The cold is slowly creeping its way across Minnesota, and Minnesota’s parks are getting emptier and emptier. Sure, once the good snow hits there will be some cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and the occasional ice-fisher or snowmobiler, but for the most part, the parks are still empty enough to provide you with uninterrupted, peaceful exploration. Sure it’s cold out, but that’s why we layer!
Don’t let winter turn you into a couch-dweller, and get out to enjoy the amazing Minnesota scenery. We talked about some gorgeous places this summer, and I’m here to remind you that these places are just as gorgeous, if not more so, during the colder months.
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Flickr/evilfoo Just because winter hits doesn’t mean you need to wait until next year to explore MN’s iconic Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Even when the hiking trails are closed, the views of icy Superior are unbeatable.
- Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Flickr/m01229 Winter has landscapes too, and they’re gorgeous. Don’t write off the arboretum just because it isn’t spring.
- High Falls At Tettegouche & Gooseberry Falls
Facebook/Zach Johns via Minnesota State Parks and Trails Some of the prettiest falls in the summer are equally as stunning in the winter, and even provide a place for the adventurous to try their hand at ice climbing.
- Enger Tower
Flickr/Ryo Chijiiwa Enger Park & Tower have some of the best views in the entire state. On snowy days, the views are that much prettier, from the hillside to the frozen Superior shores.
- Frontenac State Park (Mississippi River Bluffs)
Good Free Photos The Mississippi River Bluffs are gorgeous during the winter months, and nothing beats frozen Lake Pepin.
- Duluth Lakewalk
Flickr/Sharon Mollerus The Duluth Lakewalk in the winter might actually beat the summer views. The giant blocks and shards of ice will transport you to an arctic wonderland. It’s absolutely amazing.
- Grand Marais
Flickr/Sharon Mollerus America’s coolest small town is even cooler (no pun intended) in the winter. Grand Marais is the perfect place for a winter getaway, on the beautiful frozen North Shore and with access to all all kinds of winter recreation like cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
- Palisade Head
Flickr/Justin Meissen Palisade Head has stunning winter views. Just because the ground is frozen, doesn’t mean you need to be! Bundle up and explore the cliffs.
- Glensheen the Historic Congdon Estate
Facebook/Glensheen, the Historic Congdon Estate Glensheen is another great spot in the winter. It’s interior holiday spirit is matched by it’s beautiful snowy exterior. It’s a great place to warm up.
- Dalles of the St. Croix
Flickr/Justin Meissen The St. Croix river is marvelous during the winter. Explore the frozen Dalles at Interstate State Park and enjoy being the only one around.
- Jay Cooke State Park
Facebook/Minnesota State Parks and Trails Jay Cooke State Park’s swinging bridge is a family favorite, and during the winter it provides epic views of the semi-frozen river.
- Mill Ruins Park
Flickr/m01229 Minneapolis, especially the Stone Arch Bridge and Mill Ruins Park, is just as much fun to visit during the winter. There’s something magical about Minnesota’s historical places blanketed in fresh snow.
Where are you going to explore this winter? Take your cameras and share your winter moments to the Only In Minnesota Facebook Page!
Flickr/evilfoo
Just because winter hits doesn’t mean you need to wait until next year to explore MN’s iconic Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Even when the hiking trails are closed, the views of icy Superior are unbeatable.
Flickr/m01229
Winter has landscapes too, and they’re gorgeous. Don’t write off the arboretum just because it isn’t spring.
Facebook/Zach Johns via Minnesota State Parks and Trails
Some of the prettiest falls in the summer are equally as stunning in the winter, and even provide a place for the adventurous to try their hand at ice climbing.
Flickr/Ryo Chijiiwa
Enger Park & Tower have some of the best views in the entire state. On snowy days, the views are that much prettier, from the hillside to the frozen Superior shores.
Good Free Photos
The Mississippi River Bluffs are gorgeous during the winter months, and nothing beats frozen Lake Pepin.
Flickr/Sharon Mollerus
The Duluth Lakewalk in the winter might actually beat the summer views. The giant blocks and shards of ice will transport you to an arctic wonderland. It’s absolutely amazing.
America’s coolest small town is even cooler (no pun intended) in the winter. Grand Marais is the perfect place for a winter getaway, on the beautiful frozen North Shore and with access to all all kinds of winter recreation like cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Flickr/Justin Meissen
Palisade Head has stunning winter views. Just because the ground is frozen, doesn’t mean you need to be! Bundle up and explore the cliffs.
Facebook/Glensheen, the Historic Congdon Estate
Glensheen is another great spot in the winter. It’s interior holiday spirit is matched by it’s beautiful snowy exterior. It’s a great place to warm up.
The St. Croix river is marvelous during the winter. Explore the frozen Dalles at Interstate State Park and enjoy being the only one around.
Facebook/Minnesota State Parks and Trails
Jay Cooke State Park’s swinging bridge is a family favorite, and during the winter it provides epic views of the semi-frozen river.
Minneapolis, especially the Stone Arch Bridge and Mill Ruins Park, is just as much fun to visit during the winter. There’s something magical about Minnesota’s historical places blanketed in fresh snow.
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