While most of the nation assumes that we don’t leave our homes come January in Minnesota, that couldn’t be further from the truth! We’ve compiled links to help you embrace snow and winter in Minnesota right here in the Twin Cities
Grab a sled and hit the hills! Here are some of the best sledding locations in the Twin Cities, posted by Newscastic:
10 of the Most Thrilling Sledding Hills in the Twin Cities
Try out downhill skiing! The local ski clubs have trained some of the nation’s finest athletes, including Lindsey Vonn who started out right here at Buck Hill in Burnsville. You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the local ski scene. Just check out the snow report on Ski and Board MN, choose a location, and hit the slopes:
Always wanted to try snowboarding? The Twin Cities offers several locations for snowboarding fun. Most ski areas welcome snowboarders as well, but here are a few local hot spots:
Elm Creek in Plymouth and Hyland Hills in Bloomington
Blizzard travelling snowboard school offers a great way to learn to snowboard.
How about cross country ski? It’s a great workout, and a nice way to see some of the area’s most scenic trails. Three Rivers Park District maintains a variety of park trails. Check out the link and choose a trail.
Snowshoeing anyone? Pick a park and rent your snow shoes for a great way to get off the beaten path! Many parks offer evening events by candlelight as well for a fun date-night experience or for the whole family. This helpful link posted by Midwest Weekends will help you plan a snow shoeing outing.
How about snow tubing? One of the best ways to fly down a snow covered hill, plus the advantage of a tow rope to take you back up! Snow tubing is a great family or group event. Check out the best snow tubing locations posted by TwinCities.com here.
Let’s not forget ice fishing! This Minnesota sport got its claim to fame in the Grumpy Old Men movies, but it’s the real deal here in the winter. Learn all about ice fishing in this link to MinneapolisParks.org.
What about pond hockey? We are the State of Hockey after all! Most neighborhoods have an outdoor rink, but if you haven’t experienced the U.S. Pond Hockey Tournaments, this is a must see, and it happens right here at Lake Nakomis!
How about another great spectator activity? Crashed Ice in St. Paul February 26-27. Take a look at the event here.
And something for the dogs! Most area dog parks are just as much fun in the snow as they are in the summer. Here’s a list from our friends at Sidewalk Dog.
There are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the Twin Cities! Of course, if the weather is really too daunting for you, there are indoor amenities at most StuartCo communities that allow you a change in scenery without even scraping your windshield.
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