9 Early Winter Activities To Kick Off Minnesota’s Snow Season

Winter in Minnesota is something else

Early winter in Minnesota is that sweet spot when the snow is fresh, the lakes are starting to freeze, and everyone’s itching to get outside and soak it all in. Here’s a rundown of the best early winter activities that’ll have you loving the cold.

1. Glide Through Minnesota’s Best Cross-Country Ski Trails

If you’re into cross-country skiing here in Minnesota, do yourself a favor and grab the $25 Great Minnesota Ski Pass. You get access to 1,100 miles of ski trails across 90+ skiing spots throughout the state. 

For anyone just starting out, Theodore Wirth Park’s easy loops are a great choice. And if you’re feeling like mixing it up, you can hop over to the nearby Chain of Lakes trails for a little change of scenery.

But if you’re an experienced skier looking for a challenge, Elm Creek in Maple Grove is the spot. They’ve got black-diamond loops and solid snowmaking, so you can count on good conditions all winter long.

2. Drop a Line at Minnesota’s Top Ice Fishing Spots

Ice fishing is pretty much a Minnesota rite of passage. This year’s looking great for anglers—Mille Lacs Lake is seeing an uptick in the walleye population. Just remember, you can keep up to two walleye between 18-20 inches or one if it’s over 28 inches. 

3. Trek Snowy Trails on Snowshoes

Rent snowshoes for cheap and get your steps in while taking in Minnesota’s gorgeous winters. Afton State Park, just outside the Twin Cities, has wide-open trails where you might even spot some deer. 

Check out Thompson County Park in Dakota County if you stick around deep into winter. They do candlelit tours and Trails by Candlelight in January offers bonfires, hot chocolate stations, and food trucks.

4. Go Sledding and Take the Reins

Cute, furry dogs taking you on a ride through snowy trails? Yes, please. Start with beginner-friendly half-day rides to get a feel for the sled and the rhythm of the team.

Or take it up a notch with multi-day adventures through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Some outfitters will even teach you hands-on winter skills like harnessing the dogs, camping in the snow, and how to manage a sled team so don’t forget to ask.

5. See Epic Ice Sculptures and Palaces

Minnesota takes ice sculptures to the next level with mazes, castles, and even bars. While most of these open in early January, the Ice Palace in Delano gets a head start in December. You can explore nearly 90,000 square feet of Nordic-inspired icy architecture and catch shows with fire dancers, ice princesses, and other frosty fun.

7. Chase the Northern Lights in Minnesota’s Dark Sky Parks

Yep, Minnesota also sees its own share of northern lights, especially this year with strong solar activity. Head over to Voyageurs National Park which is certified as an International Dark Sky Park. 

Set your alarm between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. when the sky’s at its darkest. And with December’s long nights, you’ve got plenty of chances.

8. Snap Photos of Frozen Waterfalls

Minnesota’s waterfalls turn into icy works of art during the winter months. At Minnehaha Falls, you can catch water still flowing under the ice before it completely freezes in January. Gooseberry Falls offers a different vibe, with the ice starting to form early in the season and fully freezing by midwinter.

9. Warm Up at Minnesota’s Coziest Craft Breweries

Winter brings out the best in Minnesota’s craft breweries with seasonal brews. Grab a pint of limited-edition ales like Peppermint Mocha Stout or Barrel-Aged Cold Press Black Ale while relaxing by outdoor fire pits. Many tap rooms also host trivia nights and live music if you’re looking for something to do.