Winter Activities in Minnesota to Keep You Enjoying the Outdoors All Year

Winter activities in Minnesota are truly the only things that keep those of us life here sane.  This is the time of year that I get anxious wondering what I am going to do with five months of winter. Yikes, is it really 5 months?? It is. I find that I need to be outside and get a lot of light otherwise I end up very crabby.

Here is a brief list of activities you can do outdoors that are fun and will get you some fresh air.

1) Hiking–lots of trails are still open, especially if there isn’t a lot of snow yet. There are several areas near Plymouth that have great areas of open space and woods. French Park on Rockford Rd just east of 494, Baker Park in Maple Plain is also beautiful! Both are large enough to get lost in and are gorgeous!

2) Cross Country Ski–Hopefully we will get snow this year. Gear West in Long Lake is a great place to pick up new equipment as well as a few tips on how to go faster. They also have coaches they can recommend. It is a LOT of fun and your ski pass is an exceptionally cheap way to get exercise. Here is a link to the different Three Rivers Park ski trail conditions. https://www.threeriversparks.org/page/trail-conditions-cross-country-skiing

3) Snowshoeing-No special skill required, strap them on and walk. Equipment is also available at Gear West. Oddly I often see people snowshoeing on trails. That is a headscratcher. They are made for off trail experience so get out and enjoy yourself!

4) Frozen Lake Sunrise Walks-my personal favorite!

Really, when it comes down to it, there aren’t a lot of days each year that without good gear you can’t get out and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air in comfort. Your face might get cold, you may prefer June weather, but if you get yourself outside, you will be rewarded with less anxiety, more happiness, more energy and possibly the skills for a new winter hobby.