Winter is here in the Midwest, but that doesn’t mean your fun outdoor activities need to stop. The parks around Minneapolis have got you covered with seven lakes for ice fishing, 20 miles of skiing trails, and a plethora of places to go fat-tire biking, snowshoeing, sledding and more. So, when you are feeling cooped up this season, try your hand at these exciting activities that are sure to be fun for everyone.
Cross-country Skiing
There are four locations for cross-country skiing in the area including Theodore Wirth Park, Columbia Golf Course, Hiawatha Golf Course and Chain of Lakes Park. Trail hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. A ski pass is required for all locations and can be purchased online at loppet.org/tt/trailpasses. Ski equipment is available for rent at The Trailhead facility in Theodore Wirth. For more information, visit loppet.org/tt/do/winter/xcskiing.
Fat-tire Biking
Fat-tire biking is the perfect way for cyclists to continue their passion during the winter months. These bikes have larger-than-average tires to allow for off-roading and use on snow covered grounds. Theodore Wirth Park, located at 1339 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, has three singletrack trails for beginners, intermediate and/or advanced riders. For more information, visit loppet.org/tt/do/winter/fattirebiking.
Skijoring
Ever wanted to ski with your dog? Well, try out skijoring, a Norwegian winter sport in which a person on skis is pulled by their pet. This activity is allowed on all natural snow trails in Theodore Wirth Park, Chain of Lakes Park, Columbia Golf Course and Hiawatha Golf Course. A ski pass is required for all locations and can be purchased online at loppet.org/tt/trails/skijoring. Your dog must be attached to you at all times. For more information, visit loppet.org/tt/trails/skijoring.
Sledding
Grab a toboggan and head to Theodore Wirth Park for a fun time filled with sledding. The park has a free designated sledding hill, which is located north of the chalet and its parking lot. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, visit minneapolisparks.org/activities-events/winter_activities/sledding.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding in the city? Yes. Theodore Wirth Park has a snowboarding hill open Friday, 4-8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for a day pass. Equipment rental and passes can be purchased at The Trailhead. For more information, visit loppet.org/tt/do/winter/snowboarding.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a relaxing exercise for all ages. By strapping on snowshoes to the bottom of your boots, you can easily walk on icy grounds. Theodore Wirth Park, Columbia Golf Course and Hiawatha Golf Course have trails for snowshoeing. Trails are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, visit minneapolisparks.org/activities-events/winter_activities/snowshoeing.
Tubing
Ready to feel the air rush past you as you race down a snow-covered hill? Theodore Wirth Park offers snow tubing for all ages during weekdays. Tubes are first come, first serve. A hill pass is required and can be purchased at The Trailhead for a two-hour session. There is an operating tow rope to bring tubers back up to the top of the hill. For more information, visit loppet.org/tt/do/winter/tubing.
