Winter on the Chippewa

Ice Fishing

When the temperatures get cold, the ice fishing heats up on the Chippewa National Forest. The Forest is a premier Minnesota ice fishing destination with 1,300 lakes on the Forest. This includes three of Minnesota's largest lakes, Leech Lake, Lake Winnibigoshish and Cass Lake. Whether trying to catch pan fish, perch, walleye, or northern pike, nothing better than ice fishing on the Chippewa. On a nice day, a fisherman can brave the elements perched on a bucket or choose a warm ice house. Remember no ice is 100 percent safe and be prepared with a survival plan.

Snowmobiling

The Chippewa National Forest becomes a land of unexplored adventures under a blanket of snow. More than 240 miles of motorized trails provide snowmobile access to lakes, scenic woodlands and frozen wetlands. Trails connect to nearly 312 miles of routes beyond the Forest. Snowmobilers may also travel on unplowed national forest roads unless posted closed to recreational motor vehicle use. A motor vehicle use map is available online and at all Forest offices to help navigate winter adventures. The Soo Line North trail, is an old railroad that travels for 148 miles through forest and bog between Moose Lake, Minn., in the south and Cass Lake, Minn., in the north. Soo Line North Trail also connects with the 114-mile Soo Line South Trail at Moose Lake.

Skiing and Snowshoeing

The sound of skis gliding through the trees across new snow and the scent of balsam while rushing down hills are some of what visitors will experience skiing on the Chippewa National Forest. There are more than 373 miles of non-motorized trails on Forest that are perfect for skiing and snow shoeing. These trails give skiers a sense of the diversity of the Forest, whether in the birches of Suomi Hills or hilltops and wetlands of Shingobee. Some cross-country trails may require a ski pass. Skiers are advised to inquire at national forest offices about local conditions and to bring area maps, drinking water, warm emergency clothing, and high calorie snacks.

Winter Camping

Winter camping has its perks; fewer bugs and crowds while you experience the beauty and peacefulness of a pristine winter wonderland. But, if you’re not prepared, it can also be cold and challenging. To set yourself up for a successful winter campout, make sure you have a warm sleeping bag and pad, enough layers to keep you toasty and more than enough food and water. You can use a 4-season tent or a tarp for shelter. You can also try building a quinzee, which is a type of snow shelter that you sleep inside of.

Winter Night Skies

The best season to view the wonders of the night sky is winter. It may be cold, but the lessened humidity and extended night-time hours create excellent stargazing opportunities. Tips for watching the sky: Decide on a location that is away from city lights to get as little light pollution as possible. Next, watch the weather forecast for a night clear of clouds or any precipitation. Preferably this happens when there is no moon, or as little of a moon as possible, because a full moon will make the sky too bright to view most stars. Remember to bring plenty of warm clothes and maybe some hot coffee or cocoa.

Winter Spots to Visit

Shingobee Recreation Area

The Shingobee Recreation Area is nestled along the rolling hills of the Shingobee River Valley five miles southwest of Walker, Minn., along State Highway 34. Shingobee offers six miles (9.4 km) of cross-country skiing trails in the heart of Minnesota's Northwoods. These ski trails are intermediate to advanced and groomed intermittently (single-track) through the winter. But Shingobee is best known for sledding. The chalet is available for community group use.

Suomi Hills

The remote setting of the Suomi Hills area is graced with rolling hills and clear lakes. Suomi Hills is located about nine miles south of Marcell, Minn., and 14 miles north of Grand Rapids, Minn., off State Highway 38, along the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway. Suomi is one of the most popular cross-country trails for intermediate and advanced skiers. The trails are groomed and track-set.

Migizi Trail

The Migizi trail is located four miles east of Cass Lake. The trail section through Norway Beach is groomed only for special winter events at the visitor center. All levels of skiers will enjoy skiing through the red and white pines in the Norway Beach Recreation Area. The gentle terrain and beautiful forest along the Migizi around Pike Bay makes for a great day of skiing or snowshoeing.

Simpson Creek

The 13-mile Simpson Creek Trail system is located on State Highway 46, about 17 miles northwest of Deer River, Minn. Access to the trail can be gained at the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center off Highway 46 or off Eagle Nest Road (FR 2198).

Trout Lake, Joyce Estate

Trout Lake semi-primitive non-motorized area is located one mile east of Hwy 38, 16 miles south of Marcell. Start at the parking area off Co. 335, south of Trout Lake. This short three-mile groomed trail ends at the historic Joyce Estate, a 1920s Adirondack-style estate. Interpretive signs tell the story of this lumber baron’s retreat.

Lost Forty

Visitors can strap on snowshoes and enjoy a one-mile self-guided trail that winds its way through the majestic pines of the Lost Forty. Most of the mature red and white pines are found on the east end of the Lost Forty. These trees are up to 350 years old and between 22 and 48 inches in diameter.