Minnesota Guides: Ice Fishing, State Parks in Winter, North Shore Trips & More
Plain, practical guides to getting out in Minnesota, written by the Minnesota Headquarters team and checked against the Minnesota DNR, Explore Minnesota and the official city, park and organizer sites listed at the end of each guide.
All guides
- Ice Fishing for Beginners: A Minnesota First-Timer's Guide New to ice fishing in Minnesota? Learn DNR ice thickness guidance, the gear you need, license and shelter rules, and how to plan a safe first day on the ice.
- Winter Things to Do in Minnesota, Region by Region Plan a Minnesota winter outing by region: Twin Cities, Duluth and the North Shore, the Iron Range, Brainerd Lakes, Rochester and the Southeast, and the prairie.
- Minnesota State Parks in Winter: Skiing, Snowshoes and Cabins How to enjoy Minnesota state parks in winter: permits, ski pass rules, snowshoe and ski rentals, candlelight events, camper cabins and free park days.
- North Shore Day Trip: Duluth to Grand Marais on Highway 61 Plan a North Shore day trip from Duluth up Highway 61: Two Harbors, Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche and Grand Marais, with drive times.
- Free Family Activities in the Twin Cities Free things to do with kids in Minneapolis and St. Paul: Como Zoo and Conservatory, free art museums, the State Capitol, Minnehaha Falls and riverfront walks.
- Snowmobile Trail Basics: Riding Minnesota's Trails New to snowmobiling in Minnesota? Learn about the trail network, registration and trail passes, safety training, age rules, speed limits and safe ice travel.
- Minnesota Holiday Light Displays Worth the Drive Plan a night out at Minnesota holiday light displays: Bentleyville in Duluth, Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato, the Arboretum's Northern Lights and more.
- Small-Town Weekend Getaways in Minnesota Charming Minnesota small towns for a weekend away: Stillwater, Red Wing, Wabasha, Lanesboro, New Ulm, Nisswa, Ely and Grand Marais, with what to see in each.