More Opportunities for Winter Fun

If you’re in the Twin Cities area on January 21st then be sure to check out their Winter Trails Day extravaganza at Fort Snelling.

For an intro to winter fun, visit Fort Snelling State Park on Winter Trails Day

For an introduction to winter fun, stop by the annual Winter Trails Day extravaganza at Fort Snelling State Park on Saturday, Jan. 21, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

As in past years, people can try a variety of winter activities, including ice fishing, ice harvesting, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, quinzee (snow shelter) building and more.

New attractions this year include fat tire biking, food trucks, outdoor ping pong and even a snowball fight.

“Our goal is to show people just how much fun winter can be,” said Kelli Bruns, park manager at Fort Snelling State Park. “We’ll have equipment you can use for free, friendly staff on hand to answer questions and a bonfire where you can warm up with hot cocoa.”

Winter Trails Day is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Mississippi Park Connection, the National Park Service, retail co-op REI, the U.S. Forest Service and Wilderness Inquiry.

Save time, get vehicle permit in advance
All Winter Trails Day activities are free, but a vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks and recreation areas ($5 for a one-day permit or $25 for a year-round permit). Although permits are available at the park, people attending Winter Trails Day can avoid waiting in line by getting their permit in advance. Visit www.mndnr.gov/reservations, log in (or create an account), click on “entry permit,” select a duration of “one-day” ($5) or “year-round” ($25), and continue as directed. Purchasers will receive an email with a permit that can be printed and displayed in vehicles during visits.

For more information, call the park at 612-725-2724 or visit the Fort Snelling State Park webpage at www.mndnr.gov/fortsnelling.