21 Places For Snowshoeing in Minneapolis (2023)
Are you looking for some of the best places for snowshoeing in Minneapolis to hit the trails this winter season?
While many people might not believe that the Twin Cities are good for exploring the outdoors, there are actually many places to go snowshoeing nearby.
I’ve lived in Minnesota my entire life and learned to snowshoe when I was just little. Now, I spend plenty of time every winter exploring the trails on snowshoes.
In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite places for snowshoeing in the Twin Cities and where you can go to get outside this winter too!
Best Places to Go Snowshoeing in Minneapolis
Finding somewhere to get out and snowshoe may seem difficult in such a big city, but really, there are so many great places to enjoy nature! Here are the best.
1. Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Location: Lake Elmo
Pass Required: Washington County Parks Pass
Rentals Available: Yes — Park Office
Lake Elmo Park Reserve is just a short 20-minute drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul and offers a nice escape from the city for some snowshoeing.
There are 7 miles of packed trails, looping around Eagle Point Lake. Most of them are flat, but you might encounter a few hills here and there.
If you’re like me and would rather avoid snowshoeing on trails, you can also go off-trail and explore the wooded areas.
2. Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Location: Minneapolis
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: Yes — The Trailhead
Theodore Wirth Regional Park is one of the most popular places in the Twin Cities because it’s located right in the city.
This park is very popular year-round and you’ll see people hiking on the trails, sledding, cross-country skiing, and more.
But it doesn’t feel like the city, which is my favorite part. During my last visit to Theodore Wirth Park, I forgot that I was as close to Minneapolis as I was.
There are a variety of multi-use trails for snowshoeing. Just use caution as they are shared with fat tire bikers. I almost got taken out by one last time I visited, so keep an eye out!
3. Afton State Park
Location: Afton
Pass Required: Minnesota State Park Pass
Rentals Available: Yes — Park Office
I’ve found Afton State Park to be one of my favorites all year round because it has such great access to the outdoors within a short distance of the Twin Cities.
In state parks, you’re able to snowshoe anywhere within the park boundaries, except on trails that are specifically groomed for snowmobiling or skiing.
This leaves you with a huge range of opportunities for snowshoeing in open fields and pretty much anywhere your heart desires.
But if you don’t want to go into the fields (where honestly, it can sometimes by tricky to get in and out of), there are a mix of groomed trails to choose from.
4. Interstate State Park
Location: Taylors Falls
Pass Required: Wisconsin State Park Pass
Rentals Available: None
One of the most beautiful places for snowshoeing in the Twin Cities is Interstate State Park, located along the St. Croix River.
Now there is an Interstate State Park on both the Minnesota side of the border and the Wisconsin side. But I would head over to Wisconsin for snowshoeing.
On the Wisconsin side, you’ll find about 12.5 total miles of trails, which have a good mix of difficulty for beginners, intermediate, and advanced visitors.
I love following the multi-use trails that follow along the bluffs. The views over the river are phenomenal and my favorite part of this park.
5. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Bloomington
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: Yes — Bloomington Visitor Center
This wildlife refuge in Minnesota is located right in the middle of Bloomington, just minutes from the airport.
Minnesota has some pretty amazing wildlife, and this is one of the places where you’ll have the best chance to see them while you’re out.
I always keep an eye out for tracks and spots where they’ve laid down while I’m snowshoeing here.
And being such a short distance from Minneapolis makes it really easy to get here and get on the trail.
6. William O’Brien State Park
Location: Marine on St. Croix
Pass Required: Minnesota State Park Pass
Rentals Available: Yes — Park Office
Like the other state parks on this list, you’re able to snowshoe anywhere except groomed trails within William O’Brien State Park.
The Riverside Trail is a beautiful place to snowshoe right along the St. Croix River. You’ll have stunning views of the trees covered in snow and the frozen river.
But if you’re going to snowshoe here, I’d recommend sticking off of the trail since it is groomed. Groomed trails can sometimes be less fun to walk on.
7. Tamarack Nature Center
Location: White Bear Township
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: Yes — Winter Recreation Rental Shack
Tamarack Nature Center is located in White Bear Township, and has a few different trails to choose from.
Snowshoers are allowed on the Acorn, Bluestem, and Turtle Pass trails within the nature center, but be sure to stay off of the lakes since that’s not allowed.
If you like cross-country skiing, there are many groomed trails around the nature center to try that out as well!
8. Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Location: Eagan
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: Yes — Visitor Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park is located in Eagan and is a beautiful place for some free snowshoeing in Minneapolis, since no pass is required.
There’s a beautiful lake to snowshoe near, as you make your way through the woods.
Snowshoeing is allowed on the ungroomed destinated trails, which I think is much better than snowshoeing on groomed trails!
During my visits, I’ve found that sometimes, regional parks are better to visit than state parks because there are typically fewer people!
9. Fort Snelling State Park
Location: St. Paul
Pass Required: Minnesota State Park Pass
Rentals Available: Yes — Park Office
Fort Snelling State Park sits right on the Mississippi River in St. Paul, not far from the Mall of America.
It’s the perfect place to escape to if you want to get outside this winter but don’t want to stray too far from the big city.
You can snowshoe anywhere you want within the park, just remember to stay off of the trails that are groomed for skiing and snowmobiling.
10. Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve
Location: Burnsville
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: No
The Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve is a small area in Burnsville that is great for snowshoeing near Minneapolis in the winter.
There is a half-mile-long self-guided nature trail with eight stops, each giving information about the area.
In the summer, many people hike this trail, but it’s also great for enjoying during the winter with snowshoes.
I personally love this trail because it gives you some direction on where to go, rather than just turning off and wandering into the woods. It’s a bit different than others.
11. Minnehaha Creek
Location: Minneapolis
Pass Required: No
Rentals Available: No
The Minnehaha Creek winds right through Minneapolis, and during the winter it freezes, making it a perfect spot to go snowshoeing.
The creek starts at the Mississippi River, near Minnehaha Falls, and stretches all the way to Lake Minnetonka.
You’ll have a lot to see as you go along, including the frozen Minnehaha Falls. I always love seeing Minnesota’s waterfalls in winter, so this is great!
Before heading out on the creek or along it, be sure that it is frozen and that the conditions are safe. There is running water underneath, so always play it safe!
12. Maplewood Nature Center
Location: Maplewood
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: Yes — Nature Center
The Maplewood Nature Center in (you guessed it!) Maplewood offers 1.5 miles of trails available to snowshoers and winter hikers.
You can also trek through the fields or off-trail areas in the Maplewood Nature Center if you’re looking for some secluded areas to snowshoe.
The views of the woods and wetlands that you’ll pass through are beautiful, and this park is typically less busy than others.
13. Lowry Nature Center
Location: Waconia
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: Yes –Three Rivers Park District
Just west of the Twin Cities, in Waconia, is the Lowry Nature Center. The reserve features nearly 4 miles of trails to wind through.
You can really go anywhere in the park, as long as you stay off of the trails that are groomed for the cross-country skiers.
I really love snowshoeing at the Lowry Nature Center because it’s surrounded by trees and really helps me feel like I’m away from the city when in reality, it’s just a short drive away.
14. Cleary Lake Regional Park
Location: Prior Lake
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: Yes — Visitor Center
Cleary Lake Regional Park is located in Prior Lake and offers some cross-country ski trails that are open for snowshoers to use.
If you prefer to snowshoe off-trail, you can do so anywhere within the park, as long as it’s off of groomed trails.
The scenic views here are great, and I’ve even seen a few deer prance through the park during my last visit, which is always fun to see.
15. Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
Location: Brooklyn Park
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: Yes — Three Rivers Park District
I love Mississippi Gateway Regional Park in Brooklyn Park because it allows you to really enjoy exploring the mighty Mississippi.
While many people kayak it in the summer, some people don’t know that you can snowshoe along the river in winter!
At the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park in Brooklyn Park, snowshoers are able to explore 1.5 miles of trails along the river.
It’s really a beautiful park, and it’s just outside of Downtown Minneapolis, so you don’t have to go far to reach it.
16. Mississippi Gorge Regional Park
Location: Minneapolis
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: None
Similarly to the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park allows you to snowshoe right along the river.
This park is on the southern side of Minneapolis and has about 132 acres of land protected along the Mississippi River, all of which are open for snowshoers.
It’s one of the most popular places for Minneapolis snowshoeing, thanks to its extensive trail system and great views.
You’ll be able to see beautiful views of both nature and the city, showcasing the great views that you can find in the Twin Cities.
17. Bunker Hills Regional Park
Location: Andover
Pass Required: Anoka County Parks Pass
Rentals Available: Yes — Campground Visitor Center
Bunker Hills Regional Park in Andover is a free-roam area when it comes to snowshoeing since you can go wherever you choose.
As always, stay off of the groomed cross-country ski trails, but other than that, you can go wherever you want in the park!
This is my favorite type of place to snowshoe, and I love exploring Bunker Hills while watching out for wildlife.
18. Baker Park Reserve
Location: Maple Plain
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: Yes — Baker Winter Trailhead
Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain has plenty of awesome trails for snowshoers of all levels to check out this winter.
This park is located just about 30 minutes west of the Twin Cities.
There are just over 6 miles of designated snowshoeing trails within the park, or you can plan to use the multi-use trails.
You can also try going off the trail near the Baker Campground, which is what I recommend! It’s more fun to snowshoe in unpacked snow.
19. Eagle Lake Regional Park
Location: Plymouth
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: None
Another spot for snowshoeing near the Twin Cities is Eagle Lake Regional Park, which has a short trail that leads into an open field.
Once you’re in the open field, you’ll have plenty of room for free-roaming to explore the park on your own terms.
As long as you’re staying off groomed trails, you’re good to go where you want. Keep an eye out for wildlife and signs of animals, as I’ve seen deer a few times here.
20. Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
Location: Waite Park
Pass Required: Quarry Park Vehicle Permit
Rentals Available: None
In the summer, this park is a popular place for swimmers and cliff jumpers. In the winter, snowshoers will enjoy the snowshoe trails.
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is located in Waite Park, about an hour northeast of the Twin Cities.
Although this park is a bit further away from Minneapolis, it’s worth the visit for the beautiful views during the wintertime, at one of Minnesota’s most unique places.
There are quite a few loops that are groomed for snowshoers, so you can walk right around the quarries and see how beautiful they are.
21. Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Location: Savage
Pass Required: None
Rentals Available: Yes — Three Rivers Park Districy
Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve is located in Savage, in the southern half of the Twin Cities.
I really love this park because they provide so many options of trails for different activities.
Besides the trails, this park is undeveloped. It’s one of the best in the area to watch birds. So be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife.
There are a variety of easy, moderate, and difficult trails, so no matter what level you are, you’ll be able to find a trail to get started on.
Snowshoeing in Minneapolis Map
Where to Rent Snowshoes in Minneapolis
If you’re looking to get out for where to snowshoe in Minneapolis but don’t have your own gear, don’t worry. There are plenty of places that rent snowshoes nearby.
Some of the parks have their own rentals, so be sure to check above to see if the one you’re visiting offers them or not.
But here are a few of the places that do offer rentals, including some of the parks and reserves.
What to Wear Snowshoeing in the Twin Cities
It can be very cold in Minnesota, so it’s really important to keep yourself warm when you’re spending time outside.
Below are some of the things that you should consider wearing for your time outside, to make sure that you don’t experience frostbite or hypothermia.
- 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.
Guided Snowshoe Tours Near the Twin Cities
If you want to snowshoe but don’t really want to go out exploring on your own, there are several places where you can head out with a group instead!
REI hosts several different classes and tours for families, couples, and individuals. There are a few that take place throughout the year in Minneapolis.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board also has a variety of snowshoe activities going on throughout the winter. Some are themed, and others are just about getting into nature.
Some state parks surrounding the Twin Cities also have fun adventures such as candlelight snowshoeing or beginner classes.
The Three Rivers Park District also hosts certain classes such as Valentine’s Day candlelit snowshoeing, family snowshoeing, and teen snowshoeing.
Conclusion: Snowshoeing in Minneapolis
Many people think that just because you’re in the city you can’t go outside and enjoy nature. I even used to think this about the Twin Cities!
But there are so many places to go snowshoeing in Minneapolis, from state parks to regional parks, and even just small nature preserves.
As someone who loves to embrace winter in the Twin Cities by snowshoeing, I hope that you’re able to get out and enjoy it too!
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