Explore Minnesota Winter Trail Conditions for February 14, with information provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources, the Three Rivers Park District, communities and lodging establishments throughout Minnesota.
In general, good to excellent cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions can be found throughout the state of Minnesota. Snow is in the forecast for the entire state of Minnesota this weekend, which should improve trail conditions. As always, please call ahead for the most current conditions.
Please be aware that snowmobiles with studs are not allowed on most paved state and public trails. Also, all snowmobiles must obtain a $16 trail use permit. For further information, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-646-6367. You may order cross country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers at 1-888-665-4236. To locate a license center in Minnesota to purchase ski passes and snowmobile stickers, check out
www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/agents.html=====================
NORTHEASTERN REGION
International Falls/Voyageurs National Park
The Tilson Creek Ski Trail within Koochiching State Forest is fully groomed and in excellent condition. The trail base is averaging 5 inches. Please note that the east side of the red loop will be closed until the forestry sale is complete. Snow depth is roughly 14 inches in this area. Within the Rainy Lake/Voyageurs National Park vicinity, land-based snowmobile trail conditions are excellent, with an 8-12 inch groomed surface overall. The Rainy Lake Ice Road is open to Busheyhead Island. Land-based ski and snowshoe trails are open and in good condition, including the Echo Bay, Black Bay, Tilson Connector and Kabetogama-Ash River trails. Roughly 20 inches of snow covers the ground within the park.
Grand Rapids
The Cow Horn and River Road ski trails, running through the Golden Anniversary State Forest, have been groomed, and conditions are reported to be good. The trail base measures 4 inches, with roughly one foot of snow on the ground. Some sections of the trail are icy. Just to the north, the Taconite State Trail is reported to be in good condition for snowmobiling, with a 1-2 inch groomed surface. Expect some bare areas along the way. Local snow depth is roughly 1 foot.
NW of Hibbing
The snowmobile trails running through George Washington State Forest are in good condition. The trails have a 1-2 inch groomed surface. The corners and high use areas have bare spots. The Thistledew Ski Trail running George Washington State Forest is groomed and in good condition, with a 4 inch base. Please note that trails may be icy.
Tower
The Arrowhead State Trail is fully groomed for snowmobiling. The trail is reported to be in good condition overall, with a 2-4 inch base. Similar conditions are being reported for the portion of the Taconite State Trail running through St. Louis County. The Putnam and Fishing Lakes snowmobile trails running through the nearby Bear Island State Forest are groomed and in fair to good condition. Please note that the corners of area snowmobile trails are showing some wear, and may be icy or rough. The ground is covered in 12-16 inches of snow in this area.
Ely
There is roughly 16 inches of snow on the ground, with more snow in the forecast. Area snowmobile trails, including the Tomahawk, Stony Spur and Taconite Spur trails, as well as all local trails running from Ely to the North Shore Trail, are in fair to good condition, with a 3-5 inch groomed surface. Snowmobilers are encouraged to slow down at the corners, and watch for icy patches and occasional rocks along the way. Most area lake trails are staked, and riders are asked to please follow the staked trails when choosing lake travel. Area cross-country ski trails are generally in fair to good condition, but may be icy. These trails have a 6-8 inch base. The Birch Lake Plantation, Trezona, Hidden Valley and connecting trails have been groomed. Within nearby Bear Head Lake State Park, the ski trails are groomed, and in good condition, with a 5 inch base. Local snow depth is 15 inches. Please note that conditions can change rapidly--please call ahead for the most current conditions.
NW of Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
The Pincushion Mountain cross-country ski trails are packed and tracked. The classic and skate ski trails are in very good to excellent condition. Most trails have a 12-16 inch base consisting of packed powder over frozen granular snow. There is from 30-36 inches of snow in the woods after the recent 3-4 inch snowfall.
N of Lutsen
Cascade River State Park is covered in 21 inches of snow. The ski and snowmobile trails have a 9 inch groomed surface, and are both listed in excellent condition.
Silver Bay
Tettegouche State Park ski and snowmobile trails are groomed, with a 10 inch base. Trail conditions are reported to be good for snowmobiling, and fair for skiing. Ice has formed on most of the Baptism River and along the rocks on the Lake Superior shoreline. From 8-14 inches of snow covers the ground.
Two Harbors
Gooseberry Falls State Park currently has 10 inches of snow on the ground. The ski and snowmobile trails have a 4-5 inch groomed surface, and both trails are reported to be in good condition. The waterfalls have many beautiful ice formations, and wildlife sightings are common. A lot of wolf tracks are being observed on the ski trails.
Duluth/Grand Marais
The North Shore State Snowmobile Trail, running from Duluth to Grand Marais, has been fully groomed. The base is 2-7 inches deep, and conditions are reported to be fair to good, however trail conditions will vary. The entire trail will be regroomed at night this Friday and Saturday, February 15 & 16, and again on Sunday afternoon, February 17. Expect some bare spots and exposed rocks along the southern section of the trail. Please use caution while riding.
Carlton
Most sections of the Willard Munger State Trail are reported to be in good condition for snowmobiling, with a 2-4 inch partially groomed surface. The area is covered in 7-15 inches of snow. The section of the Munger Trail located within Chengwatana State Forest is listed in fair condition, with a 2 inch ungroomed surface. Please note that there is logging activity along some areas of the Munger Trail. Also expect occasional icy and bare sections. Just to the west, the ski trails running through Fond du Lac State Forest are groomed, and in good condition, with a 4-6 inch base. Please note that there is logging activity north of Roger's Lake. The snowmobile trail has been groomed, and conditions are reported to be good to very good. Some corners may be icy. At nearby Jay Cooke State Park, the snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 4 inch groomed surface. All 32 miles of ski trails have been groomed. These trails also have a 4 inch base, and conditions are reported to be fair. Local snow depth is 8-12 inches.
N of McGregor
Savanna Portage State Park ski trails are ungroomed and in good condition, with a 5-7 inch base. The snowmobile trails have a 2-4 inch ungroomed surface, and are also reported to be in good condition. Both the ski and snowmobile trails will be groomed by Friday afternoon, February 15, at which time they should be in very good excellent condition. Nearby, the ski and snowmobile trails running through Savanna State Forest are reported to be in similar condition. Roughly 16 inches of snow covers the ground in the woods.
E of Hinckley
The St. Croix State Park snowmobile trails have a 4-5 inch base. These trails are groomed, and in good condition. The ski trails are also in good condition, with a 3 inch groomed surface. A warming house is available in the park. Roughly 13 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST REGION
Warroad/Baudette
The southern and western segments of the Beltrami Island State Forest snowmobile trail are in very good condition, with a 7 inch groomed surface. Nearby, the ski and snowmobile trails at Zippel Bay State Park are in very good condition, with a 4-5 inch groomed surface. A total of 15 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.
Bemidji
Lake Bemidji State Park is covered in roughly 13 inches of snow. The ski trails have a 4 inch groomed surface, and are in very good condition. The snowmobile trails are reported to be in good condition, with a 2 inch groomed surface. Expect some thin areas along the way.
Moorhead
The ski trails at Buffalo River State Park will be regroomed this Saturday, February 16, at which time they are expected to be in good to very good condition, with a 7 inch base. A warming house is open on Saturdays and Sundays, and there is a new sliding hill within the park.
Battle Lake
Glendalough State Park classic and skate ski trails are in good condition and fully groomed, with a 5 inch base. Nearly one foot of snow covers the ground in this area. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available within the park. On weekends, a fire is in the fireplace at the trail center. Heated camper cabins are also available. Snow is in the forecast for this weekend, and conditions are expected to improve. A Candlelight Ski is scheduled for this Friday, February 15, and an In Search of Owls hike and snowshoe will be offered on Saturday, February 16. Please call the park for further details, at 218/864-0110.
Outing
The Washburn Lake Ski Trail running through Land O' Lakes State Forest has a 4 inch ungroomed surface, and is reported to be in fair condition. Only the 7-mile northern segment is being groomed this winter. Over one foot of snow covers the ground in this area.
N of Brainerd
The Paul Bunyan State Trail is reported to be in poor condition for snowmobiling. The trail has a 0-2 inch ungroomed surface. The snowmobile trails running through nearby Pillsbury State Forest are also in poor condition. The ski trails are in fair condition. Local snow depth is roughly 7 inches. At the city of Brainerd, the ski and snowmobile trails running through Crow Wing State Park are listed in poor condition, with a 4-5 inch base. The ski trails are hard-packed, and the snowmobile trails have some bare spots at the curves and unsheltered portions of the trail. The forested areas are best for snowmobiling at this time. Snow cover is averaging 8 inches in the park.
Little Falls
The cross-country ski trails at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park have a 2 inch groomed surface, and are in fair condition. The set tracks remain intact. Local snow depth is 7 inches.
Orrock/Zimmerman
The Ann Lake ski trail, running through Sand Dunes State Forest, is groomed and in fair condition. The trail base is averaging 2 inches, with roughly 8 inches of snow on the ground. The trail is scheduled for regrooming this weekend, with a Candlelight Ski to be held Saturday, February 16, from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Participants will also enjoy a bonfire and free hot chocolate.
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TWIN CITIES GREATER METROPOLITAN VICINITY
Monticello
Lake Maria State Park is covered in 8 inches of snow. The cross-country ski trails have a 2 inch groomed surface, and are reported to be in fair condition. Conditions are expected to improve this weekend following the snow forecasted for February 14, after which the trails will be regroomed. There are 22-kilometers of traditional tracked trail, and 5-kilometers of skate ski trail. Skiers may also want to take advantage of the ski-in camper cabins available for winter use. There are also 3 miles of packed trail for winter hiking and snowshoeing, and the ice skating rink is open and in good condition.
West Metro Vicinity/Three Rivers Park District
All parks with cross-country ski trails within the Three Rivers Park District have packed and tracked trails. At present, good conditions can be found along the skate ski trails at Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain, Carver Park Reserve in Victoria, Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake, Eagle Lake Regional Park in Plymouth, Elm Creek Park Reserve in Dayton, French Regional Park in Plymouth, Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, and Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage. Good conditions can also be found along the traditional ski trails at Baker, Carver and Elm Creek park reserves, as well as Clear Lake Regional Park. Please note that conditions can change daily. Skiers are asked to call ahead for the most current conditions, and to confirm days and hours of operation, at 763/559-6778.
Jordan
The ski trails within Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area are reported to be in fair condition, with a 4 inch ungroomed surface. The snowmobile trails are groomed, with a 2 inch base, but considered to be in poor condition. There is roughly 6 inches of snow on the ground in this area.
E of North Branch
Roughly 4-5 inches of new powder fell February 14, and a total of 7-9 inches of snow is now on the ground at Wild River State Park. The ski trails have been groomed, and are reported to be in very good condition, with a 4 inch base. Wild River offers ski and snowshoe rental when the trails are open and useable. Wild River also rents its Guest House and two camper cabins year-round.
N of Stillwater
The ski trails at William O'Brien State Park are in fair condition, with a 2 inch partially groomed surface for classic and skate skiing. The skating lane is in good condition, aside from the Prairie Overlook Trail. The classical track remains shallow and icy. Please use caution on the steep hills. The ground is covered in roughly 3 inches of snow within the park.
St. Paul
Fort Snelling State Park ski trails are partially groomed, and in fair condition, with a 4 inch base. A winter walking trail is packed for hiking on Pike Island. Everyone must stay off the ice on Snelling Lake and the Minnesota River due to unstable ice conditions. A Candlelight Ski and Walk will be offered at Fort Snelling State Park from 5:00pm until 8:00pm on Saturday, February 16, when two- and three-mile ski trail loops, and a one-mile walking trail around and through Pike Island will be lit with luminaries. Participants can also roast marshmallows at an outdoor fire, and have a cup of hot chocolate or cider around the fireplace in the Visitor Center.
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SOUTHERN REGION
S of Red Wing
Frontenac State Park ski trails are in very good condition, with a 2-4 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 2 inch partially groomed surface. Local snow depth is roughly 10 inches.
NE of Rochester
The ski trails at Carley State Park are in fair condition, with a 4 inch base. Snow is in the forecast, and any additional accumulation should improve trail conditions. Local snow depth is currently 1 foot.
Preston
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park snowmobile trails are reported to be in good condition, with a 2-6 inch partially groomed surface. The ski trails are also in good condition, with a 6 inch partially groomed surface. Roughly 1 foot of snow is on the ground in this area. Snow is in the forecast, and track will be reset once more snow has fallen.
Albert Lea
The ski trails at Myre-Big Island State Park are in good condition. The trails are groomed, with a 7 inch base. The snowmobile trails have a 5 inch groomed surface, and are also reported to be in good condition. Approximately 14 inches of snow covers the ground within the park.
SW of Faribault
At Sakatah Lake State Park, the ski trails are in good condition overall, with a 2 inch groomed surface. The trails have held up very well this season, however some icy sections may be encountered. Local snow depth is roughly 5 inches.
NW of New Ulm
The snowmobile trails at Fort Ridgely State Park are groomed and in good condition, with a 2 inch base. The ski trails remain ungroomed, but are reported to be in good condition, with a 3 inch base. Area snow depth is roughly 4 inches.
Willmar
The Glacial Lakes State Snowmobile Trail is in fair condition, with a 1-2 inch ungroomed surface, and some bare areas along the way. Local snow depth is 7 inches.
Luverne
Blue Mounds State Park snowmobile trails are groomed, and in good condition, with a 4 inch base. There is roughly 8 inches of snow on the ground in this area.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources State Climatology Office and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
