Winter Sports
Winter on the Chippewa is a truly special time of year. From the fresh blankets of snow covering the trails to clear nights made for stargazing, winter is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the Forest.
Skiing/Snowboarding
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 298 miles of non-motorized trails on Forest that are perfect for skiing and snow shoeing. 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. 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. Check the weather and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Sledding/Tubing
A favorite winter spot, a little historic flavor, a fast steep sledding hill - all at Shingobee Hills Recreation Area near Walker, Minnesota on the Chippewa National Forest. It is one of the best places you can bring your family for sledding fun! Bring your own sled for the sliding hill. A warming chalet is available for winter fun.
Shingobee is named after the Ojibwe word for the cedar, spruce, and balsam trees that border the Shingobee River and Shingobee Bay of Leech Lake. Ski slopes, trails and a toboggan slide were developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the early 1930s.
Snowmobiling
The Chippewa National Forest becomes a land of unexplored adventures under a blanket of snow. More than 380 miles of motorized trails provide snowmobile access to 1,300 lakes, scenic woodlands and frozen wetlands. Trails connect to nearly 200 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.
Under a blanket of snow, the Chippewa National Forest becomes a land of unexplored adventures. Over 315 miles of motorized trails provide access for snowmobilers to 1,300 lakes, scenic woodlands and frozen wetlands. Trails connect to nearly 200 miles of routes beyond the Forest. Most snowmobile trails are grant-in-aid trails managed and maintained by snowmobile clubs. The Grant-in-Aid Program is a cooperative effort between the Minnesota DNR, local governments, local snowmobile organizations, and private landowners. For more information on snowmobile trails and maps for specific areas contact the Chippewa National Forest at 218-335-8600.
- Snowmobilers may travel on unplowed National Forest roads unless posted closed to recreational motor vehicle use. As with OHVs, cross-country travel off Forest roads is prohibited. A motor vehicle use map is available online and at all office to help you navigate your winter destinations.
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local snowmobile clubs provide maps of area snowmobile trails. Maps can be picked up at Forest Service or DNR offices as well as local businesses.
XC Skiing/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.
* Dog sledding is not allowed on groomed cross country ski trails on the Chippewa National Forest. Dog sledding is allowed on trails not groomed for skiing and on unplowed forest roads.
As with any activity on the Chippewa National Forest a reminder to “Leave No Trace”.
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.
Search for Winter Sports Opportunities
Marcell Area
Shingobee Recreation Area