From Darren Smith,
Your Guide to US & Canadian Parks.
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The Top Choices Offer Opportunities for Winter Camping, Sledding, and Candlelight Skiing.

Wild River State Park

Located along 18 miles of the Saint Croix River, Wild River State Park features 35 miles of beginner, intermediate and advanced trails for classical skiing, 1.5 miles of packed hiking trails, and 1.5 miles of snowshoe trails. One of the favorites is the River Trail where visitors may have opportunities to view trumpeter swans that winter along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The park provides complete cross-country ski rentals and concessions at the Trail Center. Snowshoes can be rented from the park naturalist at the visitor center throughout the winter. Year-round naturalist programs are offered at the park, including several snowshoe hiking activities. Camping and lodging are available adjacent to the trails throughout the winter. Overnight lodging in the park's camper cabins and guest house can be reserved by calling the Connection at 1-800-246-2267. Park is 55 miles from the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metropolitan area.

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Located near Onamia, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park offers nearly 20 miles of skiing for all skill levels and 19 miles of snowmobile trails. Although snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park, 7 miles of snowshoe trail are maintained for those who prefer to follow a designated trail. Visitors can bring their own sled or toboggan and take advantage of the park's popular sliding hill. A year-round trail center (with handicapped accessible flush toilets), visitor center and naturalist programs provide lots of options for the winter adventurer. The park also has five heated camper cabins available for rent in the winter plus winter camping opportunities, including electric sites, for the hardy outdoor enthusiasts. Kathio has scheduled a candlelight cross-country ski event for Saturday, February 3 from 6-10 p.m. Park is 95 miles from the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metropolitan area.

Gooseberry Falls State Park

With more than 40 sets of trails from Duluth to Grand Portage, the North Shore of Lake Superior is a great destination for cross-country skiing, and Minnesota state parks located along this stretch are among the best choices for winter recreation. Gooseberry Falls State Park, 13 miles northeast of Two Harbors, is the gateway to these parks. Gooseberry Falls offers 12 miles of easy to moderate cross-country ski trails and 2 miles of snowmobile trail that connects to the 146-mile North Shore State Trail. If you like to snowshoe, choose from the Gitchi Gummi and Fifth Falls trails that offer 3 miles of intermediate and advanced opportunities, or blaze your own trail as you explore other areas of the park. In addition, the park maintains 4 miles of winter hiking trail that lead to spectacular views of the park's waterfalls. Open year round, the park's new visitor center includes interpretive displays, a park video, and a nature store. Snowshoe and ski rentals are available from vendors near the park. The park's 70 non-electric campsites are available on a year-round basis. A candlelight ski and snowshoe event is scheduled for Saturday, February 17 from 6-8:30 p.m.

Two other recommendations: Located close to Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Fort Snelling State Park and William O'Brien State Park both offer classical and skate-ski trails as well as winter hiking and snowshoeing opportunities. Fort Snelling State Park is located in the heart of the Twin Cities metropolitan area and is becoming as popular with cross-country skiers in the winter as it is with bikers in the summer. The park has 10 miles of classical ski trails, 6 miles of skate-ski trails and 7 miles of winter hiking trail. Snowshoers can blaze their own trail anywhere in the park except on groomed trails. A new visitor center offers winter guests a place to warm up by the fireplace, shop in the unique gift shop, browse through the interpretive displays, or attend an interpretive program.

William O'Brien State Park is located just 35 miles from the Twin Cities along the scenic Saint Croix Riverway. The park offers 12 miles of classical ski trails and 11 miles of skate-ski trails. Trails wind through wooded areas and range from easy to difficult. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park except on groomed ski trails. Visitors can stop in at the interpretive center and warm up or attend one of the year-round naturalist programs. Winter camping is also an option at this park.

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