Incredible views. Fewer crowds. No bugs. Visiting the parks during Minnesota winter might just be the move to make. There are so many places to snowshoe in the Twin Cities and it’s the most perfect winter activity. You’ll immerse yourself in the fresh air, move your body, explore what Minnesota has to offer, and appreciate her snowy, white setting.
The best part? It’s easy! Rent snowshoes or bring your own, strap them on your boots, and you’ve even got your hands free for a (spiked) beverage! Below is information on 19 places to snowshoe in the Twin Cities. Find one closest to you or pick one that sounds the most appealing for a day trip. Check if they offer rentals (if you need them). And get some quick hits on the trail in general.
Note: Stay off the cross country ski trails when you visit these parks and nature centers!
19 Places to Snowshoe in the Twin Cities
Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis
- This is a part of the Minneapolis Park District who partners with the Loppet Foundation to bring winter fun. The trail goes through the wooded, hilly sections of Theodore Wirth Park which makes for a great workout in an urban environment.
- 8 miles of snowshoe trails.
- Rentals: $12. Located at the Winter Recreation HQ – Winter Chalet.
- Theodore Wirth Park Winter Map
*Note: For additional Minneapolis Parks and Recreation trails, visit this page to see details on the Columbia Golf Course and Hiawatha Golf Course.
Minnehaha Creek
Minneapolis
- Minnehaha Creek, once frozen, becomes an ice trail that’s one of the most beautiful spots to snowshoe! The creek runs from Lake Minnetonka all the way to Minnehaha Falls.
- 22 miles of frozen snowshoe trails. For a fun trail in the city (that doesn’t feel like the city), go from Lake Nokomis to Lake Harriet.
- Rentals: There are no rentals available.
- Minnehaha Creek Map
Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park
St. Paul & Minneapolis
- One of the top-rated places to snowshoe according to Google Maps is the Mississippi River Gorge with both spots for city views and nature.
- 9 miles of snowshoe trails.
- Minneapolis Trail Access: Ford Bridge, the Lake Street Bridge, Franklin Avenue, or in between those streets.
- St. Paul-side Trail Access: Emerald Street or the Hidden Falls Regional Park entrance on Mississippi River Boulevard.
- Rentals: There are no rentals available.
- Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park Map
Fort Snelling State Park
St. Paul
- A beautiful state park located right along both the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. Though right in the city, it sure doesn’t feel like it!
- 18 miles of snowshoe trails. Ungroomed multi-use for snowshoeing and winter hiking.
- The Visitor Center serves as a warming house. A sheltered area with picnic tables is adjacent to the center on one side of the building.
- Rentals: $6 per day. Located at the Park Office. (This is different than the Visitor’s Center.)
- Fort Snelling State Park Winter Map
Need a hot beverage to go along with your winter activities? Read 10 Minneapolis Coffee Shops + St. Paul Coffee Shops!
Afton State Park
hastings
- A beautiful Minnesota State Park located along the St. Croix River with views of the water, rolling glacial moraine, and bluff land. If you want to get out of the city yet not drive too far, here is your spot.
- 12+ miles of snowshoe trails.
- The Visitors Center with bathrooms, tables, and a woodstove is unavailable (Dec. 2020), but there are three outdoor fireplaces to warm up.
- Rentals: $6 per pair. Located at the Park Office.
- Afton State Park Winter Map
Carver Lake Park
Woodbury
- Part of the Woodbury Park District, their trails are for both winter cycling (fat tire biking) and snowshoeing. Meander through wooded trails with views of the lake.
- 4 miles of snowshoe trails.
- Rentals: There are no rentals available.
- There are portable restrooms.
- Carver Lake Park Map
Tamarack Nature Center
White Bear Lake
- As part of the Ramsey County Parks, you will find rolling hills, prairies, a lake, and a lot of wildlife within the park.
- 2+ miles of designated snowshoe trails. Three trails are designated for snowshoeing and winter hiking.
- Rentals: Adults are $14 for 2 hours, ages 6-12 are $10.50, and 5 and under are $7 and are available at the Winter Recreation Rental Shack. All rentals require an online reservation of equipment and a time slot, plus an online payment. They can be made up to 2 weeks in advance of the selected activity date.
- Tamarack Nature Center Winter Map
Battle Creek Regional Park
Maplewood
- Another which is part of the Ramsey County Parks, Battle Creek has 1,840 acres of forest, prairie, and wetlands
- 5 miles of snowshoe trails.
- Rentals: No available rentals.
- Battle Creek Regional Map
Thinking you’d rather cross country ski? Read Where to Cross Country Ski in the Twin Cities.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Bloomington
- Along the banks of the Minnesota River, this park provides a good chance of viewing a range of wildlife.
- 5 miles of snowshoe trails. 14k acres of wildland.
- Rentals: FREE from the Bloomington Visitor and Education Center.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Eagan
- This is part of the Dakota Country Park District with trails that travel along lakes and through the woods.
- 14 miles of snowshoe trails.
- Rentals: $7 per hour for adults, $5 per hour for children at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center. Equipment is available by online reservation only.
- Lebanon Hills Regional Park Winter Map
Baker Park Reserve
Maple Plain
- This is part of the Three Rivers Park District with 2,700 acres of land.
- 6.3 miles of snowshoe trails.
- Currently Closed (Dec 2020): The Baker Clubhouse is where you can warm up and also has snacks and beverages.
- Rentals: $5 for 2 hours. Located at the Baker Clubhouse. Advanced reservations are required and can be made online or over the phone by calling 763.559.6700.
- Baker Park Reserve Winter Map
Three Rivers Park District Options with Rentals
All of these places are a part of the Three Rivers Park District and offer 2 hours of snowshoe rentals for $5.
- Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake
- Mississippi Getaway Regional Park, Brooklyn Park
- Eastman Nature Center (Elm Creek Park Reserve), Dayton
- French Regional Park, Plymouth
- Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista
- Lowry Nature Center (Carver Park Reserve), Victoria
- Richardson Nature Center (Hyland Park Reserve), Bloomington
Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Savage
- This is part of the Three Rivers Park District with thick forests, glacial ridges, and rolling terrain. It’s an undeveloped area in the Twin Cities that remains a natural oasis for those who dwell in the city.
- 5.5 miles of snowshoe trails.
- Rentals: No rentals available.
- Murphy-Hanrahan Park Reserve Winter Map
Ready to Snowshoe in the Twin Cities?
The only way to successfully get through winter is to enjoy it! Whether you have been snowshoeing a million times or are looking to try something new, it’s the perfect way to get outside and take advantage of the season! If there’s not quite enough snow to justify snowshoeing, make sure to look through Where to Hike During Minnesota Winter.
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What did I miss?
If your favorite place to snowshoe in the Twin Cities didn’t make the list, let me know in the comments!
