Most people recognize that Minnesota is an outdoorsy state. With dozens of state parks and campgrounds – not to mention our 10,000 lakes – we try to spend as much time outdoors as possible in warmer months. But what some people don’t realize is that we extend that love of Mother Nature into the winter months. A little snow doesn’t stop a Minnesotan from enjoying the best our state has to offer. These picturesque Minnesota trails are perfect examples of what we have to look forward to once the snow falls – and they’re also a classic example of winter hiking in Minnesota.

1. River Trail - Wild River State Park
Wild River State Park, b n, 39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55012, USA
Brett Whaley/Flickr
This hike is perfect for those of us who don't want to spend too long out in the cold. The trail is 1.5 miles long and goes alongside the beautiful St. Croix River. The icy water is a beautiful sight with Wisconsin's snow-capped trees in view on the eastern bank.
2. North Shore State Trail
North Shore State Trail: Duluth to Grand Marais, MN, USA
Maggie Tacheny/Flickr
The North Shore State Trail is 146 miles long, but that doesn't mean you have to hike all of it. But if you're interested in winter hiking, there's no better way to see Lake Superior than along this trail. You'll pass through serene forests and get outstanding glimpses of Minnesota's crown jewel when its waters are frozen.
3. Upper Falls Trail - Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota 61, Two Harbors, MN, USA
Ann/Flickr
Did you know you can see Gooseberry Falls when it's frozen during the winter? Even better, it's actually a pretty quick hike. The Upper Falls Trail is only half a mile from the parking lot to the scenic view atop the North Shore's most iconic waterfall.
4. North Country Trail - Itasca State Park
Itasca State Park, Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN, USA
Snak Shak/Flickr
The North Country Trail is thousands of miles long, so you probably aren't going to hike it from start to finish anytime soon. But this winter at Itasca State Park, several guided hikes through the park's portion of the trail will help you glimpse the Minnesota winter like you haven't seen it. In February, the Owl Hooting Snowshoe Hike allows you to explore at dusk!
5. Hegman Lake Trail - Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Duluth, MN 55808, USA
Audubon Center of the North Woods/Flickr
Have you ever heard of the Hegman Lake pictographs? A relatively short hike on the Hegman Lake Trail will take you to a group of well-preserved Native American pictographs of unknown age. The hike is just under two miles from the parking lot to the pictographs, so it's a quick trek for a close glimpse of history.

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6. Thompson Trail - Jay Cooke State Park
Jay Cooke State Park, Minnesota 210, Carlton, MN, USA
rpeteg/Flickr
When you arrive at Jay Cooke State Park, head over to the Thompson Trail for a moderate hike through some of Minnesota's most beautiful wilderness. Don't forget to make a stop at the famous swinging bridge. The iconic crossing is even more stunning under a blanket of snow.
7. High Falls Trail - Grand Portage State Park
Grand Portage State Park, Minnesota 61, Grand Portage, MN, USA
The Cut/Flickr
Grand Portage State Park maintains 3.5 miles of hiking trails in the winter. You can also snowshoe a half-mile trail to see the High Falls of the Pigeon River. The sight of the 120-foot frozen waterfall - the tallest in Minnesota - is definitely worth the effort.
8. Quarry Loop Trail - Banning State Park
Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Gordon Valentine/Alltrails
In winter, the entirety of Banning State Park is accessible by sturdy boots or snowshoes. The Quarry Loop Trail takes you alongside the Kettle River, where you can see the beautiful Blueberry Slide or Dragon's Tooth during the winter freeze. But do be careful. The many cliffs along the river will be slippery.
9. Pike Island - Fort Snelling
Pike Island, St Paul, MN, USA
Brett Whaley/Flickr
If you want to hike without heading way up north, Fort Snelling State Park has several miles of trails for winter use. The three miles of maintained trails on Pike Island may just be the most peaceful place you'll find this close to the city.
10. High Falls Trail - Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park, 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
Mary Simmons/Alltrails
The High Falls of the Baptism River doesn't stop being beautiful just because it's cold outside. Actually, they may even be more beautiful under a blanket of snow and with the peaceful silence that accompanies winter. The High Falls Trail is a moderate trail that leads right to the beautiful frozen falls. At three miles round-trip over moderate terrain, it will get your blood flowing enough to keep you warm.
11. River Trail - Flandrau State Park
Flandrau State Park, 1300 Summit Ave, New Ulm, MN 56073, USA
Dale Bohlke/Flickr
Flandrau is a lesser-known state park in New Ulm, but it is very beautiful under a fresh blanket of snow. The River Trail is short, but you can easily expand it by taking a left fork along the Old Dam Trail, or a right to do the Old Island Loop. No matter what, you'll be struck with some of the most gorgeous views in New Ulm. And you'll be left with a new appreciation for Minnesota in winter.

Minnesota is so beautiful that it’s a shame to stay inside during the winter. Plus, winter hiking in Minnesota is just as fun as the rest of the year. If you’re interested in more outdoor nature activities to do this winter, check out this list of gorgeous frozen waterfalls in Minnesota.

 

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More to Explore

Let's go winter hiking in Minnesota

Chris Muras | November 29, 2022

What are the best state parks for winter hiking?

With 66 state parks in Minnesota, you have plenty of hiking options year-round. Let's take a look at a quick list of some state parks you definitely need to check out for winter hiking in Minnesota:

1. Falls Loop Trail: Gooseberry Falls State Park. Gooseberry Falls is beautiful all year long. In the winter the snow and ice sparkle in the sun making for a magical exploration.
2. Quarry Loop Trail: Banning State Park. Banning State Park is another hidden gem in Sandstone, MN. The rushing Kettle River nestled in a beautiful forest is only one highlight of this 1.8-mile trail.
3. Beach Trail: Bear Head Lake State Park. This small hiking trail in Ely, Minnesota is such a calming trek in the winter. These northern Minnesota trails are so quiet and beautiful with a layer of fresh snow.
4. Silver Creek Trail: Jay Cooke State Park. Winter is a prime time to visit Jay Cook State Park because you'll have it all to yourself. Silver Creek is stunning in the winter.
5. Wildflower Trail: Carley State Park. This popular trail in southern Minnesota gets its name from the abundant wildflowers that pop up in the spring. It is also a wonderfully peaceful trail in the winter.
6. Hidden Falls Trail: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. This trail leads to a small waterfall hidden amidst a forest of elm, maple, basswood, and ironwood trees.
7. Loop Trail: Pipestone National Monument. In southwestern Minnesota, you'll find these amazing old pipestone quarries that were used by Native American groups for centuries.

Read more about these hikes plus a few more in this Minnesota winter hiking bucket list - one hike for each month.

What are the 6 national parks in Minnesota?

The six national parks in Minnesota are the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, North Country National Scenic Trail, Pipestone National Monument, Grand Portage National Monument, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, and Voyageurs National Park. Each of these national parks offers its own unique experiences, but all of them allow you to enjoy the best of Minnesota wildlife and outdoor adventures.

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