Winter outdoor activities on the North Shore, MN are a major highlight of a getaway up north! Lake Superior’s North Shore of Minnesota is home to some of the best winter outdoor activities in Minnesota. It’s the place to go to experience the best of winter! From Duluth to the Canadian border, there are numerous thrilling winter activities on the North Shore MN!
Outdoor enthusiasts delight in the winter outdoor activities on the North Shore! Fourteen of our favorites include: hiking and snowshoeing, frozen waterfalls, alpine skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dogsledding, fat tire biking, ice skating, more.
Then, after a long day of outdoor adventures, head inside to play a game of cards or chat around a cozy fire.
I’ve highlighted 14 exciting winter activities on the North Shore in this article just for you.
No matter what winter activities are calling your name, use this Guide to Winter Activities on the North Shore to plan your winter getaway!
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
It’s no secret that the North Shore MN is a beloved destination for hiking in Minnesota. And, the winter months are no different! In fact, snow-covered trails are usually packed down. So, unless you’re making the first tracks after a big snowfall, you probably don’t need snowshoes on most established trails.
When hiking on packed snow-covered trails without snowshoes, you’ll want to stay in the middle of the trail where it is packed. If you step off to the side (sometimes even a little bit) where the snow is softer, your leg could post-hole into the deep snow. This is when it’s nice to have snowshoes.
Be prepared for icy conditions on packed trails (especially during ice/thaw conditions). Ice cleats and hiking poles are your friends during this time of year.
When you want to don your snowshoes for a winter adventure, take the opportunity to create your own path in the deep snow! Snowshoes allow you to venture off-trail to explore places that aren’t as accessible when the ground isn’t covered in deep snow. Just be aware of places where it is marked to not go off trail, or where safety is a concern.
Try hiking these trails on your next winter adventure!
- The Sonju Trail in Two Harbors
- Gooseberry Falls inside Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Gitchi-Gami State Trail inside Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
- Shovel Point Trail at Tettegouche State Park
- Onion River Trail in Lutsen (at the Ray Berglund wayside)
- Oberg Mountain Loop in Lutsen
- Lookout Mountain Trail in Cascade River State Park
- Sweethearts Bluff in Grand Marais
- Honeymoon Bluff on the Gunflint Trail
- Trail to High Falls at Grand Portage State Park
Hike to a frozen waterfall!
Hikes with frozen waterfalls are often a draw when searching for winter activities on the North Shore MN. Minnesota has eight state parks on the North Shore MN which offer miles of hiking trails to scenic locations and waterfalls. These parks provide some of the best winter activities on the North Shore MN!
State Parks with frozen waterfalls on the North Shore MN include
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
- Tettetouche State Park
- Crosby Manitou State Park
- Temperance River State Park
- Cascade River State Park
- Judge C.R. Magney State Park
- Grand Portage State Park
Cross-Country Skiing (Nordic Skiing)
Did you know that the North Shore, MN boasts the largest cross-country ski network in North America? With over 500km of groomed trails, cross-country skiing is definitely one of the best winter activities on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior.
Here, you can glide along everything from thrilling ridgelines and picturesque canyon edges to frozen lakes and rivers! Throughout the Boreal forest, you will find plenty of options to don your cross-country skis and spend a beautiful winter day outside. Trails are usually well-groomed for both skate and classic skiing.
Additionally, many resorts offer packages, rentals, maps, and shuttle services to cross-country skiing trails along the North Shore.
Please note, ski passes are usually required for many trails (be sure to have what you need before heading off). Keep reading for trail North Shore cross-country skiing recommendations.
Cross-country ski trails on the North Shore
From Two Harbors to Silver Bay, you can find abundant cross-country skiing trails in Lake County.
- Erkki Harju Ski Trail is located right in Two Harbors.
- Lake County Demonstration Forest is perfect for gliding along serene trails.
- Closer to Silver Bay, the Northwoods Ski Trails are another great option.
- Finally, you will also find well-marked cross-country ski trails in the following Minnesota State Parks in Lake County: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Tettegouche State Park, and George Crosby Manitou State Park.
If you’re interested in experiencing one of the best winter activities in Cook County, explore the trails in Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, and the Gunflint Trail.
- The Sugarbush Trails in the Lutsen/Tofte area are world-class and offer distances and difficulties suitable for everyone from beginner to expert.
- The Norpine Trails is another excellent option near Lutsen.
- In Grand Marais, consider Bally Creek Trails.
- There are also a variety of Gunflint Trail area ski trails for you to choose from.
- Finally, Visit Cook County has more information, maps, and trail conditions for these areas to help you decide where to go!
Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding
Alpine skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities in Minnesota! Duluth and the North Shore boast two fantastic downhill ski areas that offer views of Lake Superior. Both offer rentals, lessons, and dining.
Spirit Mountain offers a wide range of trails near Duluth for alpine, freestyle, and snowboard enthusiasts. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy a day on the slopes without strapping something to your feet, Spirit Mountain also offers snow tubing (ages 3+). Ski lessons and gear rental are also available here. Finally, family-friendly menus, from quick services to sit-down dining, are available.
Lutsen Mountains in Lutsen is the largest ski area in the Midwest. In fact, there are 95 runs across 4 mountains available here. Whether you are skiing or just sightseeing, take the Midwest’s only gondola to the top of Moose Mountain for panoramic views of Lake Superior. Lutsen Mountains also offers apres ski, and a new restaurant.
If you’re looking for fun things to do on the North Shore this winter, consider a day or two of skiing and embracing our version of the après ski life!
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling may be just the thing if you are looking for unique North Shore, Minnesota activities in the winter!
Hundreds of miles of backwoods routes take riders to some of the most rugged and scenic places in Minnesota. If you’re interested in snowmobiling, here are some great options to consider:
- The 146-mile C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail, which connects Duluth to Grand Marais. This trail makes an exciting multi-day itinerary for exploring the North Shore this winter. It also provides access to even more club and community trails.
- Near Two Harbors, the Corridor/Yukon Trail is a connector between the North Shore State Trail and the Tomahawk Trail which goes to Ely, MN. See Lake County Snowmobiling info.
- There are also many great snowmobile trails in Cook County (Tofte, Lutsen, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage.)
North Shore Snowmobile Maps
- Minnesota DNR Interactive Snowmobile Map
- Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Map
- Two Harbors Snowmobile/ATV map.
Places to rent snowmobiles on the North Shore MN
- Beaver Bay Sports, Beaver Bay, MN
- Steve’s Sports, Grand Marais, MN
- Hungry Jack Lodge, Gunflint Trail
- Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail
Dogsledding
Searching for the best winter outdoor activities on the North Shore? You’ll be thrilled to learn that you can go dog sledding here! Imagine enjoying the passing scenes of a North Shore, Minnesota, winter wonderland as you sit cozily wrapped in warm blankets on the sled.
Places to go dog sledding on the North Shore MN
- Points Unknown, tucked along the northern part of the North Shore, in Hovland, offers fantastic dog sledding experiences for all ages. Visit their off-grid getaway that focuses on providing family-friendly experiences exploring the North Shore by dog sled, as well as teaching you about their dogs and the Hedlund Husky Preservation Project.
- Positive Energy Outdoors in Duluth MN.
- Endurance Kennels, Duluth MN
- Kiwatchi Adventures, Isabella MN
Fat Tire Biking on the North Shore MN
Make fat tire biking one of the best things to do on the North Shore this winter! Often considered more comfortable than a traditional mountain bike, fat tire bikes have low-pressure tires with extra width, making them super fun in winter conditions! Cruise down snowy trails, feeling the cool winter air across your face.
Did you know there’s even a fat tire mountain bike race in Lutsen? The Norpine Fat Bike Classic.
Places to go fat tire biking
There are several fat biking trails on the North Shore. It’s one of the best winter activities in Minnesota, so be sure to bring your bike to the North Shore! Try winter fat tire biking on these trails:
- Lake County Demonstration Forest near Two Harbors
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
- Pincushion Trails in Grand Marais
- Norpine Trails in Lutsen
Places to rent fat tire bikes in winter
- Traverse Duluth
- Spokengear, Two Harbors
- Sawtooth Outfitters, Tofte
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a fantastic winter outdoor activity on the North Shore for all ages. Indoor and outdoor rinks offer public open skate hours across the North Shore. Regardless of which location you choose, verify seasonal hours and rates beforehand. Certainly, ice skating is one of the best things to do on the North Shore this winter!
Ice Skating Options Along the North Shore
- Odegard Park, in Two Harbors, has a rink with a warming house and bathrooms.
- Lake County Arena, in Two Harbors, offers indoor ice skating on Sundays.
- Rukavina Arena features indoor ice skating in Silver Bay.
- Cook County Community Center. They have both a maintained outdoor arena, as well as a second patch ice for skating. Inexpensive skate rentals for kids and adults are available when the warming house is open.
- Gunflint Lodge maintains an ice skating trail on Gunflint Lake when it is the right weather conditions.
Embrace Hygge
Hygge (pronounced: hue-guh) is the Danish word to describe a feeling of quiet coziness and a soft feeling of contentment and well-being. We can’t think of a better word to describe a North Shore, Minnesota winter!
Indeed, embracing hygge is one of the best winter activities on the North Shore. Plus, there is no wrong way to do it. Indoors or outdoors, the best part of embracing hygge is finding the activities that bring you a sense of cozy contentment and joy. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Stay in a cozy cabin with the person you love most.
- Spend an afternoon wrapped in blankets and watch new snow fall around you like a snow globe!
- Take a rejuvinating sauna then roll in the snow
- Enjoy a peaceful afternoon relaxing and reading by the fire.
- Work on a puzzle together or play a round of cards.
- Outside, spend a quiet moment watching the ice shards lap against the Lake Superior shore.
- Read or journal by candlelight or by hearth fire.
- Attend the Cook County Hygge Festival in February.
Whatever you choose to do, the most important part is finding a way to enjoy the present moment with the ones you love.
Winter outdoor activities on the North Shore are calling!
There are so many fun winter outdoor activities on the North Shore waiting to be discovered!
Whether you are looking for family-friendly things to do on the North Shore this winter, or want to escape on a solo trip or a couple’s romantic getaway, there are plenty of options to keep you enjoying the snow.
