Skiing and Snowshoeing

Many of the park's trails are maintained through the winter, for skiing and snowshoeing. Snowshoes and cross-country ski equipment are available to borrow for free from the park visitor centers during normal business hours. The visitor center is stocked with a variety of sizes, all donated by the Friends of Voyageurs National Park nonprofit. The Black Bay Trails, a system of around ten miles, are groomed during the winter. The rest of the trails remain un-groomed and may require fatter backcountry skis. Snowshoers using the groomed trails should be aware to stay to the side, since the snowshoe spikes ruin the ski track. Winter in Minnesota is a cold and quiet affair. Visitation to the park decreases significantly, which means that those willing to brave the cold will have the vast frozen landscape much to themselves. You'll explore snow-covered forests and ridgelines, and even have the opportunity to ski out across some frozen lakes. However, be aware of the dangers of traveling over ice! Two orange posts in the ice means danger, and a "thin ice" sign should be taken very seriously. Also steer clear of pressure ridges, which are often weak points in the ice.