PARKS Snowmobiling on trails in Voyageurs National Park When the weather turns cold, embrace Minnesota’s winter culture and celebrate the season outdoors. For a true Minnesota winter experience, venture to Voyageurs National Park for a snowmobile trip through one of the state’s most captivating landscapes. Nestled along the U.S.-Canada border, this remote 218,000-acre national park makes for an epic snowmobiling backdrop. Composed almost entirely of lakes, the interior of Voyageurs becomes a winter wonderland of glistening snow, frozen lakes and frost-glazed pines when the temperatures drop. Snowmobilers are drawn to the park for its 110 miles of marked and groomed trails, mostly across frozen interconnected waterways and towering pine-lined portages. Rip across the park’s main (frozen) lake tops: Rainy Lake, Kabetogema, Namakan, Sand Point and Crane Lake. In addition, the 11-mile, ungroomed Chain of Lakes Trail explores the rugged interior of the Kabetogama Peninsula wilderness. Many snowmobilers plan long-distance loop trips on area trails, linking into the park trail system along the way. For the not-so-avid rider, snowmobile rentals are available at some area lodges or in International Falls, 12 miles west of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center . In addition to resorts around the perimeter of the park, there are several hotels in International Falls. Photo by Jordan Olson Ice rocks in Voyageurs National Park -Photo by Abdiel Nieves MORE GREAT PARKS FOR FALL AND WINTER @wonderwags @bracenolantiemann @artimunster @urbanwild.st » Catch the fall colors along Minnesota’s North Shore at one of eight state parks, including Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche and Grand Portage. » Drop a line and try your luck ice fishing at Glacial Lakes State Park. » Cross-country ski your way through the Big Cottonwood River Valley at » Go winter fat biking in a former iron ore mine Flandrau State Park. at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. WINTER # ONLYIN MN | 17 SLED THROUGH THE SPARKLING SCENERY OF VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2021 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 17
