By Marin Sabens, junior writing coach
With the season of crisp and icy weather quickly approaching, many Minnesotans find themselves feeling desperate for unique ways to get outside and embrace nature. However, winter in Minnesota isn’t simply a season; it is, for many, a way of living. While some may find the low temperatures discourage them from leaving the house, others embrace the way the season entirely transforms the state. Besides the traditional practices of sledding, making snowmen, and having snowball fights, there are many under-appreciated winter activities that are easily accessible to many Minnesota residents. Among the most overlooked of these whereabouts is the exploration of nature trails during the colder months. The parks and recreation section of Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources has developed numerous trails and parks that prioritize both natural wildlife and the wellness of their visitors. Listed below are some locations of trails and parks that allow for the satisfaction of anyone’s winter wanderlust:
*Note: All of the following locations are found in Minnesota and are all within a 4-hour drive from Minnetonka, MN.
- Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, MN
Located just over 45 minutes northeast of downtown Duluth, Gooseberry Falls State Park is situated on the north shore of Lake Superior. The scenic trails allow for views of its infamous waterfalls, the Lake Superior shoreline, and numerous historic structures. Below is an image of the falls I took myself over MEA:
- Afton State Park, Washington County, MN
Around an hour’s drive from Minnetonka, Afton State Park is a great place to visit for countless winter activities! Full of beautiful wildlife, the area hosts numerous trails formed from an old railroad grade. Visitors are able to view the St. Croix River from various overlooks. The park is open in winter for hiking, camping, and cross country-skiing!
- Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne, MN
Just over a three-hour drive from Minnetonka, this state park is home to a network of trails that provide access to the views of beautiful landscapes and wildlife. During the winter months, visitors can camp, hike, rock climb, and go on special tours that include the observation of the local bison population.
- Tettegouche State Park
A three and a half-hour drive from Minnetonka, Tettegouche is also located on the shore of Lake Superior. At nearly 10,000 acres, the area is a popular destination for anyone looking to explore in the snow. The park offers locations for both camping and hiking, and yields views of numerous waterfalls and lakeside cliffs.
- Bde Maka Ska Park
To anyone who doesn’t have the time to drive away for a day trip, this final location is for you. Located just twenty minutes away from Minnetonka, Lake Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in Minneapolis. Surrounded by a three mile trail, the park is a popular place for winter hiking, ice fishing, cross country skiing, and many other outdoor activities.
These locations are merely a portion of the vast number of recreational areas available to the Minnesota public. To find more areas available for winter visits, you can explore the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ website at (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/). Remember that these locations are open year round, and their number of activities may be limited during certain seasons. As always, remember to maintain the wellbeing of our natural resources by respecting these spaces and the wildlife that inhabit them! I hope this helps you in finding more ways to occupy your winter. Keep exploring!
Credits:
Writing it Out 
These are all great suggestions for winter hiking. One of my favorite things at Bde Maka Ska Park is the Winter Kite Festival, though, you have to wait until January 27. There’s interactive art installations out on the frozen lake, and kites of all sizes including enormous art-kites. Check it out 🙂
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