Ready for beautiful snowy landscapes while gliding across packed-down, well-groomed trails? It’s almost that time. Whether you are a seasoned vet along the trails, or you’re looking to pick up a new hobby this year, there are plenty of parks for you to choose from to cross country ski in the Twin Cities—no matter your skill level!
Most parks require a ski pass and offer rentals which are included below along with groomed miles, lighted miles (so you can ski even when the sun goes down), and other nice-to-know info before you plan your afternoon (or night!) of cross-country skiing in the Twin Cities.
Note that all rental information is for the FULL set—skis, boots, and poles. You will have everything you need—general information and beyond!—to get out there for the perfect, fun winter workout!
8 Parks Where You Can Cross Country Ski in the Twin Cities Metro Area
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
Bloomington
- This is part of the Three Rivers Park District.
- 9.5 miles of ski trails groomed daily (3.3 miles includes snowmaking) and there are options for all skill levels.
- 5.3 miles have lights to enjoy the trails even when the sun sets early. They are open until 9:00 PM.
- Ski Pass: A Daily ($9) or Annual ($75 for all parks) Three Rivers Cross Country Ski Pass is required.* A Minnesota Ski Pass is NOT.
- Rental Skis: Adults are $12 and Youth are $8 for 2 hours. Recommended that you reserve online (up to 7 days in advance) due to increased demand. Rentals take place at the main chalet.
- This is a great place to night ski! It’s a blast with the best ski trails with a variety of terrain including gentle hills.
*Note: As part of the Three River Park District, an All Parks Pass ($75/$9) will give you access to all 11 parks that offer cross country skiing in the Twin Cities. A Natural Snow Parks Pass ($55/$6) will give you access to all except for Hyland Lake and Elm Creek (the two listed here) because they make snow. Passes are required for those age 12+. You do NOT need a Minnesota Ski Pass.*
Elm Creek Park Reserve
maple grove
- This is part of the Three Rivers Park District.
- 11.6 miles of trails groomed daily (1.8 miles includes snowmaking) and there are options for all skill levels.
- 3.4 miles have lights to enjoy even when the sun sets early. They are open until 9:00 PM.
- Ski Pass: A Daily ($9) or Annual ($75 for all parks) Three Rivers Cross Country Ski Pass is required.* A Minnesota Ski Pass is NOT.
- Rentals: Adults are $12 and Youth are $8 for 2 hours. Recommended that you reserve online (up to 7 days in advance) due to increased demand.
*Note: As part of the Three River Park District, an All Parks Pass ($75/$9) will give you access to all 11 parks that offer cross country skiing in the Twin Cities. A Natural Snow Parks Pass ($55/$6) will give you access to all except for Hyland Lake and Elm Creek (the two listed here) because they make snow. Passes are required for those age 12+. *
Here are all of the Three Rivers Park District Natural Snow Park Options across the metro. They have Rental equipment as well.
Theodore Wirth Park
Golden Valley
- The Minneapolis Park District partners with the Loppet Foundation for rentals and ski passes.
- 15+ miles of groomed trails with great views including those of downtown Minneapolis!
- You could ski from Golden Valley all the way to Uptown (Chain of Lakes) without ever leaving the trail.
- Ski Pass: Daily ($20 Adult, $10 for Kids) or Annual ($90 for all parks, $50 for additional adult, $35 for Kids) Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Ski Trail Passes are required. This gives you access to all trails including those that have snowmaking.*
- Rentals: $13 for 3 hours. All equipment rentals are done at The Trailhead. You will find days/times on the website.
- Theodore Wirth Park Winter Map – North (with snowmaking trails)
*Notes: For additional Minneapolis Parks and Rec trails, visit this page to see details on the Columbia Golf Course, Hiawatha Golf Course, and the Chain of Lakes. These three places are Natural only (no snowmaking.) Those passes come down to an Annual for $50 per adult ($25 for additional), and $8 for Daily + Kids Free. Rentals are also only $11 for the Natural trails.
Fort Snelling State Park
St. Paul
- A beautiful state park located right along both the Minnesota River and Mississippi River.
- 12 miles of trails though be aware that the only groomed trails (for cross skiing only) are the 3 miles around Pike Island. The flat and easy trail can also be cut down to 1- and 2-miles.
- Ski Pass: You need a Minnesota Ski Pass: Daily is $10 and Annual Passes are $25. Note that this will work for ALL State Park trails in Minnesota. You will also need to purchase a State Park Pass for your vehicle which is $7 for a Daily and $35 for an Annual.
- Rentals: There are no cross country ski rentals at Fort Snelling State Park.
- Fort Snelling State Park Winter Trail Map
*Note: this page will give you a list of all of the Minnesota State Parks with groomed classic ski trails. Same fees as above and some of them do have rentals available.*
Battle Creek Regional Park West
St. Paul
- Battle Creek is a part of the Ramsey County Parks.
- 9 miles of groomed trails with 2.5 being for beginners.
- 2.4 miles have lights to enjoy even when the sun sets early. They are open until 9:00 PM.
- Ski Pass: Minnesota Ski Pass: Daily is $10 and Annual for $25. This is a requirement for those 16+.
- Rentals: There are no cross country ski rentals at Battle Creek. See below for Tamarack Nature Center.
- Battle Creek Regional Park West Winter Map
Como Golf Course
St. Paul (Free – No Pass Required!)
- Como Golf Corse is part of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation.
- 4.1 miles of groomed trails.
- 1 mile is lighted and for beginners. The rest are more intermediate and advanced.
- Ski Pass: It is free to cross country ski at Saint Paul Parks and Recreation trails and no pass is required.
- Rentals: $15 for 2 hours. All equipment rentals must be reserved in advance online or by calling 651-266-6400.
- Como Golf Course Winter Map
*Highland 9 Golf Course, and Phalen Golf Course are also available but there are no rentals.*
Tamarack Nature Center
White Bear Lake
- Tamarack Nature Center is a part of the Ramsey County Park.
- 5 miles of groomed trails with options for all skill levels.
- Ski Pass: Minnesota Ski Pass: Daily is $10 and Annual for $25. This is a requirement for those 16+.
- Rentals: Adults are $14 for 2 hours, ages 6-12 is $10.50, and under 5 is $7.
- Tamarack Nature Center Winter Map
Afton State Park
hastings
- 12 miles of groomed trails with 2.5 being for beginners. The rest are intermediate or advanced.
- Ski Pass: Minnesota Ski Pass: Daily is $10 and Annual for $25. Note that this will work for ALL State Park trails in Minnesota. You will also need to purchase a State Park Pass for your vehicle which is $7 for a Daily and $35 for an Annual.
- Rentals: There are no cross country ski rentals at Afton.
- Afton State Park Winter Map
*Note: this page will give you a list of all of the Minnesota State Parks with groomed classic ski trails. Same fees as above and some of them do have equipment rental available*
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Eagan
- Three different trails offer groomed trails.
- Jensen Lake Trail, Holland Lake Trail, and the Visitor Center Trail all have 12 miles of trails.
- Ski Pass: Dakota County Park ski pass is $6 Daily and $25 Annual. This is a requirement for those 18+.
- Rentals: Adults $10 per hour, Youth $7 per hour. Online reservations are now required for all equipment rentals.
- Lebanon Hills Regional Park Winter Map
Cross Country Ski in the Twin Cities
Now that you know most of the cross-country ski trails in the Twin Cities area, find one near you and plan an afternoon or night skiing adventure! It’s a great way to both be out in the fresh air and get your body moving. Don’t forget to dress in layers. And flasks tend to cut down the swearing. HA. In addition, if I missed any great ones, let me know! And go enjoy Minnesota winter!
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