Candlelight hikes, wildlife watching, and snowy trails await.



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"February 2026"

A young woman with a slight smile holds up a snow heart. [ [link removed] ]

??: Cecil Bacus, Judge C.R. Magney State Park

Warm Up Your Winter ????️

Winter in Minnesota has a way of bringing people together. When the air turns sharp, we layer up, stoke the fire within ourselves, and brave the cold. With Valentine's Day coming up, it's also a time to remember that not all love is loud: sometimes it's shared stillness on a park bench, warm mittens passed between friends, or a quiet walk along a snowy trail together. If your goal this month is connection, healing, or adventure, Minnesota state parks and trails are here to help kindle your flame.

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[ [link removed] ]
Trail Conditions and Snow Status 

"Find out where to go for your favorite winter activities."

Are the ski trails open at *Bear Head Lake State Park* [ [link removed] ]? How is the snowmobiling at *Zippel Bay* [ [link removed] ]? How much snow does southwest Minnesota have right now? We have a webpage for that!

Bookmark the Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions webpage [ [link removed] ] for quick access to the latest snow information. Updated weekly on Thursday afternoons in the winter, the map and trail notes help visitors know what to expect at locations across the state. 

Click on individual park or trail names for that location's winter offerings. On individual location pages, you’ll find trail mileage (for skiing and snowmobiling), difficulty levels, recent updates, directions, facilities, and detailed area descriptions. We'll see you out there!

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An infographic shows how to dress in layers at various levels of cold--adding more layers the colder it gets. [ [link removed] ]

Click to view a larger version.

Packing for a Winter Adventure

"Little things can make a big difference in staying warm."

When temperatures drop, the right outfit and items in your pack can make a big difference. Review the tips below to help turn a chilly outing into a cozy experience:


* *Check the temperature*, including windchill! Knowing the weather will help you prepare appropriately. 
* *Dress in layers from top to bottom [ [link removed] ]. *Fabrics like wool, fleece, or down help add extra warmth.
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*Pack a hot beverage* to sip when you’re done or taking a break—it’s one of the fastest ways to warm up.


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*Hand and foot warmers* help keep extremities comfortable, especially on extra-cold days.


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*Traction devices on footwear* (small chains that strap to the bottom of shoes) add stability on icy trails and packed snow.


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*Head, ear, and face coverings* protect areas most vulnerable to wind and cold.


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*An extra pair of socks or gloves* can be a game-changer if anything gets damp.


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*Snacks* fuel your body and help you stay warm longer.

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A snowy trail is lined by candles at dusk. [ [link removed] ]

??: Flora McKnight-Voytek, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Come As You Are: February Events

"Gather friends and family for a magical evening. "

From hands-on discovery tables and snowshoe hikes to birding walks and family programs, park naturalists across the state are hosting events [ [link removed] ] that invite visitors to learn something new and experience the beauty of winter.

A group of people pay attention to a naturalist in a snowy prairie. [ [link removed] ]

Candlelight events [ [link removed] ] are a winter favorite at state parks and trails. Throughout February, trails across Minnesota will glow with flickering lanterns and ice luminaries. This year, Valentine’s Day falls right in the heart of candlelight season, with multiple candlelight events happening on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, family, or heading out solo, it’s a great way to enjoy some winter magic.

February also brings a wide mix of daytime programs, including animal tracking, owl and bird programs, beginner snowshoeing, ice fishing, children’s story times, and pop-up discovery tables. There’s something happening nearly every weekend, at parks large and small. Find a full list of candlelight events and winter naturalist programs on the DNR website [ [link removed] ].



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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An otter stares up at the camera from an icy shoreline. [ [link removed] ]

??: Gregory Gerhart, Glendalough State Park

What Wildlife to Look for This Winter

"Who's been here? Find clues in the snow."

Winter is one of the best seasons to notice wildlife at Minnesota state parks and trails. Fresh snow turns the ground into a natural notebook, revealing tracks from deer, foxes, otters, and other animals that passed through before you arrived. A quiet walk can quickly turn into a guessing game of who’s been where and when. If you'd like to learn about animal tracks from experts, check out the parks and trails events calendar [ [link removed] ] for programs like "Let's Talk Animal Tracks and Signs."

Two swans swoop into the water along an icy waterway. [ [link removed] ]

As you enjoy a winter walk, keep an eye out along open water and frozen shorelines for trumpeter swans lingering late into the season. River corridors and lakeshores are also good places to spot river otters, whose playful slides and winding tracks often give them away long before you see them. Look up, too—great horned owls and barred owls are active in winter, sometimes calling from treetops or moving silently through the woods.

Bundle up, bring binoculars, and print a park-specific bird checklist [ [link removed] ] to bring with you on your next adventure. 



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Two people ski along a smooth, snowy path. [ [link removed] ]

??: William O'Brien State Park

Give Skiing a Try: Rentals Available

"Explore a state park or trail on skis this winter."

With both classic and skate skiing [ [link removed] ] options, state parks and trails across Minnesota offer miles of groomed ski trails for all levels. State parks like *Bear Head Lake [ [link removed] ]*, *Lake Bemidji [ [link removed] ]*, and *Glendalough [ [link removed] ]* are popular destinations after a fresh snowfall. Golden Anniversary State Forest [ [link removed] ] has also had good conditions so far this winter. 

Trails are initially packed once there are about five inches of snow and are groomed with tracks after the next snowfall. Want to know what conditions are like? Check the Snow Depth and Trail Conditions website [ [link removed] ] for reports directly from staff on the ground.

No skis? No problem! Five state parks offer cross-country ski rentals. Check out the website [ [link removed] ] to find a park near you. And remember, anyone 16 or older needs a Great Minnesota Ski Pass [ [link removed] ] to access groomed trails in state parks, state forests, or grant-in-aid trails. Sales from the passes directly fund grooming and maintenance of trails. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful glide or an invigorating workout, Minnesota’s parks and trails provide the perfect winter escape for skiers.

Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Two smiling kids sled down a snowy hill--their parent is at the top of the hill laughing. [ [link removed] ]

??: Amanda K. Gartner, Itasca State Park

Snowy Slopes

"Add sledding to your next state park visit."

Break out your sleds and head to a Minnesota state park this winter for some sledding! With 10 state parks featuring sledding hills, there’s no shortage of fun for all ages. *Fort Ridgely State Park [ [link removed] ]* stands out with two sledding areas located next to its cozy Chalet. On winter weekends, visitors can reserve the Chalet for an extra special winter day and overnight stay. 

Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Three people fat tire bike across a small bridge in a snowy pine forest. [ [link removed] ]

??: Aaron W. Hautala, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Winter on Wheels

"Fat biking Minnesota's snowy terrain. "

Winter is prime time for fat biking [ [link removed] ] in Minnesota! Although they may look similar to mountain bikes, fat bikes thrive on snow, thanks to their large tires designed to grip slush and provide traction.

Ready to give fat biking a try? Start by choosing your destination. In winter, fat biking is allowed anywhere biking is normally allowed in state parks, state trails, state forests, and recreation areas—as long as the trail has not been groomed for cross-country skiing or snowmobiling.

Some trails are managed for multiple winter uses, like hiking, biking, and snowshoeing, and are open to fat bikes. Fat biking is also allowed on park and forest roads that are open to motor vehicles. Before you go, check the winter map for your park or trail to confirm where fat biking is allowed. Trails groomed exclusively for skiing or snowmobiling are not open to fat biking.

For a unique winter excursion, head to *Split Rock Lighthouse State Park [ [link removed] ],* which offers over 8 miles of shared-use trails near the Lake Superior shoreline. You can also head to *Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area [ [link removed] ],* which has over 40 miles of packed trail to ride once the snow falls. These trails provide a perfect way to explore the outdoors on your fat bike this winter!

Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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A person in a white jacket snowshoes through a vibrantly white, snowy scene next to a frozen lake. [ [link removed] ]

??: Darcy Douglas, Bear Head Lake State Park

Blaze Your Own Trail

"Snowshoe through the pines or prairie this winter."

Two sets of snowshoes lean against a stone wall. [ [link removed] ]

Snowshoeing [ [link removed] ] is a family friendly way to experience Minnesota’s state parks and trails this winter. It’s a peaceful and invigorating activity that allows you to explore snow-covered landscapes off the beaten path. 

If you’re new to snowshoeing or don’t have your own pair, many Minnesota state parks offer affordable rentals for just $6 per day. You can find rentals at state parks including *Camden [ [link removed] ],* *Minneopa [ [link removed] ]*, and *Big Bog State Recreation Area [ [link removed] ]* among others. Just remember, snowshoeing is allowed everywhere in the parks, trails, and recreation areas "except" on groomed trails. Groomed trails are designated for other activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, and it’s essential to preserve these paths for those uses.

Keep an eye on the events calendar [ [link removed] ] for beginner snowshoeing programs and guided hikes offered at various parks throughout the season! These events provide a fun, supportive environment to hone your snowshoeing skills and meet fellow winter enthusiasts.



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Take a Winter Nature Walk 

"Plowed and packed trails offer winter hiking opportunities."

Two people take a selfie a the Headwater of the Mississippi on a very cold, snowy day. [ [link removed] ]

Winter hiking is a great way to stay active and clear your head during the colder months. Fresh air, steady movement, and time in nature can help reduce stress, improve mood, and keep energy levels up, even on short outings.

Many Minnesota state parks and a few state trails keep specific routes plowed or packed for winter walkers. A section of the *Gateway State Trail [ [link removed] ]* and specific trails within *Flandrau State Park* [ [link removed] ] and *Rice Lake State Park* [ [link removed] ] offer walkable options throughout the season.

Before you head out, pack water and check park office hours, as they may be limited in winter. Dressing in layers and starting with a shorter hike can help make cold-weather outings comfortable and enjoyable, letting you focus on nature and maybe snap a few selfies along the way!



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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A snowmobile with rider zoom around a corner on a snowy trail through a forest. [ [link removed] ]

??: Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Full Throttle Fun

"Rev up your winter with a snowmobile ride."

Minnesota has over 22,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails [ [link removed] ]—for comparison, that’s over five laps around the Great Lakes!

When snow conditions allow, Grant-in-Aid trails are open December 1 through March 31 each year. In state parks and recreation areas, as well as some state trails, select hiking and biking trails transform into snowmobile routes for the winter months. Popular destinations like *Lake Carlos State Park [ [link removed] ]* and *C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail [ [link removed] ]* offer scenic rides with winding paths through Minnesota’s stunning winter landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a first-timer, it's essential to review each park’s map and be mindful of any changes to trails and routes before setting off on a winter adventure.

Learn More [ [link removed] ]


Large construction equipment next to culvert pipes. [ [link removed] ]
Section of Munger State Trail Reopens

"A winter reopening just in time for snowmobilers."

A one-mile section of the *Munger State Trail [ [link removed] ]* near Duluth has reopened—welcome news for snowmobilers and winter trail users. The trail reopened on December 24 following the installation of two new concrete culverts that replaced a failing, historic stone culvert.

The $1.2 million project protects the trail and nearby waterways by safely managing water flow year-round and during heavy rain events. It also improves fish passage. Without the upgrades, future heavy rain events could have washed away sections of the trail, sending thousands of cubic yards of sediment into a nearby stream.

Stretching 70 miles between Duluth and Hinckley, the fully paved Munger State Trail follows a former railroad grade built in the late 1800s and passes near *Jay Cooke [ [link removed] ], **Moose Lake [ [link removed] ]*, and *Banning state parks [ [link removed] ]*. Additional grading and asphalt work will be completed next spring—but for now, winter adventures are back on track.




Send Some Love ??

Looking for the perfect Valentine's Day card for your sweetie? Print, save, or send one of our free greeting cards [ [link removed] ]. 

You light up my life! Image of lighthouse at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. [ [link removed] ]



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