When the Twin Cities are blanketed in fresh snow, the lakes, prairies, and river valleys around Minneapolis–St. Paul turn into a quiet, sparkling playground. Whether you’re new to snowshoeing, a seasoned winter hiker, or just looking for an easy family outing, there are plenty of close-to-home options that feel like a real escape.
Below are seven standout parks and trail systems around the Twin Cities, with addresses, typical costs, and insider details to help you plan your next winter adventure.
1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park – Eagan
Lebanon Hill Regional Park Website
Address: 860 Cliff Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Lebanon Hills is one of the metro’s most beloved winter destinations, with more than 14 miles of trails designated for hiking and snowshoeing through rolling woods and around frozen lakes. The park feels surprisingly wild for being so close to the city, and you can choose short loops for a quick outing or link multiple trails for a full-day trek.
Cost: The park itself is generally free to enter, but Dakota County may require a vehicle permit for some parking areas, so it’s worth checking current rules before you go.
Snowshoe rental: Lebanon Hills typically offers snowshoe rentals at the Visitor Center, with recent pricing around 7 dollars per hour for adults and 5 dollars per hour for kids, reserved online in advance.
Good to know: Many of the trails are shared with hikers and snowshoers, but some areas are groomed exclusively for skiing, so follow posted signs and stay off ski tracks.
2. Elm Creek Park Reserve – Maple Grove
Elm Creek Park Reserve Website
Address: 12400 James Deane Parkway, Maple Grove, MN 55369
At nearly 4,900 acres, Elm Creek is the largest park in the Three Rivers Park District and a winter powerhouse, with several miles of multi-use trails open to hikers and snowshoers. Terrain varies from open prairie to dense forest, and the rolling hills make it a fun workout without being overly technical.
Cost: Access to the park is typically free, but Three Rivers parks sometimes require vehicle or equipment fees for special facilities; day-use hiking and snowshoeing trails are usually included at no charge.
Snowshoe rental: Elm Creek is part of the Three Rivers system, which often offers snowshoe rentals at select locations for a modest fee (recently around 5 dollars for 2 hours), though availability changes by season.
Good to know: Begin at Eastman Nature Center to get oriented, check trail conditions, and pick a loop that matches your energy level for the day.
3. Theodore Wirth Regional Park – Minneapolis
Theodore Wirth Regional Park Website
Address: 1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55422
Theodore Wirth Regional Park offers a true North Woods feel right on the edge of downtown Minneapolis, with wooded, hilly terrain and multiple winter trails. The park partners with the Loppet Foundation to host extensive winter activities, and snowshoe routes weave between ski trails and forested areas.
Cost: Visiting the park and using most hiking and snowshoe trails is typically free, though certain groomed ski and event areas require passes.
Snowshoe rental: Snowshoe rentals have been available on-site through the winter recreation area, with recent rates around 12 dollars for a rental session from the Winter Recreation HQ or chalet.
Good to know: Popular loops such as the Theodore Wirth Loop or Wildflower Trail give you flexibility in distance and difficulty, but always check maps to avoid wandering onto groomed ski-only sections.
4. Afton State Park – Hastings
Afton State Park Website
Address: 6959 Peller Avenue South, Hastings, MN 55033
Afton State Park, perched above the St. Croix River, is ideal if you want a slightly more “up north” feel without driving hours from the metro. In winter, the park offers more than 11 miles of designated snowshoe trails plus additional hiking routes through bluff country and along river overlooks.
Cost: Minnesota State Parks require a vehicle permit, which can be purchased as a daily or annual pass at the park office or online.
Snowshoe rental: Afton typically provides snowshoe rentals at the park office, with recent pricing around $6 per pair.
Good to know: Start at the visitor center area and consider the South River Trail for an easier, family-friendly outing; for more challenge, head toward the bluffs for steeper climbs and big winter views.
5. Minnehaha Regional Park – Minneapolis
Minnehaha Regional Park Website
Address: 4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Minnehaha Regional Park is famous for its 53‑foot waterfall, which turns into an incredible frozen sculpture in midwinter. Beyond the falls, you’ll find more than three miles of paved trails that are plowed in winter, along with more natural paths following Minnehaha Creek down to the Mississippi River.
Cost: There is no general entrance fee to the park, though some parking lots may charge a modest daily parking rate.
Snowshoe options: Minnehaha is especially good for winter hiking; snowshoeing is possible off‑trail or in deeper snow, but most visitors stick to the cleared paths or packed creekside routes.
Good to know: This is a great choice for beginners or visitors who want a scenic winter walk without driving far, and the frozen falls alone make it worth the trip.
6. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – Chaska
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Website
Address: 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, MN 55318
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is often associated with summer flower displays, but it quietly becomes a dreamy winter destination with miles of groomed and ungroomed trails. In winter, you can explore about 8 miles of looping routes specifically maintained for hiking and snowshoeing, plus additional paths along the closed-to-vehicles Three‑Mile Drive.
Cost: The Arboretum charges an admission fee per person or per car, and timed entry reservations are sometimes required, especially on weekends or special event days.
Snowshoe options: Visitors can bring their own snowshoes to explore the trails; rental availability and pricing can vary by season, so checking ahead is smart.
Good to know: The Arboretum’s trails range from easy garden loops to longer, woodsy stretches, making it ideal for groups with mixed experience levels who still want to stay together.
7. Battle Creek Regional Park – Saint Paul
Battle Creek Regional Park Website
Address: 75 Winthrop St. South, Saint Paul, MN 55119
Battle Creek Regional Park stretches along the Mississippi River valley and offers both plowed paths and more rugged trails that are perfect for winter hiking or snowshoeing. In snowy months, you can wander along plowed asphalt for an easy outing or head into unplowed sections and wooded ravines for a more adventurous feel.
Cost: Ramsey County parks like Battle Creek generally do not charge entrance fees for day use, so this is a budget-friendly option.
Snowshoe options: While there aren’t always rentals on-site, the park’s mix of packed and unplowed routes gives snowshoers plenty of room to roam when conditions are right.
Good to know: The park is known for its steep sledding hills and hilly terrain, so expect some elevation changes and bring traction devices if you’re hiking on packed or icy paths.
Planning Tips for Twin Cities Winter Trails
A few quick tips will help your winter outing stay safe and enjoyable:
- Check current trail conditions and rental availability on each park’s official website before you go, since grooming, plowing, and rental services can change with weather and staffing.
- Dress in moisture‑wicking layers, pack hand warmers, and bring traction like microspikes if you plan to hike on packed snow or icy sections.
- Many parks ask visitors to stay off groomed cross‑country ski tracks with snowshoes or boots to protect the trail surface, so follow signage and posted maps.
With these seven destinations, you can easily fill a whole winter of weekend adventures right here in the Twin Cities. Each offers its own mix of scenery, trail length, and amenities—so grab your layers, strap on some snowshoes, and see a quieter side of Minneapolis–St. Paul under the snow.