Minnesota birding report from White Birch Resort

Barred owl off Peary Road at the Sax Zim Bog; photo courtesy of Friends of the Sax Zim Bog This is your monthly Explore Minnesota Birding Update.  Happy birding!   February Nature Notes The month of February offers birders a chance to see and hear a variety of owl species including snowy, boreal, great gray, great horned, barred and northern hawk-owls. Listen closely for the call and response of courting owls. Owls can often be viewed up close since they generally have no fear of people -- please do your best not to disturb them. Learn more about owls through the International Owl Center. February is also a great time to view bald eagles in southeastern Minnesota since portions of the Mississippi River do not freeze over and their food supply is abundant. These overwintering eagles can often be seen high in the trees along the river's edge or performing aerial displays to attract a mate. Also look for a wide array of waterfowl that can be seen in such open water areas, including power plants. Learn more at Watch for Eagles, Swans & Owls. Did You Know? Many eagles have already established bonds, and some have begun laying eggs. In fact, the bald eagle pair shown on the DNR’s Eagle Cam laid its first egg on Jan. 28. This pair generally lays three eggs, and on Jan. 31, a second egg was laid, and another on Feb. 3. DNR staff anticipate the first egg to hatch roughly March 3. The 20th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will take Feb. 17-20 in backyards throughout the world. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this citizen science event. Jot down how many of each species you see in your backyard (or park, trail, schoolyard, etc.) in a 15 minute period, then report your observations. A visual guide for participants is available at the GBBC "How To" Slideshow. Upcoming Birding Events Feb. 15, Elba H.O.P. Into the Park: Owl CallingH.O.P. (Healthy Older People) Into the Park is offered monthly to provide opportunities for older adults to gather for social time, coffee and conversation near the bird feeding windows, followed by a formal naturalist presentation. During Owl Calling, learn about owls and take a short walk to try calling to them. Whitewater State Park. 507-932-3007 Feb. 17-19, Meadowlands Sax-Zim Bog Birding Festival Meet birders from around the country and the world during the 10th Annual Sax Zim Bog Winter Birding Festival. This fascinating event includes speakers, guided birding tours, nature walks, photography walks, great meals, and a chance to see up to 240 species of birds including the great gray owl and boreal chickadee. The Meadowlands Community Center at the Sax Zim Bog. 218-749-8161 Feb. 18, Wabasha Golden Eagle Viewing Field Trip Learn more about golden eagles in the Upper Mississippi River Valley and get great views of golden eagles in the wild on a guided tour with expert naturalists. National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989 Feb. 24, Toivola Winter Bog Exploration Field Trip Join Head Naturalist Clinton Nienhaus on a search for species that may be familiar or that could be entirely new! Plan for a mix of hiking, snowshoeing, driving, and searching for new bird species for the Sax-Zim Bog Species List! Sax Zim Bog. 218-341-3350 Feb. 25-26, HastingsMasters of the Sky World Bird Sanctuary staff from St. Louis, Missouri will offer a captivating program about birds of prey at Carpenter Nature Center. Visitors will learn about raptors from around the world, and witness live hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and vultures in free-flight. The presenters will introduce methods to help protect raptors and their habitats. Programs held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 3 p.m. 651-437-4359 Feb. 26, St. Paul All About Bluebirds Bluebirds are one of Minnesota's most admired song birds, yet many people have never seen one. Learn about the life history of bluebirds and how you can help restore their population. Program will be inside the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center. Fort Snelling State Park. 612/279-3550 March 3-5, HoustonInternational Festival of Owls  Immerse yourself in owls at the only annual, full-weekend, all-owl festival in North America. Highlights include live owl programs, owl prowls to call in wild owls, a birding and natural history bus trip, and a banquet featuring the presentation of the World Owl Hall of Fame awards and international speakers. Families can build an owl nest box, dissect an owl pellet, make a variety of owl crafts, and have a hoot eating owl-themed food. International Owl Center. 507-896-6957 Rare Bird Alerts and Recent Sightings A northern pintail was observed by Steven Brown on Feb. 10 at the Shakopee ponds. Northern pintails are considered "occasional" in Scott County in the winter season. On Feb. 3, a rusty blackbird was found by David Keyes in his Scott County backyard. These birds are considered "occasional" in Scott County in the winter.Check the Duluth/North Shore Rare Bird Alert and the Northwest Minnesota/Detroit Lakes Rare Bird Alert for other recent bird sightings. Snowy owl in Dakota County; photo by Troy Hattemer Ruby and Rupert at the International Owl Center; photo by Pam Dimeler Northern saw-whet owl in Ramsey County; photo by Bob Dunlap Bald eagle at Reeds Landing; photo by Bruce Lees Golden eagle; photo by Mike Lentz Northern pintail in Shakopee; photo by Steven Brown Rusty blackbird in Scott County; photo by Scott Keyes

Minnesota fishing reports

Chad Saffert with his 41-inch pike outside the Igloo Ice Bar; photo courtesy of LakeoftheWoodsMN.com Another outstanding weekend is in store for anglers, with a stretch of beautiful 50-degree days in the forecast!  While ice thickness is generally good, the access points to lakes and the inlets and outlets with current need to be approached with caution. Due to the warm temperatures, anglers should call ahead for the most current conditions. It is important to check ice thickness often since it can vary greatly from one area to another. Please remember that ice should never be considered totally safe, and anglers are encouraged to check ice thickness often. To brush up on your knowledge of ice safety, consult the Minnesota DNR's Ice Safety Guidelines. For rules, regulations and other helpful information on fishing in Minnesota, consult the DNR's Fish Minnesota web page. [Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Southern] Northeast Minnesota International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River The best fishing on Rainy Lake continues to be early in the morning. Anglers using minnows and a colored jig in 25-30 feet of water around Sand Bay are pulling in some walleye and sauger. Crappies have been more active around Black Bay where successful anglers are also using colored jigs and minnows, but a size or two smaller. There are some large northern pike being caught around the mouth of Black Bay. Area trails are in great shape right now, but there is a warm-spell in the forecast so call ahead for the most current conditions before you head out. The International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club posts the most current conditions, and the National Park Service posts conditions for the Rainy Lake Ice road and VNP Snowmobile Trails on the VNP facebook page. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org Ely Panfish anglers are enjoying mild temperatures and steady action on area lakes with good numbers of large sunnies and nice slab crappies being reported. Travel is best by sled or four wheeler, but some folks continue to travel by truck since most lakes have at least 16-inches of ice. Stream trout are still active, hitting small spoons and jigs with wax worms. Tip-ups with dead or salted minnows are also working well. Lake trout action has been good for anglers actively jigging tube jigs and small jigging rapala baits. Most trout anglers are sweetening up their offerings with either a minnow head or whole minnow – don’t be surprised if you pull in an occasional northern pike. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org Duluth - Lake Superior and inland waters The bite on the inland lakes remains best for consistent action. The crappies have moved off the shallower areas into deep basins, and the bluegills have also moved a bit deeper. Electronics are ideal for targeting these fish and determining what they will respond to. Tip-ups are turning northern pike and bass, as well as an occasional walleye. Setting up near structure or shallow vegetation edges will often produce well, especially during the feeding windows of dawn and dusk. Ice conditions throughout the area remain good, but anglers still need to use caution. Anglers fishing the St. Louis River are having to work hard to land a few fish. The best bite has been for anglers jigging a smaller blade spoon tipped with a chub after sundown. The river action should heat up as the end of the season approaches. Lake Superior shoreline anglers report a decent looper bite, with an occasional coho salmon also being taken. The best approach has been a long rodding spoon with a looper bug or floating wax worm. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com Grand Rapids Anglers are eager to head out again this weekend, and take advantage of the warm temperatures and great panfish bite. Anglers having the most success are drilling 8- to 10-holes, using small baits, are remaining mobile, with nice numbers of crappies, perch and bluegill being reported. As the season progresses, look for perch to move to areas where the lake’s soft bottom meets the rocks, ideally in 12-20 feet of water. These areas offer larvae emerging from the mud, as well as small crayfish holding in the rocks. While perch will respond to minnows, the larvae and crayfish are their preferred forage late in the winter. Use “wigglers” or a #3 or #5 jigging rap with a couple of waxworms or small minnow head for the most perch. Remember, many consider yellow perch to be the best freshwater eating fish! www.visitgrandrapids.com Northwest Minnesota Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River On Lake of the Woods, sonar units have been extremely helpful since most walleye and sauger are suspending 10-15 feet below the ice. A good bite is being reported in 29-33 feet of water in the main basin.  Anglers using a glow red, pink or gold jigging spoon with a rattle, along with a dead stick are doing better than those with just a jigging rod and tip up. Minnow heads and tails are out-producing whole minnows. Jumbo perch are often in the mix. The Rainy River is giving up nice numbers of fish during morning and evening hours. It is important that anglers work through a resort or guide if not very familiar with the river. The snowmobile trail is staked from Wheeler's Point to Baudette on the river -- do not deviate from the trail unless you are aware of the most current ice conditions. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, fishing has really picked! A dead stick is still producing the most fish when the presentation is set less than a foot off the bottom. Less turbidity has favored more natural colors. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com Walker - Leech Lake Fishing has heated up on Leech Lake! The walleye bite was strong over the weekend on the main lake during evening hours and overnight. The Goose Island area, Stoney Point and the Pelican Island area offered anglers consistent action for both keepers and large fish, with most of the larger fish taken overnight. Buckshot rattle spoons in glow colors tipped with a full minnow produced the most fish. A set line on a rattle reel with a plain hook and rainbow was a close second in producing fish of all sizes. Walker Bay continues to kick out smaller fish, with the bite moving back to the shoreline areas.  First Point, Cedar Point and Breezy Point all produced fish over the week. As anglers start to move into position on sharp shoreline breaks to catch the infamous eelpout, they have been greeted with a few active walleye as well. The perch bite is picking up, with most active fish coming from depths of 12-16 feet on the main lake around Goose Island. Eelpout activity is starting to increase as they approach their spawn. For the most action, use glow spoons tipped with 2-3 minnows.  The Eelpout Festival is just around the corner. While the ice is rough, ice conditions remain very good throughout Walker Bay and all parts of the main lake. 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com Park Rapids Northern pike fishing has been very good, with a number of 28- to 30-inch pike reported. The best approach has been a tip up with a large golden shiner on a chartreuse hook suspended 2 feet off the bottom on the weedy flats in 8-12 feet of water. Although the weather will stay warm, ice conditions are good and should remain good for the next week or so. Panfish are very active in 6-8 feet of water the last few days. Anglers are doing well using just a small glow bug jig tipped with a wax worm. 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com Detroit Lakes Ice conditions remain good in the Detroit Lakes area, however conditions will deteriorate through the weekend and into next week due to slush developing on the surface -- ice thickness should remain good. Ruts may be a problem on the more heavily traveled lakes and community fishing spots. The results of the “Poles and Holes” derby on Little Detroit Lake last weekend were a good indicator of how active the northern pike are in the shallow weeds. In fact, panfish, bass, and northern pike are active on most area lakes. The walleye bite has been slow, but some anglers are taking fish from the sharp breaks leading to deep water. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com Central Region Otter Tail Lakes Area Another stretch of beautiful 50-degree days are in the forecast for this weekend. While ice thickness is generally very good, the access points to lakes and the inlets and outlets with current need to be approached with caution. The fish are biting, but seem to be adjusting to the additional daylight. It will take some experimenting to determine the best window of time and colors to use. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs As of Friday, Feb. 10, a good "night bite" was being reported by Lake Mille Lacs anglers. It usually started a little before sunset and continued through the night until an hour or so after sunrise. Most of the fish came in on rattle reels with a whole minnow on a lightweight glow jig. During the day, anglers had the most success using a slender spoon, tingler or hawger spoon tipped with a piece of minnow. The daytime fish were more active on the mud flats than on the gravel. The best location was a turn or edge that hadn't been heavily fished. Northern pike was decent for those using larger suckers under a tip-up in 10-14 feet of water. The ice was expected to “flex” due to warm temperatures. Anglers were urged to cross any cracks or heaves on a bridge. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com Southern Minnesota Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams As of Monday, Feb. 13, most area streams and rivers were slightly off in color with a normal to somewhat high water flow. Fisheries staff reported that blue-winged olives were seen on Trout Run, and fish were rising to midge adults and pupa. As of Thursday, Feb. 16, fisheries staff reported that most braches of the Whitewater Stream were clear with a normal water flow. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-423

Minnesota trail conditions

Minnesota trail conditions.

Cross-country skiing on the Gunflint Trail Cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions have deteriorated throughout the state due to unseasonably warm temperatures and rain. Some areas of northern Minnesota, however, still offer decent conditions for skiing and snowmobiling. A winter storm will impact much of southern Minnesota this evening, Thursday, Feb. 23 through Friday evening, Feb. 24. Snowfall amounts will vary greatly, with up to 18 inches of snow expected for areas surrounding Rochester, Albert Lea and Fairmont, but only an inch or two in parts of the Twin Cities and west towards Redwood Falls. Areas that do receive significant amounts of snow should have good trail conditions once groomers are able to hit the trails, possibly as early as this weekend. [Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Twin Cities] [Southern] Northeast Region Ely Total snow accumulation has dwindled down to 7 inches in the Ely vicinity, and most area ski and snowmobile trails are in poor condition. Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail In Cook County, just outside of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, the Banadad and Pincushion Mountain Ski Trails have been groomed. The trail base measures 14-20 inches, and conditions are good. Similar snow amounts and conditions are reported for most of the other Gunflint Trail ski trail systems. At nearby Cascade River State Park, from 6-14 inches of snow covers the ground. The ski trails are groomed, with a base measuring 2-6 inches. Conditions are reported to be fair. The snowmobile trails have been down-graded to poor condition. Silver Bay Tettegouche State Park is still covered in roughly 1 foot of snow inland, away from Lake Superior, but the rain and warm temperatures have taken a toll on the trails. Some of the ski trails remain in fair condition, and may be groomed as early as tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 24. Some portions of the snowmobile trails are also in fair condition. Duluth/Grand Marais The northern section of the C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Snowmobile Trail, running from Finland to Grand Marais, has a 1-6 inch base with some icy areas and bare spots. Conditions are mostly fair. This section is scheduled to be groomed this weekend. The southern section is in poor condition due to a lack of snow. Local snow depth ranges from 3-20 inches. Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow. Northwest Region All ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow. Central Region All ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow. Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity All ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow. Southern Region All ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow. Explore Minnesota will report winter trail conditions each Thursday during the winter season, with updates as changes in conditions warrant. Information used to compile the Winter Trails Update is provided courtesy of the Minnesota DNR, Voyageurs National Park, the Three Rivers Park District, and communities throughout the state. Begin planning your winter getaway by one of our travel counselors at 888-VISITMN (888-847-4866), or request a customized travel planner at Contact a Travel Counselor. Please note that a Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails. All cross-country skiers on state park or forest ski trails, or on state or grant-in-aid trails, who are 16 years or older must have a Minnesota Ski Pass. For further information, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-646-6367. To order cross-country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers, dial 1-888-665-4236 or access the DNR Online License Sales web site. To locate a license center in Minnesota to purchase ski passes and snowmobile stickers, check out DNR License Agents

Minnesota winter resort deals

Good to excellent cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions can be found throughout the northern half of Minnesota, with fair to good conditions throughout the southern half of the state. Temperatures will rise through the weekend with a chance of snow on Saturday. This should be a wonderful weekend for all outdoor activities.

Still looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors this weekend? Take part in the Checkpoint MN scavenger hunt which runs through Feb. 12. There are 10 iconic travel destinations to visit throughout the state, and $45,000 worth of prizes available. Learn more at checkpointmn.com!

[Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Twin Cities] [Southern]

Northeast Region

Grand Rapids/Bigfork
The Cow Horn Road and River Road ski trails running through Golden Anniversary State Forest have been groomed, and trail conditions are reported to be good. The trail base measures 7-9 inches thick. Local snow depth is roughly 1 foot. The portion of the Taconite State Snowmobile Trail which runs through the area has been groomed and conditions are good. The trail base measures 3-6 inches.

Ely

Total snow accumulation in the Ely vicinity is 12-24 inches. Several inches of fresh snow and colder temperatures have vastly improved trail conditions. Most snowmobile trails are in good to very good condition.  Area lakes have some frozen ruts making travel by lake a bit rough at times. The Tower to Ely section of the Taconite State Snowmobile Trail has been groomed and conditions are very good. The trail base measures 1-4 inches. Similar conditions are reported for the Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail, as well as most other snowmobile trails in the area. At Bear Head Lake State Park, most of the ski trails are icy and in poor conditions due to recent rain and warm temperatures which melted and compressed the snow. These trails have a 1-4 inch base. The snowmobile trails, however, are groomed with a 1-5 inch base. Riders report very good conditions. The Babbitt Golf Course and Birch Lake Plantation ski trails are groomed, and skiers report excellent conditions.

Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail

In Cook County, just outside of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, the Pincushion Mountain cross-country ski trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. The trails have a 20 inch base with great conditions reported. As of Jan. 25, the snowmobile trails in the Gunflint Trail vicinity were groomed and in great shape, with an 8-12 inch base.

Silver Bay/Two Harbors

Tettegouche State Park is covered in a foot and a half of snow away from Lake Superior, with less than a foot near the lake. The ski trails are partially groomed and in good shape with an 8 inch base. Area snowmobile trails have a 6 inch groomed surface, with good conditions reported. Just to the south, conditions are mostly fair for skiing and snowmobiling at Gooseberry Falls State Park due to ice under a thin snow base.

Duluth/Grand Marais

The northern section of the C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Snowmobile Trail has a 4-6 inch base and it is in good condition from Finland to Grand Marais. The southern section is in fair condition, with a 1-4 inch base. The entire trail will be regroomed prior to the weekend. Local snow depth ranges from 8-23 inches.

Carlton

All ski trails at Jay Cooke State Park are groomed, and skiers report icy but fair conditions. The trails have a 4 inch base on average. The snowmobile trails are groomed with a 4 inch base, and conditions are considered good. Similar conditions are reported for the Willard Munger State Trail that runs through the area. Local snow depth ranges from 5-8 inches.

Northwest Region

Williams/northwest of Baudette

The ski and snowmobile trails at Zippel Bay State Park are groomed and in good condition. Both trails have a 5-6 inch base on average. More than a foot of snow covers the ground within the park.

Lake Bronson/far NW corner

The Lake Bronson State Park snowmobile trails are groomed, and conditions are considered fair. These trails have an 8 inch base on average. The ski trails have a similar base, but staff report very good conditions. Local snow depth is roughly 1 1/2 feet. Nearby, the snowmobile trails within Old Mill State Park are groomed and in very good shape. The trail base measures 8 inches.

Waskish

The snowmobile trail running through Big Bog State Recreation Area is groomed and in good condition with a 3 inch base. This trail runs all the way to Baudette. The trails running to Kelliher and Blackduck are also groomed. Riders report very good conditions. The ground is covered in roughly 1 foot of snow.

Walker

The northern section of the Paul Bunyan State Trail is in fair to good condition for snowmobiling. The trail base measures 2-3 inches, with 1 foot of snow on the ground.

Bemidji

The ski trails at Lake Bemidji State Park are freshly groomed, and conditions are described as excellent. The snowmobile trails have also been groomed, with very good conditions reported. Both trails have a 6 inch base on average. Area snow cover is 14 inches.

Lake Itasca, north of Park Rapids

Fresh snow has improved trail conditions at Itasca State Park. The ski trails are groomed and in good condition with a 4 inch base. The snowmobile trails are groomed and in fair condition with a 4 inch base. Roughly a foot of snow covers the ground in this area. Nearby, the snowmobile trails running through the La Salle Lake State Recreation Area are considered to be in very good condition. These trails have 5 inch groomed surface.

Central Region

Pelican Rapids/Ottertail/Battle Lake

Maplewood State Park  is covered in 17 inches of snow. The ski and snowmobile trails have a 4 base, and conditions are considered fair to good. Additional snow will be required to set track and begin grooming.

Pequot Lakes

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is groomed and in fair condition for snowmobiling. The trail base measures 1-3 inches, with 6-10 inches of snow on the ground. Please note that it

Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either icy and in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow.

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity

Alma -east of North Branch

Wild River State Park is covered in roughly 5 inches of snow following this week's 4 inch snowfall. Park staff have packed and combed most of the trails. The trail base measures 1-2 inches, and conditions are considered fair. Ski and snowshoe rental are available at the Trail Center. Please call ahead for availability. 651/257-0685. Mark your calendar for this year's Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe on Saturday, February 11. Enjoy candlelit trails, music, stargazing, refreshments and our giant prairie bonfire! Reservations are recommended for equipment rentals. Before the event, check out Winter Fest in nearby North Branch.

Marine on St. Croix - north of Stillwater

The classic and skate ski trails at William O'Brien State Park should all be groomed by this weekend. Skiers report fair conditions overall. The trail base averages 3 inches, with 4 inches of snow on the ground. Skiers may also want to check out the Ice Castles in nearby Stillwater.

Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright counties

The Valley Trail and Lesson Area cross-country ski trails with manufactured snow at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove are packed, tracked and in good condition for classic and skate skiing. A number of ski trails with man-made snow at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington are packed, tracked and in good condition. The natural snow trails at all Three Rivers Park District Ski Trail and Sliding Hill Conditions are closed.

Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either icy and in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow.

Southern Region

Frontenac -south of Red Wing

Frontenac State Park is covered in 8 inches of snow. All 9 miles of cross-country ski trails are groomed, and conditions are reported to be good. The trails have a 4 inch base.

Winona

The cross-country ski trails at Great River Bluffs State Park are packed and groomed, with very good conditions reported. Local snow cover is approximately 9 inches.

Preston/Harmony/Lanesboro

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park offers fair conditions for snowmobiling. The trails have a 2 inch partially groomed surface. Local snow depth is roughly 8-9 inches. The Harmony-Preston Valley and Root River state trails are reported to be in good condition for skiing. These trails have a 2 inch partially groomed surface.

Albert Lea

The snowmobile trails running through Myre-Big Island State Park are partially groomed and in fair condition, with a 1-4 inch base. Local snow depth is 4-6 inches.

Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either icy and in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow.

Explore Minnesota will report winter trail conditions each Thursday during the winter season, with updates as changes in conditions warrant. Information used to compile the Winter Trails Update is provided courtesy of the Minnesota DNR, Voyageurs National Park, the Three Rivers Park District, and communities throughout the state.

Begin planning your winter getaway by one of our travel counselors at 888-VISITMN (888-847-4866), or request a customized travel planner at Contact a Travel Counselor.

Please note that a Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails. All cross-country skiers on state park or forest ski trails, or on state or grant-in-aid trails, who are 16 years or older must have a Minnesota Ski Pass. For further information, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-646-6367. To order cross-country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers, dial 1-888-665-4236 or access the DNR Online License Sales web site. To locate a license center in Minnesota to purchase ski passes and snowmobile stickers, check out DNR License Agents