Cross Country Skiing in Minneapolis, MN

For being one of the coldest major U.S. cities, it’s sometimes hard to believe that people live in such tundra. But, even on those bitter, cold days, you will find people skiing their hearts out on one of Minneapolis’ Nordic ski tracks.

One of the most popular destinations for locals is the city’s largest regional park, the 760-acre Theodore Wirth Park. The park is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis and is often packed with cross-country skiers. The park offers more than 15 miles of Nordic ski trails for the inexperienced and advanced skier. On the other side of town is Como Park, which hosts a short, but sweet 4.5 mile Nordic loop. Best of all, skiing at Como Park is completely free.

If you want more breadth and don’t mind driving 20 minutes outside town, then Hyland Lake Park Reserve’s2,565 acres will do the trick. There are more than 9 miles of Nordic ski trails of varying difficulty found within the park reserve.