7 Places for Snowshoeing Near Duluth, MN (2023)

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Are you wanting to go snowshoeing near Duluth, MN and are wondering exactly where you should go?

Duluth has so many great places to get out on the trail for some snowshoeing, from the stunning state parks to small parks right in the city.

I grew up just an hour from Duluth and still spend a lot of time there throughout the year. I also love to snowshoe and embrace the winter season.

In this post, I’ll be sharing my favorite places to snowshoe in Duluth, so you can get out and enjoy winter in Northern Minnesota too!

Where to Go Snowshoeing Near Duluth, MN

Here are some of the best spots for snowshoeing Duluth, MN during winter to get out and embrace the cold and snow!

Myself going snowshoeing near Duluth, MN while wearing winter gear and snowshoes on my feet.

1. North Shore State Parks

If you’re looking for beautiful views on a snowshoeing adventure this winter, head out for some snowshoeing on the North Shore at the 8 state parks!

Snowshoeing is allowed in any of Minnesota’s 66 state parks, as long as you stay off of trails that are groomed specifically for other activities. And the North Shore in winter is beautiful!

I’ve found that there are plenty of great places to go in the parks, and you can get some pretty epic views. My favorite is Tettegouche! Many people also love cross country skiing on the North Shore.

The closest ones to Duluth are Gooseberry Falls and Tettegouche State Parks, although you can go further up the shore to find the others.

I also love visiting Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, because it’s a short drive from Duluth and you can enjoy views of Lake Superior during winter.

Jay Cooke State Park is also one of my favorites because it has amazing views of the river and is only like 20 minutes from Duluth.

Note: Purchase a Minnesota state parks pass to snowshoe within the parks here.

Myself wearing a pair of metal snowshoes in a field of snow.

2. The Gitchi-Gami State Trail

Currently, there are a little over 33 miles completed of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. But it will eventually be over 80 miles long!

There are plenty of parts of the trail that you can use to snowshoe, with the longest being 17 miles from Gooseberry Falls State Park to Beaver Bay

Gooseberry Falls is about 45 minutes north of Duluth, on the lakeside of Highway 61. I love seeing the falls frozen in winter. Plus, there are far fewer crowds than in summer.

Now I think we can both agree that we won’t be snowshoeing for 17 miles, so just take it section by section!

I usually go for as long as I feel comfortable and then turn around.

Myself standing amongst a few trees on some snow with snowshoes near Duluth, MN.

3. The Hartley Nature Center

For those looking for somewhere to go snowshoeing in Duluth without having to drive too far, the Hartley Nature Center will be perfect for you.

This park is located just 15 minutes from the heart of Duluth, in the Woodland neighborhood.

With 660 acres of woods, trails, and more, you’ll for sure be able to find somewhere to go. I love that it’s so close to town, but feels so far away.

There are 10 miles of multi-use trails available to use that range from easy to hard, so even beginners can visit for snowshoeing or cross country skiing near Duluth.

I also love that the trails are really close to the parking lot. I’ve seen many people with kids, since it is so easy to get out there.

Rentals are also available at the Hartley Nature Center, so even if you don’t have your own gear you can still get out there.

4. The Superior Hiking Trail

The Superior Hiking Trail is a 300+ mile-long trail that stretches from the Wisconsin border to the Canada border.

There are many different sections that you can snowshoe along, each having its own distance and views.

Be sure to check out the trail sections because some of the areas are pretty difficult. I actually ended up on one that was far too hard for my skill level and had to turn around.

One of the most beautiful areas is near Bean and Bear Lakes, but it is difficult and long, so be sure you’re prepared.

Between Duluth and Two Harbors, there are 57 miles of trails for snowshoers to enjoy, which are a bit closer to Duluth than Silver Bay.

I’d also personally recommend checking out the trails near Jay Cooke State Park since that is where the SHT begins.

My mom snowshoeing on snowmobile tracks in a large field of snow.

5. The Superior National Forest

If you’re looking for somewhere to snowshoe where there won’t be many other people, consider heading out to the Superior National Forest.

Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the national forest, as long as you stay off of trails groomed specifically for skiing or snowmobiling. This is pretty common anywhere you go.

When in the state forests, if you choose to snowshoe away from the trails, be gentle with trees and other plant life or wildlife that may be in your path.

Don’t forget to pick up a Minnesota Ski Pass to use the trails within the state parks and state forests.

I love snowshoeing in state forests all around Minnesota because it’s such a great escape into nature. I just love listening to the sounds of birds peeping. It’s so peaceful.

Myself wearing cold weather gear while standing on a snowshoe trail in Duluth.

6. Magney-Snively Natural Center

Another great place to go snowshoeing in Duluth, MN is Magney-Snively Park, which is located in Western Duluth.

It’s home to almost 1,800 acres of land to explore, so there is plenty of land for you without having to go too far from the city.

I love going to these nature centers because there is often deep snow that snowshoes are perfect for. Some of the trails aren’t as fun since they’re so packed down.

You can go off trails, but be careful with where you end up! You don’t want to end up like me and have to truck through feet of snow going uphill because you thought it would be easier.

A large field of snow with snowmobile and snowshoe tracks being made in it.

7. Lester Park

Starting in Lester Park, you can follow the Lester River and snowshoe along the trails.

This is one of the longer trails within Duluth, a 6-mile trail with some beautiful views of the river along the way.

You may encounter cross-country skiers on the trail as well because they are multi-use, so keep an eye out for them!

You can also sometimes snowshoe on the river when it’s frozen, but you need to use extreme caution since there is running water underneath.

Myself walking through a field of snow with my snowshoes on, surrounded by trees.

Where to Rent Snowshoes Near Duluth, MN

If you’re looking to get out and do some snowshoeing this year but don’t own a pair or don’t want to put out the money for them, consider renting a pair.

Luckily, there are a few places right in Duluth where you can rent a pair of snowshoes for a fairly cheap cost.

Continental Ski and Bike is located right in Duluth and rents out snowshoes for a daily fee.

If you choose to snowshoe at the Hartley Nature Center, you can rent your equipment right at the center.

Jay Cooke State Park also offers snowshoe rentals at the park office to be used within the state park.

Or, if you’re staying on the North Shore, some lodges also offer free rentals for their guests that you should be able to use.

When Can I Go Snowshoeing in Duluth, MN?

Most people find that the best time to go snowshoeing is when there is freshly fallen snow.

Trails are easier to use with snowshoes if you visit when there is snow on the trail, rather than when it is packed down.

But many people (including myself) also love to go off the trail, so going anytime that the snow is slightly soft is great.

During winter in Minnesota, pay attention to the “feels like” temperature, as the weather can feel much colder than it actually is. Don’t go out when it’s too cold!

Note: You can always find conditions of state parks and other areas in Minnesota on the DNR’s website.

A few snow covered trees on a trail that I went snowshoeing on near Duluth, MN.

Is Snowshoeing For Beginners?

Snowshoeing is a great activity for people of all ages and skill levels to get out and beat those winter blues, since it’s easy to learn for beginners!

If you can walk, you can also likely snowshoe! It just comes down to strapping the snowshoes on and walking!

Compared to other winter sports, such as cross country or downhill skiing, snowshoeing is great for families with small children.

There isn’t much skill that goes into it, besides being able to stand up and stay above the snow.

It’s also an easy activity to do anywhere. When I first started snowshoeing, I practiced in my backyard before heading out onto trails.

What to Wear While Snowshoeing in Duluth, MN

The weather conditions in Duluth during the winter months can be unpredictable with temperatures fluctuating between 0 and 30 degrees F.

Duluth also gets large amounts of snow, an average of about 85 inches, especially with Lake Superior being so close.

So dressing properly is so important to avoid frostbite, hypothermia, and being cold.

Base Layers: This layer wicks sweat away from your skin and is the closest to your body. I love these Smartwool merino wool base layers.
Mid-Layers: This insulation layer keeps you warm and really helps hold in the heat. This Columbia fleece is always great.
Outer Layer: Choose a jacket that is waterproof and will protect you from the elements. I love my long, hooded jacket.
Snowpants: When out on the trail, you’ll want a pair of waterproof, insulated snow pants to keep you warm and dry.
Warm Socks: Choose thick socks to keep your toes warm inside your boots, such as these Smartwool merino wool socks.
Warm Boots: Warm boots are one of the most important things to wear because they are going to be in the snow. I love these Baffin boots.
Stocking Hat: Keep heat inside your head to keep you extra warm with a hat such as this adorable Columbia pom-pom hat.
Buff: A buff will keep your neck warm and can also double as a face mask if the wind gets too cold.
Gloves: These insulated, waterproof gloves are the ones that I use for heading outside and keeping my fingers and hands warm.

Conclusion: Snowshoeing Near Duluth, MN

If you’re visiting Duluth in the winter or are a local, you should get out and enjoy the great snowshoeing nearby.

There are many snowshoe trails in Duluth that are perfect for embracing the cold weather and enjoying a Minnesota winter.

So bundle up, get out on the trails, and then head into Duluth to grab a cup of coffee to warm up after you’re done!

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