The Minnesota Hike That’s 100% Worth Braving the Cold

Minnesota winters are typically quite long - compared with other places, anyway - and can be pretty cold. That leaves us with little choice when wintertime rolls around: We Minnesotans get out in it. Some folks even relish it. While I definitely prefer somewhat milder temperatures (any other autumn folks out there?), I don't let the cold keep me indoors, either. Instead, I adhere to the old Scandinavian saying, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes." In other words, with the right gear, you can make just about any trail a wonderful winter hike in Minnesota. That said, some hikes are extra special in winter, and one of my favorites is the Little Two Harbors Trail at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, near Beaver Bay, on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

The Little Two Harbors Trails is an easy, 1.5-mile out and back hike along a pebble beach that wraps around a small bay (Little Two Harbors) on the shoreline. It's the first segment of the Day Hill Loop and runs from the park's trail center to the Day Hill trail head.

As beautiful as this spot is in the summertime, when you can skip rocks, hunt for agates, and splash in the water, it takes on an incredibly dramatic mien when it slips on its winter mantle. Ice formed by the lake's wave action coats the rocks and cliff faces.

Even the trees and bushes growing near the shoreline can't escape Superior's icy reach; the waves transform them into crystalline sculptures until spring rolls around and breaks the spell.

This trail also happens to offer some of the best views you're going to get of historic Split Rock Lighthouse, Ellingsen Island, and the tombolo that leads to it. Of course, with all the ice on and near the trail, you'll definitely want some traction devices on your feet when you hike.

My go-to traction devices are Yaktrax. I have both the Pro and Walker traction systems, and I keep them in my car all winter long. The Walkers (pictured) slip on quickly and easily and are great over short distances that aren't too rough. They work just fine for me on the Little Two Harbors Trail. The Yaktrax Pros, on the other hand, have velcro straps that goes over the tops of your boots and keeps them from slipping around on rougher trails or longer winter hikes in Minnesota. Both ensure that I'm surefooted whenever I hit the trail.

Do you enjoy hiking in the winter? Tell us all about your favorite wintertime trails in the Bold North. And then check out our new Travel Planner so we can tell you all about some of our favorite Minnesota wintertime hikes!