Outdoor Guide: Winter in Minnesota  

Old man winter will be here again before we know! Which means swapping out your summer clothes for winter gear. The weather may be unpredictable in Minnesota at times, but Northerners know how to make the most out of it every season of the year. From ice fishing and snowshoeing to hiking and cross-country skiing, Midwestern activities are endless. 

Ice Fishing: 

Every winter in Minnesota, thousands of locals flock to their favorite ice fishing spots for a weekend getaway. Whether retreating to your cabin or going to a nearby lake, catching fish is a great way to spend your time. From sunrise to sunset, you can hook fish from left to right. 

Dress in base layers, button up your warmest flannel and slip into your socks to keep warm while on the frozen lake. Having the right attire is essential for any outdoor activity during the wintertime, especially fishing. So, throw on your snow pants, hat, and mittens, and lace-up those waterproof boots before you venture out the door. Bring along a tackle box to have your bait organized and ready to go, too. 

As a friendly reminder, the unpredictability of Minnesotan weather can sometimes be an obstacle for ice fishers to cross over. Before setting up your gear, it’s best to check out the ice conditions. As a general rule of thumb, ice is never entirely reliable. Clear frozen water will be the safest to be on, and cloudy is not completely solid and will not be stable. It’s best to avoid areas on the lake when water is moving beneath, indicating weak and breakable ice. 

Cross-Country Skiing: 

Minnesota is home to a vast amount of cross-country ski trails. Travel off the beaten path to steer clear of all the crowds and experience the great outdoors. As many may know, Up North is no stranger to an abundance of snow each year. Might as well take advantage of it and explore all that the North has to offer. 

Whether it’s your first time strapping on skis, or you consider yourself an avid skier, Minnesota has trails for all ski levels. When hearing the word ‘skiing’ one might be drawn to thinking of downhill skiing, but the two differ. Originating from Norway, cross-country skiing was a means of transportation through snow-covered areas. 

Now, people of all ages are gearing up for recreational or fitness purposes. Preparing for a day out on the trails means layering up. Try to avoid bulkier clothing that may feel too heavy or warm while you’re skiing the trails. A lightweight jacket or a vest that is breathable and doesn’t weigh you down like a traditional winter jacket would. As with many outdoor activities in the wintertime, a warm hat and lightly lined gloves are the perfect pair to add to your outdoor attire.  

Hiking: 

You might call us Midwesterners crazy since we’ll hike in almost any type of weather, but the snow is no match for us. Any direction you’re traveling within the state, you’re sure to find a trail with an incredible view. 

Living in the Midwest climate can be a bit tricky at times. If you’re hiking near Lake Superior, the saying “it’s cooler by the lake” is true, dress accordingly. When the sun is shining, and it reaches above freezing temperatures, a windproof jacket is ideal for trekking the trails. From the North Shore State Parks to the Superior Hiking Trails, the panoramic views are incredible year-round.  

Whichever wintertime sport you prefer partaking in, adventure is calling your name! What’s your favorite Minnesotan activity you enjoy every year? Use #PersonBehindThePack on social media and let us know how you use your Duluth Pack during the winter. We might feature your story on our blog, The Pack Report.  

Explore on, friends!