Winter brings a whole new way to explore the Brainerd Lakes Area. Snow-covered trails wind through quiet forests, ski slopes offer plenty of excitement and outdoor skating rinks provide classic Minnesota winter fun. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, racing down a tubing hill, gliding along groomed trails, trekking through the woods on snowshoes or lacing up your skates, there are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the season.
Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding & Snow Tubing
Mount Ski Gull | Nisswa
Looking for a little more excitement this winter? Head to Mount Ski Gull near Nisswa for downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. With runs for different skill levels, ski and snowboard rentals, lessons and a terrain park, it’s a great destination for beginners learning the ropes and experienced skiers looking to spend a day on the slopes.
For fun that doesn’t require skis or a snowboard, try Ricochet Alley, featuring five 700-foot snow tubing lanes and a conveyor lift that takes riders back to the top. Tubes are provided, making it an easy way for families and friends to enjoy the thrill of speeding down a snowy hill. Advance reservations are recommended, and age and height requirements may apply.
Cross-Country Skiing in the Brainerd Lakes Area
From beginner-friendly routes to challenging terrain, the Brainerd Lakes Area offers a variety of cross-country skiing opportunities. Groomed trails wind through forests, open prairie and scenic landscapes, with options for both classic and skate skiing.
Northland Arboretum | Brainerd/Baxter
One of the area’s most popular cross-country skiing destinations, the Northland Arboretum features approximately 9 miles (15 kilometers) of ski trails winding through wooded landscapes and open prairie. Groomed for both classic and skate skiing, the trail system offers options for varying skill levels, including approximately 3.7 miles of lighted trails for evening skiing.
- Trail Length: Approximately 9 miles (15 km)
- Trailhead/Parking: 14250 Conservation Drive, Baxter, MN. Located behind the Westgate Mall area, with parking at the Visitor Center.
Nordic Ridge Trail | Crosslake
Located near the Crosslake Community Center, Nordic Ridge Trail offers a scenic network of trails winding through mature pines, wooded terrain and the surrounding natural landscape. The recreation area features nearly 14 miles of multiuse trails, with designated cross-country ski routes for winter recreation.
- Trail Length: Approximately 5.8 miles of mapped ski trails within the larger 13.7-mile recreation area.
- Trailhead/Parking: 14126 Daggett Pine Road, Crosslake, MN. From County Road 66, turn east onto Daggett Pine Road and continue approximately half a mile to the Crosslake Community Center. Parking is available next to the building.
French Rapids | Brainerd
Experienced skiers can enjoy challenging terrain and scenic views of the Mississippi River at French Rapids. Featuring steep hills and varied terrain, this trail system is best suited for advanced skiers, with groomed routes for both classic and skate skiing.
- Trail Length: Approximately 5.9 miles of county-listed trails; some ski guides describe a longer 16-kilometer route network.
- Trailhead/Parking: 17098 County Road 142, Brainerd, MN. From Highway 210 east of Brainerd, follow signs toward the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport and the French Rapids ski area.
Crow Wing State Park | Brainerd
Explore the winter landscape where the Crow Wing and Mississippi rivers meet. Crow Wing State Park offers scenic wooded trails and historic landscapes, providing a peaceful setting for winter recreation. Skiing opportunities depend on snowfall, trail conditions and current trail maintenance.
- Trail Length: Approximately 6 miles of historically designated ski trails; current grooming is not confirmed.
- Trailhead/Parking: 3124 State Park Road, Brainerd, MN. From Highway 371 south of Brainerd, follow the signs to Crow Wing State Park. Parking is available near the park entrance and main day-use area.
Snowshoeing Through the Northwoods
Looking for a slower pace? Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the Brainerd Lakes Area during winter, allowing you to venture through snowy forests, open meadows and scenic natural areas. It’s an accessible activity for beginners, with opportunities for short outings or longer adventures.
Northland Arboretum | Brainerd/Baxter
Explore designated snowshoe trails winding through prairie restoration areas and jack pine savanna at the Northland Arboretum. Snowshoe rentals are also available at the Visitor Center, making it a convenient option for visitors who don’t have their own equipment.
Crow Wing State Park | Brainerd
Snowshoe through peaceful winter landscapes along the Mississippi River at Crow Wing State Park, where wooded trails and scenic views offer opportunities to enjoy nature away from the crowds.
Paul Thiede Fire Tower Park | Pequot Lakes
Located just outside Pequot Lakes, Paul Thiede Fire Tower Park offers wooded trails and rolling terrain for a winter outing. It’s a great place to enjoy the quiet of the forest while exploring the area’s natural surroundings.
Crow Wing County Trails | Throughout the Area
For even more places to explore, Crow Wing County maintains a network of rustic hunter-hiker trails that can be used for snowshoeing during winter. These ungroomed trails offer a more natural experience for those looking to venture off the beaten path.
Ice Skating in the Brainerd Lakes Area
Few winter activities are as classic as ice skating. Whether you’re practicing your skills, enjoying a casual afternoon with family or meeting friends for a few laps around the rink, the Brainerd Lakes Area offers both indoor and outdoor skating opportunities.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Northland Arboretum | Brainerd/Baxter
For a unique skating experience, glide through the trees along the Northland Arboretum’s forest ice skating trail. This winding outdoor path offers a different take on traditional rink skating, surrounded by beautiful winter scenery. Availability depends on weather and ice conditions.
Community Parks | Brainerd & Baxter
Several community parks offer outdoor skating rinks during the winter months, including Gregory Park, Memorial Park and Bane Park in Brainerd, along with Loren Thompson Park and Oscar Kristofferson Park in Baxter. Rink availability, warming house hours and skating conditions vary throughout the season.
Nisswa City Park | Nisswa
Enjoy a classic Minnesota winter activity at the outdoor skating rink in Nisswa City Park. It’s a convenient option for families looking to add a little outdoor recreation to a day spent exploring Nisswa.
Ice Skating at Area Lodging Properties
Staying in the Brainerd Lakes Area? Be sure to check with your lodging provider about winter recreation amenities! Some resorts, cabins and vacation rentals offer access to outdoor ice skating and other seasonal activities. Availability varies by property and weather conditions, so ask about skating opportunities when planning your stay.
Indoor Ice Skating
Breezy Point Sports Center | Breezy Point
When outdoor ice conditions aren’t ideal, head indoors at the Breezy Point Sports Center. Public open skating sessions are offered at scheduled times, providing an opportunity to enjoy the ice regardless of the weather. Check the arena calendar before visiting for available sessions and skate rental information.
Hallett Center of Crosby | Crosby
Enjoy indoor ice skating at the Hallett Center of Crosby, home to the John Spalj Arena. The NHL-sized rink offers scheduled public open skating sessions throughout the winter, with skate rentals available. Check the current open skating schedule before visiting, as ice availability varies around hockey practices, games and other activities.
Plan Your Winter Adventure
Whether you prefer the excitement of downhill skiing, the thrill of snow tubing, the peaceful rhythm of cross-country skiing, the freedom of snowshoeing or the fun of ice skating, winter offers plenty of reasons to get outside in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Snowfall, trail grooming and ice conditions can change throughout the season, so be sure to check current conditions before heading out. Some ski trails require a Minnesota Ski Pass, while certain attractions may charge admission or offer equipment rentals.
Looking for even more winter activities? Explore our 5 Things to Do During Winter in Brainerd and discover more ways to enjoy the season.
