

Cloquet

Munger

Crosby

Charles A. Lindbergh

12

St. Louis

Jay Cooke Savanna Portage Willard

Cuyuna Country Rec. Area

169 Sauk Sauk Centre Soo Line Albany Saint Cloud St. Joseph ROCORI 94 Mississippi Paynesville Sibley Crow, Glacial North Fork Lakes

Lac qui Parle

OHV Rec. Area

Grand Portage National Monument

Grand Marais

Temperance Cascade River River

Hibbing Iron Range

Hill Annex Mine

2

Soo Line Little Falls

Lake Carlos

Bear Head Lake

Grand Portage Judge C.R. Magney

Kekekabic Trail

Eveleth

169 Mississippi

North Country Trail

Mille Lacs Kathio

71 Long Prairie 10

Mesabi

Grand Rapids

Crow Wing

Glendalough

Fergus Falls

McCarthy Beach

Lake Cass Winnibigoshish Lake Paul Bunyan Migizi Schoolcraft

Bemidji

75

BWCA

Lake Vermilion /Soudan Undergound Mine

Scenic

Erskine

Border Route Trail

53 Vermillion

Big Fork

71

Lower Red Lake

Red River Rec. Area

Voyageurs National Park

Little Fork

Big Bog Rec. Area

Upper Red Lake

Rainy Lake

Rainy Lake

Hugo

Fort

Saint Paul

52

Wild River Interstate William O’Brien Marine on St. Croix Brown’s Creek Stillwater Gateway

Afton Hastings

STATE RECREATIONAL AREAS BIKE TRAILS ROADS STATE WATER TRAILS MAJOR CITIES LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAILS Not for Navigation Jan. 2019

Snelling Cannon Red Wing Minnesota Valley 61 Redwood Fair Frontenac Valley Cannon Ridge Rec. Area 35 Falls Lake City Goodhue Fort Camden Marshall Cannon Mississippi Pioneer 63 Flandrau Ridgely Sakatah Camden New Ulm Nerstrand Great Zumbro Cottonwood Lake Mankato Big Woods River 14 Carley Faribault 75 Springfield Sleepy Straight Douglas Ridge John A. Latsch Sakatah Eye Lake Shetek Whitewater Pipestone Minneopa Singing Hills 14 Watonwan National Monument Winona Owatanna Rice Lake Pipestone Great River Bluffs Rochester Whitewater St. James Des Casey 52 Root Moines Cedar Root 59 Jones River Kilen Woods Myre Blue Blazing 90 Split Rock Lanesboro Big Island Blue Earth Star Creek Shooting Mounds Beaver Creek Valley Preston Star 63 90 Blue Blue Austin Shell Albert Harmony-Preston Valley Earth Mounds Worthington Rock Lea Lake Louise Harmony Forestville / Luverne Minnesota

Mystery Cave

VISITBRAINERD Choose Your Adventure.

Minnesota Trails

MN_Trails_Winter2020.indd 1

VisitBrainerd.com Winter 2020-2021 29

2/11/2020 10:54:11 AM

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FERGUS FALLS CVB

112 Washington Ave. W, Fergus Falls www.visitfergusfalls.com 14084 Baxter Drive, STE 12, Brainerd www.visitbrainerd.com

JACOBS REALTY

Hwy. 6 & 210, Crosby www.jacobsrealtymn.com

Northeast Region

Bemidji

320-587-5252

61

71

2

218-332-5425

800-450-7247

35

Central Region

94

Duluth

St. Cloud

Southern Region

Metro Region Mankato

71 35

90

90

A quick and easy reference for planning your adventure!

218-546-8346

MID MINNESOTA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 218-546-5428

117 West Main Street, Crosby www.mmfcu.org

Trails Only Minutes from Our Door!

SPECIALTY STORES 124 West Main Street, Crosby www.shopvictual.com

Minnesota Trails Directory Regions

Northwest Region 2

SERVICES

VICTUAL

6489 Cahill Avenue, Inver Grove Heights www.bike-king.com

6028 Hwy. 36 Blvd N, Oakdale www.gatewaycycle.com

CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL ASSOCIATION 320-763-0102

324 Broadway, Alexandria www.centrallakestrail.com

VISIT BRAINERD

BIKE SHOPS 105 7th Avenue S, St. Cloud www.fitzharrismn.com

INFORMATION

218-545-1000

See more details about these trail-friendly businesses at www.mntrails.com/ trail-partners

THE BEMIDJI SUPER 8 The Pride of Super 8 Quality Award Winner

1815 Paul Bunyan Dr. NW Bemidji, MN 56601

(218) 751-8481 1-800-800-8000

www.bemidjisuper8motel.com

DETROITMOUNTAIN.COM

DETROIT LAKES, MINNESOTA

11350 Aquila Drive, Suite 505, Champlin www.trailheadcyclingandfitness.com

B&Bs

COUNTRY BED AND BREAKFAST 651-257-4773

5 miles from Taylors Falls www.countrybedandbreakfast.us

GREEN HERON B&B

2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids www.greenheronbandb.com

218-999-5795

MOLLY’S COTTAGE ON MAIN

305 W Main Street, Crosby 507-867-1471 www.airbnb.com/h/mollyscottageonmain

LODGING/CAMPING DEERWOOD MOTEL

23688 Forest Road, Deerwood Great rooms at great prices.

RED RIDER RESORT

23457 Co. Rd. 31, Crosby www.redriderresort.com

218-534-3163

D E T RO I T L A K E S , M N

218-838-6858

EAT & DRINK

THE DEERSTAND RESTAURANT AND BAR 218-534-9253

24188 Mohs Street, Deerwood www.deerstandrestaurant.com

30 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails

SAVE

the

2021 BIKE RIDES

Date Tour de Pepin

Rail Trails 100

Lake City, MN

St. Joseph, MN

June 5, 2021

14th Annual

www.lakecity.org

www.railtrails100.com

Caramel Roll Ride

Gitchi-Gami North Shore Ride

June 12, 2021 Albany, MN

23rd Annual

www.caramelrollride.com

Lady Slipper Nature Ride June 19, 2021 Avon, MN

11th Annual

Bemidji, MN

www.bikebemidji.com

4th Annual

21st Annual

Caramel Apple Ride Sept. 11, 2021 Sauk Centre, MN

Mora Bike Tour

June 19, 2021

8th Annual

www.ggta.org

Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride

Loop the Lake Ride

BIKE TOUR

August 21, 2021

www.caramelappleride.com

www.shootingstartrail.org

RAIL TRAILS 100

Gooseberry Falls State Park

www.ladyslipperride.com

June 19, 2021 Le Roy, MN

22nd Annual

August 7, 2021

11th Annual

Sept. 18, 2021

Vasaloppet Nordic Center, Mora, MN www.morabiketour.org

41st Annual

Ride The Ridges Sept. 18, 2021 Winona, MN

www.ridetheridges.bike

9th Annual

Tour de Bun Bicycle Classic July 24, 2021

Montgomery, MN 31st Annual

www.kolackydays.com

Mark your calendar now for these great 2021 rides.

Minnesota Trails

Winter 2020-2021 31

FREE HOT HOME-STYLE BREAKFAST

INVITING INDOOR POOL

UPDATED GUESTROOMS

ADVENTURE AWAITS AT

AMERICINN

From Minnesota’s rugged north shore to its southwestern prairie, the northwestern tallgrass parklands, to the Minnesota River Valley, taking good care of people in this great state of ours is what we do best. We’ve earned our stripes when it comes to genuine hospitality, and you’ll feel it the moment you walk through our doors. From a friendly smile to a free, hot American breakfast, stop in and discover true AmericInn® hospitality.

Hutchinson, MN Lake City, MN Red Wing, MN Roseau, MN Silver Bay, MN Tofte/Lutsen, MN Two Harbors, MN

[320] 587.5515 [651] 345.5611 [651] 385.9060 [218] 463.1045 [218] 226.4300 [218] 663.7899 [218] 834.3000

[800] 634.3444 www.wyndhamhotels.com

See more about these locations at www.wyndhamhotels.com. ©2019 AMERICINN INTERNATIONAL, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL HOTELS ARE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED EXCEPT CERTAIN HOTELS MANAGED BY A SUBSIDIARY OF WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.

32 Winter 2020-2021

Minnesota Trails