Minnesota Winter Activities

Minnesota winter activities inspire us to choose from a long list of winter sports and get outdoors in Minnesota.

As soon as the first flakes of snow fall, most Minnesota kids grab a sled and head for the nearest hill. When the lakes and ponds freeze over even tiny tots don blades and get ready to learn to ice skate.

As soon as the temperature drops, Minnesota ski resorts begin making snow. The Minnesota resorts and lodges that have catered to our summer visitors now open their doors to those seeking winter outdoor activities or who just want a cozy getaway.

Familiar landmarks wear a winter coat of soft snow and the tree branches change from green to glittery white. We strap on snowshoes and head into the woods and fields for a new look at Minnesota's beauty.

Our transformed landscape sets the stage for Minnesota winter activities. The trails we hike in summer are groomed to become cross-country ski trails in winter. Picturesque rolling hills now provide a rush of sleds and toboggans. With the change in scenery comes a change in our mood and we begin to plan our winter-time Minnesota vacations.

Minnesota winter festivals take place all across the state. The biggest, and most well known, is the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Other Minnesota towns host a wide variety of winter activities,festivals and carnivals.

When the winter temperatures drop, a few Minnesotans curl up by the fireplace to wait for spring.

Winter joy comes for those who venture outside to take a walk in crunchy, new-fallen snow, to ice-skate, sled, snowmobile, and ski. Here are a few ideas for Minnesota winter activity:

• Learn How to Ice Skate
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snow Sledding
• Snowmobiling
• Minnesota Camping
• Skijoring
• Dogsledding Tours
• Enjoy Winter Festivals
• Go Ice Fishing
• Attend a Minnesota Wild Hockey game

Read more about how to experiece winter fun from a long list of winter sports

Minnesota is a very different place in winter. Getting out on the roads and highways to travel to our winter activities requires a little bit of extra thought. Here are some winter driving safety tips to help you plan ahead and keep you safe during your Minnesota visit.

What Are Your Favorite
Winter Activities?

Where do you like to go and what are your favorite ways to get out and play in our Minnesota winter wonderland?

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More Winter Sports Pages:

Cross-Country Skiing Basics

How to Ice Skate

More About Learning to Ice Skate

Snowmobiling in Minnesota

Skijoring in Minnesota