Besides our over 10,000 lakes, outsiders to Minnesota know our state mostly because of its winter weather. Though it’s often deemed brutal or unlivable, we in the north have come to look at our extreme weather fondly. Sure, we may groan about snow in April or poorly plowed roads, but at the end of the day, we wouldn’t trade our four-season climate for anything.

Using this source as a guide, we have created this list of 16 of Minnesota’s snowiest cities. They may get an insane amount of snow but, like true Minnesota towns, they make the most of it with great winter activities that anyone who owns a pair of mittens can enjoy.

1. Rochester - 53.1 inches
Rochester, MN, USA
Ken Marshall/Flickr
Starting off in southern Minnesota, Rochester gets an average of 53.1 inches of snow each year - over four feet. But the city doesn't back down from the ice and cold. The annual WinterFest makes the winter something to look forward to each year.
2. Albert Lea - 37.8 inches
Albert Lea, MN 56007, USA
City of Albert Lea - City Hall/Facebook
Though a bit less than Rochester, an average of 39.5 inches of snow is nothing to scoff at. When Albert Lea is done shoveling itself out, it celebrates winter in an event called The Big Freeze. Usually occurring in early February, the event celebrates winter with events like a polar plunge.
3. Faribault - 42.6 inches
Faribault, MN 55021, USA
Ruin Raider/Flickr
While not the highest total in Minnesota, Faribault's 43.3 inches is still a respectable amount of snow. It only snows an average of about 20 days per year there, so they get more snow at once than a more snowy city like Rochester.
4. Mankato - 38.6 inches
Mankato, MN, USA
Jordan Green/Flickr
Mankato deals with its heavy snowfall by offering lots of outdoor activities throughout the season. Visit the official town website for a calendar of events.
5. Redwood Falls - 43.6 inches
Redwood Falls, MN 56283, USA
Celebrate Redwood Falls/Facebook
If 43.6 of snow isn't impressive to you, maybe Redwood Falls won't appeal to you. But you may change your mind if you like to spend time outside in the winter! Learn more on the town's official tourism website.
6. Minneapolis - 51.2 inches
Minneapolis, MN, USA
Nic McPhee/Flickr
From Holidazzle to snow tubing to checking out the frozen Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis has plenty to offer even when it's blanketed in snow. And with a seasonal average of 51.2 inches, it's a thick blanket.
7. St. Paul - 40.4 inches
Saint Paul, St Paul, MN, USA
Drew Geraets/Flickr
St. Paul may be a runner-up to Minneapolis in average annual snowfall totals, but it does receive a fraction of an inch more snow per snowfall than Minneapolis. Another one in the win column for St. Paul. When you're done tallying, check out the Winter Carnival, snow sculptures at the State Fairgrounds, ice skating, and more. Learn St. Paul's winter plans on the official website!

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8. International Falls - 73 inches
International Falls, MN 56649, USA
International Falls Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Way up on the Canadian border, the Icebox of the Nation blows southern Minnesota out of the water when it comes to winter snowfall averages. At 73 inches - just over six feet of snow - this city has more snow than most places would know what to do with. But it does a good job. Read more about this town in this article.
9. Grand Marais - 50.9 inches
Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
Bala Sivakumar/Flickr
The lovely Grand Marais doesn't escape the snow, either - and they wouldn't have it any other way. While some of its most well-known activities take place when the trees still have leaves, there's still plenty to do in cold months. Why not take a snowy hike on the Gunflint Trail?
10. Two Harbors - 61 inches
Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Two Harbors Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Along the shore of Lake Superior, Two Harbors offers plenty to do in the summer. But what about the winter months, when Gooseberry Falls and its two charming lighthouses are blanketed under snow? It just may be the best time of the year in this small town. Snowshoeing, ice skating, fishing, and more await those who can handle the cold. Learn more about Two Harbors in this article.
11. Brainerd - 48.2 inches
Brainerd, MN 56401, USA
Visit Brainerd/Facebook
If you live in a place that gets over 46 inches of snowfall each winter, the weather is probably cold enough to freeze the lakes. And being located near some of Minnesota's most beautiful lakes, Brainerd makes the most of it. Fun fact: Brainerd is also home to one of Minnesota's most fun amusement parks!
12. St. Cloud - 47.9 inches
Keith Ewing/Flickr
With an average 47.9 inches of snow each winter, St. Cloud is no slouch when it comes to snowy day activities. Many locals love to take a quick skate on Lake George as snowflakes fall around them. What could be more pretty?
13. Moorhead - 52.7 inches
City of Moorhead, Minnesota/Facebook
Located near Fargo in northwestern Minnesota, Moorhead is in an area of Minnesota known for heavy snowfalls - and the road closures that go with them. But Minnesotans that they are, Moorhead locals take it in stride.
14. Detroit Lakes - 47.6 inches
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501, USA
Visit Detroit Lakes MN/Facebook
With so many lakes around, Detroit Lakes is a great place to get out into the snow. Or, if you don't love being out on a frozen lake, try snow tubing or skiing at Detroit Mountain.
15. Duluth - 90.2 inches
Duluth, MN, USA
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
It probably comes as no shock that Duluth has the highest average snowfall in Minnesota. Maybe it's lake-effect snow, or maybe Duluth is just blessed to be all-around great. But whatever it is, Duluth is Minnesota's go-to spot if you love snow. Besides Christmas activities like Bentleyville, Duluth is home to Spirit Mountain, where you can ski, snowboard, and snow tube all winter long.

Where is your favorite place to enjoy the snow in Minnesota? What’s your favorite thing to do? Let us know in the comments! If you’re interested in more snowy spots in Minnesota, check out the one Minnesota town that turns into a winter wonderland each year.

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Snowiest Cities in Minnesota

Tori Jane | January 28, 2022

What are some fun snow tubing hills in Minnesota?
If you ask us, Minnesota is a perfect state when it comes to fun stuff to do in winter (see below). Part of this epic amazingness stems from the fact that there are a ridiculous number of hills and places perfect for snow tubing. They’re so plentiful, really, that it’s impossible to list them all in a short paragraph. However, some do tend to get mentioned lots more than others when it comes to the opinions of the locals. For example, a beloved snow tubing hill near Minneapolis-St. Paul is located at the Theodore Wirth Regional Park. While in the area, also look into Lake Elmo, specifically, at the Green Acres Recreation area. There’s also Brookside Park, in Bloomington, which is home to some truly great tube-ops. Of course, there are many more in lots of other locations around the state; Spirit Mountain in Duluth is a beloved winter tradition, and Robbins Island Park in Willmar is another family favorite. Bemis Hill, in Warroad, is another great one. We could go on, but you get the idea. They’re all over the place. Minnesota is something of a snow hill paradise!  

What are some fun things to do during wintertime in Minnesota?  

You mean OTHER than the snow tubing, right? Well, you’re in luck, because Minnesota is filled head-to-toe with amazing winter fun to be had. Check out some of our amazing little towns that go all-out during the winter season, like Northfield or Lutsen. Try your feet at skiing or snowboarding and follow it all up with a cup of hot cocoa at any one of our amazing lodges and ski resorts. Ice skate on any one of our amazing rinks or frozen lakes (well, the safe ones, anyway). Engage in a snowball fight with the entire neighborhood. Take a nice, long drive and explore the snowy beauty of Minnesota’s backcountry. Wintertime in Minnesota is a magical time, and we love it. We think you will, too!  

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