Cross County Skiing Great at Lake of the Woods

Cross County Skiing and Snowshoeing at Lake of the Woods is another special sport to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter months. What a great way to enjoy the beauty of forest and trails hewn through for great pleasure and exercise. Spring may be several months away, but you can get a taste of it now.  Lake of the Woods is the home of three state parks. Zippel Bay State Park on the shore of Lake of the Woods, Garden Island State Park, a primitive spot on the northern part of the lake, and Franz Jevne State Park, a primitive camping location on the shore of Rainy River east of Birchdale, MN. Our neighbors to the south of us are proud of their state park area at Waskish and the Big Bog trail off of Hwy 72. All locations make Cross Country Skiing Great.

Zippel Bay state park is the sight of great camping spots, a beautiful sandy beach in the summer, a boat dock landing and a special treat is the groomed cross county ski trails throughout the park during the winter season.   A special group has been formed called the Friends of Zippel Bay who sponsor candlelight ski events a couple of times each winter. Luminaries are placed along the trails so skiers experience the romance of the beautiful forest area of Zippel Bay. This year’s event is Jan. 11: Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe, 4 to 8 p.m., Zippel Bay State Park, Minn. Info: Doug Easthouse, (218) 647-8592 or by email at bigbog.statepark@state.mn.us.

Snowshoeing has also become a popular sport enjoyed on the trails of Zippel Bay State Park and at Lake of the Woods School. The school has both skies and snowshoes available to rent out to use on the school trails groomed on the school property.

Great Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing at Lake of the Woods can be enjoyed by obtaining a

2020 Minnesota State Parks annual permit. The permit allows admission to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for a full 365 days. A pass is required for all skiers 16 years and older on trails in state parks, state forests and on state and grant-in-aid trails. Those prices are as follows: Daily: $10, Yearly: $25, or Three year: $70.  Come to Lake of the Woods and experience the great winter season while ice fishing on the lake, staying at one of our 50+ resorts or sleeper fish houses and bring the whole family to fish, or ski or snowshoe. Find more information at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com for all your sporting interests.