I have always felt that if you just try to 'endure' winter in Minnesota, the season lasts too long and is no fun at all. However, if you find fun activities to help get out and 'embrace' the Minnesota winter -- it might not last long enough.

Of course that's all much easier to do when the wind chill isn't -40.

Many Minnesotans visit state parks and hit the trails in summer, but winter outdoor activities are just as fun. To help you plan winter visits to state parks, recreation areas and trails, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shares top ways to have fun this winter (with or without snow).

Ann Pierce, the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division director says,

Winter offers a whole new way to play outside, providing recreation options to refresh the spirit, boost your mood and connect with nature.

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Look for Birds

Winter birding in Minnesota offers a unique opportunity to see species adapted to cold climates. The quiet, leafless landscapes make it easier to spot and hear birds. Whether you're a seasoned birder or beginner, birding is a rewarding way to connect with nature and experience Minnesota's wildlife in a new season. Several parks even have free birding programs to participate in this winter, including Afton, Fort Snelling, Itasca, Nerstrand Big Woods, Sibley, Wild River and William O’Brien. Find the events on the Parks and Trails event calendar.

Take a (Winter) Hike

Winter hiking is a rewarding way to experience winter landscapes while staying active in colder months. It offers physical benefits along with mental health boosts from exposure to natural light and serene surroundings. With proper gear and preparation, winter hiking allows for unique encounters with nature, less crowded trails than summer months, and stunning seasonal scenery. Some state parks have plowed or packed trails; these locations are listed on the DNR winter hiking webpage.

Hit the Bike Trails

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is one of Minnesota’s premiere mountain biking destinations, and in winter, its trails are great for fat bike riding. Fort Snelling State Park has 6 miles of multi-use trails open to fat biking. State trails are also open to winter biking. Learn more about fat biking and other locations to ride on the DNR’s fat biking webpage.

Become a Junior Ranger

State park visitors are invited to pick up a free Junior Ranger book from ranger stations or print one at home from the Junior Ranger webpage. Activities in the booklet are designed for ages six to 10, but anyone is welcome to participate. Complete the activities and earn a free Junior Ranger badge.

Attend a Candlelight Event

Candlelight events are free, family-friendly events. They offer short, easy trails lit with lanterns or luminaries. Visitors can stop by anytime during the event and enjoy the trail at their own pace. Visit the DNR candlelight event webpage for dates and locations.

Go Ice Fishing

Minnesota residents can fish without a fishing license in many Minnesota state parks; this includes ice fishing. Those new to the sport can check out one of the state park ice fishing programs to get tips for a successful outing. Programs are listed on the state parks ice fishing webpage.

Snow Activities

While much of the state doesn’t currently have enough snow for activities such as snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling, there are select locations in Minnesota with enough snow for these activities. Skiers and snowmobile riders can check out the DNR website for winter trail reports. If snow arrives, information about sledding and snowshoeing in state parks is in the DNR winter guide.

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