It’s not always bitterly cold in Minnesota in the winter. And you won’t always find two feet of snow on the ground. I discovered the joy – and secret – to enjoying the cold-weather months in Minnesota: winter hiking.
The secret: Knowing where to go and what to wear. So am happy to share the top 16 winter hikes in Minnesota (subject to change as I hike more winter trails). Full disclosure: I started with the top 10 winter hikes in Minnesota and couldn’t cut the rest.
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List of the top-ranked Minnesota winter hiking trails
Here is a ranked list of a few of my favorite and the best places to hike this winter in Minnesota.
- Grand Portage State Park; Grand Portage, MN
- Judge CR Magney State Park; Grand Marais, MN
- Artists’ Point; Grand Marais, MN
- John A. Latsch State Park; Minnesota City, MN
- Garvin Heights State Park; Winona, MN
- Cascade River State Park; Lutsen, MN
- Minneopa State Park; Mankato, MN
- Temperance River State Park; Tofte, MN
- Sibley State Park; New London, MN
- Minnehaha Regional Park; Minneapolis, MN
- Lebanon Hills Regional Park; Eagan, MN
- Gooseberry Falls State Park; Two Harbors, MN
- George Crosby Manitou State Park; Silver Bay, MN
- Ritter Farm Park; Lakeville, MN
- Caron Regional Park; Northfield, MN
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park; Nerstrand, MN
Other best places to hike and things to do in Minnesota this winter
It was difficult to narrow down and rank my favorite places in Minnesota to hike in the winter to the top 10 so made it the top 16. And I still have many more winter hikes that I plan to explore in the Twin Cities, the North Shore, and throughout Minnesota.
For more hiking and other winter adventures, check out my Winter in Minnesota series.
- Top 90 things to do in Minnesota in the winter – for every day of the season
- Top winter hikes in and within 50 miles of the Twin Cities: Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN
- An epic guide to chasing frozen waterfalls in Minnesota
- A guide to the magical Ice Castles in Minnesota
- Guide to Lutsen Ski Resort in Minnesota – fun for skiers and non-skiers alike
- Hotel review: Best ski-in and ski-out resort on the North Shore in Minnesota – Caribou Highlands Lodge
- Top things to do inside this winter in Minnesota: Visit the Mall of America
- Best holiday events and best Christmas lights in the Twin Cities, Minnesota: Minneapolis and St. Paul
- Top historic home Christmas tours in Minnesota
- Top things to do in Minnesota: World’s third-largest Nutcracker Museum (open year-round)
- Best winter getaway: Guide to Cancun, Mexico and the Mayan Riviera
Easy and prettiest winter hike at Grand Portage State Park; Grand Portage, MN
One of the easiest and prettiest winter hikes is at Grand Portage State Park. Located on the border of Canada and Minnesota and the North Shore, the High Falls hiking trail leads you to the tallest frozen waterfall in the state. Technically, the waterfall spans three nations: U.S., Canada, and the Grand Portage Nation.
Note that while the boardwalk trail is wheelchair-accessible in the fair-weather months, the trail is not accessible in the winter. Make sure to bring along metal spikes or crampons for the icy trails.
Highly recommend staying at Caribou Highlands Lodge in Lutsen, MN. It’s a centrally located ski-in, ski-out (and dog-friendly) resort on the North Shore. While we were hosted by Odyssey Resorts, opinions are always my own.
Distance from Twin Cities: Grand Portage State Park is located 311 miles from the MSP International Airport.
Trail length: 1-mile roundtrip (High Falls hiking trail)
Trail difficulty: Easy, but expect snow and ice
Admission: While Grand Portage State Park is a state park, there is no cost to hike here. That’s because it is a welcome center. See my full review of the Top Things to do at Grand Portage State Park.
Best North Shore winter hiking trails: Judge C.R. Magney State Park; Grand Marais, MN
If you love cardio winter hikes, then I recommend Judge C.R. Magney State Park on the North Shore of Minnesota. You’ll find two of my favorite frozen waterfalls with rewarding views of Upper Falls and Devil’s Kettle Falls. Lots of stairs to climb up and down (about 175 steps). And it will be icy and snowy so wear metal spikes and bring your hiking poles.
Distance from Twin Cities: Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Grand Marais, Minnesota is located 282 miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Trail length: 2 miles (roundtrip)
Trail difficulty: Moderate to somewhat challenging in spots as trails are not typically well-groomed and there are steep inclines/declines and lots of stairs. You’ll come across icy conditions especially on the stairs leading to the frozen waterfalls.
Admission: Minnesota state park admission is $7 per vehicle per day or $35 for an annual vehicle pass (unlimited visits to all 66 Minnesota state parks and 9 Minnesota recreation areas for 12 months from the month of purchase).
Short and easy winter hike for a spectacular sunset: Artists’ Point in Grand Marais, Minnesota
After our winter hikes at Grand Portage State Park and Judge C.R. Magney State Park, we make a spontaneous decision to stop in downtown Grand Marais, Minn. We then walked over to Artists’ Point at sunset. It made for a stunning experience as Lake Superior’s waves crashed on the icy trail while the sun set behind the lighthouse.
It’s a short and easy winter hike that’s worth the stop on the North Shore in Minnesota.
Distance from Twin Cities: Artists’ Point in Grand Marais, Minnesota is located 268 miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Trail length: 0.8-mile out-and-back trail
Trail difficulty: Easy (but use caution as the trail is icy and snowy especially with the crashing waves)
Best cardio winter hike with the prettiest views: John A. Latsch State Park; Minnesota City, MN
Another one of my favorite cardio hikes during a Minnesota winter is the John A. Latsch State Park in Minnesota City, MN (near Winona). While the half-mile hike up 500 feet to the top of Mount Charity is not long, it is a strenuous hike. That’s because the hike is all stairs (nearly 600 total!) leading you to sweeping views of the Mississippi River. Trust me. It’s worth it!
I’ve hiked John A. Latsch State Park in all seasons, including the winter. However, the stairs were snow-and-ice-free when I hiked; So not sure how safe it would be to hike the stairs when they are covered in ice and snow. Use caution and best judgment.
Distance from Twin Cities: John A. Latsch State Park in Minnesota City, Minnesota is located 99 miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Trail length: 1-mile roundtrip (592 stairs)
Trail difficulty: Moderately challenging depending on your physical health.
Admission: Most Minnesota state parks cost $7 per vehicle per day or $35 for an annual vehicle pass (unlimited visits to all 66 Minnesota state parks and 9 Minnesota recreation areas for 12 months from the month of purchase). However, I believe I read John A. Latsch State Park is free as there is no visitor center. I will confirm and update later.
As long as you’re on a cardio kick (and still have a few breaths left after hiking John A. Latsch State Park), then I recommend driving 19 miles south to Garvin Heights Park in Winona, MN. The ~3-mile roundtrip hike up and down stairs and a dirt path also leads to beautiful views of the Mississippi River as well as the city of Winona (fun fact: birthplace of Winona Ryder).
While you can drive to the Garvin Height Park lookout, I recommend parking at the bottom of the trail in the lot located on West Lake Blvd. – just right off Highway 61 in Winona.
Distance from Twin Cities: Garvin Heights Park in Winona, Minnesota is located 128 miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Trail length: ~3-mile roundtrip (300+ stairs)
Trail difficulty: Moderately challenging depending on your physical health.
Admission: No cost to hike to Garvin Heights Park lookout.
Winter wonderland hike at Cascade River State Park; Lutsen, MN
You’ll find beautiful views of Lake Superior across from the Cascade River State Park trailhead. Then a moderately steep incline (wear crampons microspikes and bring your hiking poles) to take in views of some frozen waterfalls.
We loved our winter hike at Cascade River State Park in Lutsen, MN. If you happen to go skiing at nearby Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort (the largest in the Midwest), then I highly recommend a winter hike at Cascade River State Park.
Distance from Twin Cities: Cascade River State Park in Lutsen, Minnesota is located 282 miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Trail length: 1-mile roundtrip (High Falls hiking trail)
Trail difficulty: Easy to somewhat moderately challenging in spots that are covered in snow and ice.
Admission: Minnesota state park admission is $7 per vehicle per day or $35 for an annual vehicle pass (unlimited visits to all 66 Minnesota state parks and 9 Minnesota recreation areas for 12 months from the month of purchase).
Where to stay in Lutsen, MN: Caribou Highlands Lodge (ski-in, ski-out, dog-friendly ski resort on the North Shore of Minnesota).
What’s the best thing to do near Cascade River State Park
Visit the Midwest’s largest ski resort, Lutsen Ski Resort. Take the gondola up to the top of Lutsen Mountains for some beautiful downhill skiing. Or for us non-skiers, it’s a beautiful view for lunch and hot chocolate or adult beverages. While we were hosted by the Visit Cook County Minnesota Visitor Center and Lutsen Mountains, opinions are always my own. You can also hike at nearby Temperance River State Park.
Best place to hike in Minnesota this winter: Minneopa State Park; Mankato, MN
One of my favorite places to hike in any season – including the winter – is Minneopa State Park in Mankato, Minnesota. Home to a two-tiered waterfall, Minneopa Falls is spectacular once frozen over.
You can view the two levels of the waterfalls from the charming bridge that spans between them. Or get up and close by hiking down the stairs and along the Minneopa Creek banks. Please wear microspikes / crampons and bring trekking poles as the stairs are usually icy. As are the rocky banks leading to the frozen waterfall.
Distance from Twin Cities: Minneopa State Park in Mankato, Minnesota is located 82 miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Trail length: It’s only a short walk from the parking lot to the footbridge overlooking Minneopa Falls. I neglected to track how long of a hike it is to the ground-level of the falls. It’s not long; just a little challenging due to the ice and snow. You can also hike to the Minneopa Creek and Minnesota River confluence:
Trail difficulty: Easy to somewhat challenging as you’ll experience lots of snow and ice especially on the stairs leading down to Minneopa Creek and the bottom of Minneopa Falls. Editorial note: Due to a tragic fatal accident caused by a landslide, the steps leading down to the waterfall base trail are currently closed.
Things to do at Minneopa State Park: If weather conditions allow (check the Minneopa State Park website), drive over to Bison Road (another section of the park) for a chance to see the bison herd. Winter hours are typically Thursday-Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Admission: Minnesota state park admission is $7 per vehicle per day or $35 for an annual vehicle pass (unlimited visits to all 66 Minnesota state parks and 9 Minnesota recreation areas for 12 months from the month of purchase).
Winter hiking safety at Minneopa State Park (and anywhere with frozen bodies of water)
While it may be tempting to walk on the frozen Minneopa Creek, I recommend sticking to the shoreline. It’s running water leading to the Minnesota River and ice is never 100% safe – must be at least 4 inches thick to walk on. I witnessed two people fall through the ice while hiking here. You could see open water and hear the ice creaking under their footsteps – yet they continued to risk it. Fortunately, no casualties or severe injuries.
Winter wonderland hike at Temperance River State Park; Tofte, MN
Temperance River State Park is one of my husband’s favorite winter hikes on the North Shore of Minnesota. It’s also one of my favorite places I stayed during my two-week SUV camping adventure while on my Minnesota State Park Challenge. While I didn’t SUV camp here in the winter, it was cold with temps dipping down into the 30s – in June!
In the winter, Temperance River State Park is a beautiful and magical wonderland. You’ll find parking right on Highway 61 (aka North Shore) next to the trailhead that leads you to some beautiful gorges and cascades. Additional parking is available across the highway where you can take the stairs down for beautiful views of Lake Superior and another stunning frozen gorge.
Distance from Twin Cities: Temperance River State Park in Tofte/Schroeder, Minnesota is located 239 miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Trail length: 1-mile roundtrip (High Falls hiking trail)
Trail difficulty: Easy to challenging. We wouldn’t have been able to hike here in the winter without our crampons / microspikes and trekking poles.
Admission: Minnesota state park admission is $7 per vehicle per day or $35 for an annual vehicle pass (unlimited visits to all 66 Minnesota state parks and 9 Minnesota recreation areas for 12 months from the month of purchase).
Where to stay near Temperance River State Park: Nearby Caribou Highlands Lodge – a ski-in, ski-out, dog-friendly ski resort – is one of the best places to stay near Temperance River State Park. And it’s located only 11 miles away.
What’s the best thing to do near Temperance River State Park: Since you’re in the neighborhood, ride the gondola at the Lutsen Ski Resort. Perfect for skiers or just to take in the views. You can also hike at nearby Cascade River State Park.
Best sunset winter hike in Minnesota: Sibley State Park; New London, MN
One of the best places to see a sunset on a winter hike is at Sibley State Park in New London, MN. I hiked on a relatively warm and balmy winter day (although the lake was still frozen over). While I’m glad the timing of my hike worked well to witness a spectacular sunset, it was dark before I reached my vehicle. And I had left my headlamp in my vehicle.
Always keep a headlamp in your backpack during winter hikes in Minnesota. The sun goes down pretty fast in the winter.
Distance from Twin Cities: Sibley State Park in New London, Minnesota is located 130 miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Trail length: 3.9-mile loop (Mt. Tom hiking trail)
Trail difficulty: Moderately challenging with elevation changes. I hiked on a balmy winter day with no snow or ice. I think the steep inclines could be even more challenging if icy or covered with snow.
Admission: Minnesota state park admission is $7 per vehicle per day or $35 for an annual vehicle pass (unlimited visits to all 66 Minnesota state parks and 9 Minnesota recreation areas for 12 months from the month of purchase).
Frozen waterfall winter hike: Minnehaha Regional Park; Minneapolis, MN
A perennial favorite place to hike in all seasons in Minnesota: Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis. It’s one of the best and easiest frozen waterfalls hiking trail. See my related post: Epic guide to the best frozen waterfalls in Minnesota.
If the stairs leading down to the Minnehaha waterfall are closed due to ice, you can access the lower level along the Minnehaha Creek.
Distance from Twin Cities: Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis is approximately 4 miles from MSP.
Trail length: 2.1 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Admission: No cost except for parking in paid lots
Best winter hike in the Twin Cities: Lebanon Hills Regional Park; Eagan, MN
One of my favorite hiking trails in any season – even winter – is the largest park in Dakota County, Minnesota. Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers 15 miles of winter hiking trails. My favorite is the 5.3-mile Lebanon Hills Loop. Groomed snowshoe trails also available. Snowshoeing is one of the best things to do in the winter in Minnesota.
Distance from Twin Cities: Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, Minn. is located about 10 miles from the Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) International Airport..
Trail length: 5.3-mile loop
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Admission: Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, MN is free. Snowshoe rentals are available at an extra cost.
Magical frozen waterfall winter hike at Gooseberry Falls State Park; Two Harbors, MN
Gooseberry Falls State Park is the most popular state park in Minnesota. I rank it as one of my top state parks during other seasons. Winter, however, is the perfect time to visit Gooseberry Falls as you will have the park pretty much to yourself.
We stopped to see the frozen Gooseberry Falls on our way to somewhere else. So we weren’t wearing the proper gear and had left our trekking poles in the vehicle. As a result, we weren’t prepared to tackle the treacherous icy conditions of the winter hiking trail here. However, we were very careful and managed to capture some stunning views of the frozen Gooseberry Falls. Check out what Gooseberry Falls looks like when it’s not frozen.
The stunning Gooseberry Falls offers a half-mile winter hiking trail along with 12 miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails. Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the park except the ski trails.
Distance from Twin Cities: Gooseberry Falls State Park in Two Harbors, Minn. is located 198 miles from the Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) International Airport..
Trail length: 1-mile loop
Trail difficulty: Easy to moderately challenging depending on the ice / snow conditions.
Admission: Minnesota state park admission is $7 per vehicle per day or $35 for an annual vehicle pass (unlimited visits to all 66 Minnesota state parks and 9 Minnesota recreation areas for 12 months from the month of purchase).
Short, yet challenging, winter hike at George Crosby Manitou State Park; Finland, MN
One of the most challenging – and prettiest – winter hikes my husband and I have ever done was at George Crosby Manitou State Park in Finland, MN. And it’s not even that long.
It’s actually quite an adventure to get to George Crosby Manitou State Park. And is equally adventurous to hike it. That’s because it’s one of Minnesota’s most remote wilderness state parks. While it looks like it’s right off Highway 61 (the North Shore), it’s a bit of a drive on unpaved roads to get there.
And once you arrive at George Crosby Manitou Sate Park in the winter, you will not find well-maintained groomed trails here. And the main access road is blocked off so will need to hike a bit in the snow to reach the trailhead. Is it worth the trouble? Yes, we loved our winter hike at Crosby Manitou State Park that led to a beautiful frozen waterfall. It definitely deserves a spot on the best winter hikes in Minnesota.
Distance from Twin Cities: George Crosby Manitou State Park near Finland, Minn. is located 232 miles from the Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) International Airport..
Trail length: 2 miles roundtrip
Trail difficulty: Challenging due to the ungroomed trails and steep and icy inclines / declines.
Admission: Minnesota state park admission is $7 per vehicle per day or $35 for an annual vehicle pass (unlimited visits to all 66 Minnesota state parks and 9 Minnesota recreation areas for 12 months from the month of purchase).
Winter hiking safety tip at George Crosby Manitou State Park
Caution: It’s a narrow trail at George Crosby Manitou State Park. But stay on the path as you will find yourself in knee-deep or waist-high snow if you venture too far off. And we were silly / foolish to follow some tracks that apparently led off the trail that led to nowhere. I only became alarmed when I returned the following summer to see that we narrowly missed falling into some steep gorges. Lesson learned: Stick to the trail!
Winter wonderland hike in the Twin Cities metro: Ritter Farm Park; Lakeville, Minn.
My hometown favorite winter hike is Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville, Minn. It’s right off I-35 in the southern metro of the Twin Cities so easy to access (also includes a dog park). You can also go snowshoeing or X-skiing at Ritter Farm Park – a fun winter thing to do in Minnesota.
Distance from Twin Cities: Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville, MN is located about 20 miles from MSP.
Trail length: 3.2 mile loop
Trail difficulty: Easy with some moderate inclines
Admission: Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville, MN is free.
Magical winter hike at Caron Falls Park; Northfield, Minnesota
If you’re looking for an uncrowded place to hike this winter in Minnesota, check out Caron Falls Park. Located in Rice County near Northfield you enjoy winter hikes where you feel like you’re the only person in the world? You’ll find a small frozen waterfall during three-mile loop / out-and-back hiking trail. See my related post: Epic guide to the best frozen waterfalls in Minnesota.
Distance from Twin Cities: Caron Falls Trail in Rice County, Minnesota (near Northfield and only three miles from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park) is 49 miles from the MSP International Airport.
Trail length: 3 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Admission: Admission to Caron Falls Trail in Northfield, MN is free.
Best waterfall hike in Minnesota: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park; Nerstrand, MN
As long as you are in the neighborhood, check out another best place to hike in Minnesota this winter. Located just 8 miles from Caron Falls Park, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in Nerstrand offers another frozen waterfall hike this winter. Snowshoe trails also available.
Distance from Twin Cities: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in Nerstrand MN is located 52 miles from the MSP International Airport
Trail length: 1-mile loop to 4.5-mile roundtrip trails
Trail difficulty: Easy
Admission: Minnesota state park admissions is $7 per vehicle per day or $35 for an annual vehicle pass (unlimited visits to all 66 Minnesota state parks and 9 Minnesota recreation areas for 12 months from the month of purchase). Most Minnesota state parks offer groomed winter hiking trails. And many feature groomed X-skiing and snowshoe trails.
Minnesota winter hiking safety tips
Here are a few winter hiking tips to help keep you safe (and warm) in Minnesota.
- Ice is never 100% safe – must be at least 4 inches thick to walk on; if you see any open water or hear running water, stay off the ice!
- See related post: Deer hunt winter hiking safety tips in Minnesota.
- Stay on the groomed trails when possible – venturing off even inches can find yourself in knee-deep snow or drop-offs.
- Watch the weather reports.
- Stay off snowmobile trails to avoid collisions, injuries, and even death
- Bring adjustable trekking poles with removable snow baskets.
- Choose mittens over gloves. Mittens allow you to move your fingers around, increasing circulation and heat.
- I recommend North Face mittens with Hot Hands hand warmers.
- Protect your phone with a waterproof mobile phone pouch. You can still take photos with your phone in this pouch.
- Cold temps are not friends with phone batteries, so bring a fully charged portable cell phone battery.
- Check the trail status ahead of time, such as the park website or AllTrails app. Check out all my favorite day hiking apps.
- Let someone know where you’re planning to hike.
- Avoid night hiking in remote locations especially. Allow time to get back to your vehicle before dark. The sun goes down fast in the winter. Remember to always pack a headlamp in your backpack.
- Pack a survival emergency blanket just in case.
Wow! I’m not sure I’m brave enough to hike these in winter, but these hiking trails look exceptional. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so kindly. I can relate. I only started embracing winter hiking in Minnesota two seasons ago and now love it!
These places looks absolutely stunning and I hope one day I will be daring enough to hike such beautiful trails.
Thank you! I hope you get the opportunity to do some winter hikes in Minnesota.
These are great trail ideas for the winter. I think I would enjoy it more in the spring or summer time so that I sit and be in nature a while longer. Great post!
Thank you! Yes, these winter hikes in Minnesota are great in the summer and fall especially.
Hiking in Minnesota in the winter sounds incredible! All of the hikes look so beautiful, but I think I’d like to go on the Grand Portage State Park hike first. I love that it’s an easy hike and it’s beautiful!
Thank you! Grand Portage is the perfect winter hike and the frozen waterfall is absolutely stunning.
I love all the frozen waterfall hikes. They are spectacular. I enjoy snowshoeing and understand why you think its one of the best things to do.
Thank you! I’m a huge fan of the frozen waterfall hikes in Minnesota…one of the best things to do in the winter.
What a great list of winter hikes in Minnesota! The photos you included are absolutely stunning also! I have never been to Minnesota, but I lived in the Pacific Northwest for 15 years and every winter would go hiking and snowshoeing in the mountains. There is something so magical about snow covered landscapes!
Thank you so much! I love sharing the beautiful winter hikes in Minnesota. I would love to try it in the Pacific NW.
Winter hikes can be a lot of fun as long as you’re fully prepared. Love this
Thank you so much! I agree. As long as you are prepared and dressed appropriately then winter hiking in Minnesota is a fun and beautiful time.
These places look beautiful! I’m not much of a winter gal being from Florida, but if I were to visit these make great winter hikes in Minnesota.
Thank you! I’m not much of a winter person either. 🤣 But am happy I finally embraced winter in Minnesota to do some frozen waterfall hikes. I love winter hiking now.
Love winter hiking. We are heading up to Marquette MI to do just that. Looks like winter hikes in Minnesota are gorgeous.
Awesome! I’m so happy I discovered the joy and beauty of the best winter hikes in Minnesota.
Wow – I never knew of the stunning landscapes that Minnesota offers! The winter Minnesota hike I would choose would be Artists’ Point in Grand Marais, Minnesota. The views are absolutely stunning!
Thank you! Minnesota definitely has some hidden gems that you can discover during winter hikes. I love Artists’ Point in Grand Marais also. So beautiful!
What a comprehensive list of these 16 winter hikes! I’ll be sure to share with my MN friends!
Thank you for sharing! So many great places to hike in Minnesota this winter.
Wow, these hikes look epic! I’ve been hiking in Hawaii the last couple years and am not quite adjusted to cold weather hiking yet.
Thank you! I finally warmed up to the idea of hiking during a Minnesota winter.
We were happy we started to do more hiking in the winter. After all, living like we do in a northern climate it seems a waste to not enjoy all seasons. I was not surprised to see so many great winter hikes in Minnesota. You sure got some lovely sights. And frozen waterfalls amaze me. Even if I might pass on the cardio workout hikes! All great reasons to head to Minnesota in the winter.
Thank you and I agree. I’ve never been a fan of the cold but happy I rediscovered the joy of winter hiking.
Wow I really look forward to trying out some of these hikes when I go to Minnesota! Thank you!
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy these winter hikes in Minnesota.
I have been trying to make my way to all of the US states and I still have yet to experience Minnesota! The hikes look amazing and you definitely have me considering a winter trip vs summer!
Awesome! Minnesota is notorious for its frigid winters but we do enjoy lovely days for some winter hikes.
Wow! There are so many great winter hikes in Minnesota! I would want to go to Minneopa State Park!
Thank you! Minneopa State Park is one of the best places for winter hiking in Minnesota.
Minneopa State Park is especially lovely to hike during a Minnesota winter. I highly recommend!
I love all the frozen waterfall hikes! The frozen lighthouse reminds me of Michigan, my home state.
Thank you! The Minnesota frozen waterfall hikes are my favorite!
We love hiking to waterfalls. We have not winter hiked in Minnesota yet. I think viewing the frozen waterfalls would be so beautiful.
My favorite winter hikes in Minnesota are those that lead to frozen waterfalls. Hope you get the opportunity.
Any of the hikes would be awesome! Sadly, I don’t get a lot of chances to hike in the winter, not even where I am. But these hikes make me dream of retiring from teaching and traveling whenever I want. Someday!
That would be the dream! I hope you get the opportunity to do some winter hiking in Minnesota.
These are beautiful areas in Minnesota to hike! I’ve always disliked the cold. But walking in Edinburgh in winter I came to love being outside. The key for me was proper cold weather clothing.
Proper attire is key to winter hiking for sure. I was never a fan but now I love it – especially in Minnesota.
I find the coolest gems in Minnesota! I would love to do any of the hikes with waterfalls. They look amazing!
Thank you! We do have some beautiful winter hiking trails and hidden gems in Minnesota.
These 16 winter hikes look fabulous. Minnesota is so gorgeous. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you and my pleasure! Love sharing my top 16 winter hikes in Minnesota.
I would love to go snowshoeing one day, it looks like so much fun! Plus these hikes look absolutely gorgeous, thanks for sharing!
Thank you and my pleasure! So many beautiful winter hikes in Minnesota.
These all look lovely. I am such a fan of winter hiking, but I feel like the options in Minnesota are really WINTERY with all that ice and fabulous frozen waterfalls.
You have sooo many great options. 🙂
Thank you so kindly! Lots of beautiful winter hikes in Minnesota!