Winter Activities in Minnesota: A Local Guide by Lizanne Dooner
Lizanne Dooner (@lizannelately)
“I’ve always believed Minnesota is one of the most underrated places to explore.”
A Minnesota Local’s Love for Exploring the State
Minnesota-born and raised, Lizanne Dooner has always loved exploring her home state and sharing it on Instagram @lizannelately. From big adventures to small, meaningful moments, she highlights local businesses and hidden gems.
Her favorite part? How Minnesota always surprises her, blending nature, culture, and charm, perfect for winter activities in Minnesota.
Why Winter in Minnesota Is Worth Embracing
Winter may get a bad rap, but for Lizanne, it’s magical. She loves the slower pace, blazing sunsets, and the way locals embrace the outdoors. Here, winter isn’t just cold, it’s an experience.
“Winter isn’t just a season, it’s a feeling in Minnesota.”
This season opens the door to fun winter activities in Minnesota, from ice skating and festivals to cozy café hopping. You can explore even more with Explore Minnesota’s Winter Sports Guide.
Favorite Winter Getaways in Minnesota Beyond the North Shore
Cuyuna Matata Cabins
Photo courtesy of Lizanne Dooner
While the North Shore is iconic, Lizanne’s favorite is the Brainerd Lakes Area. Towns like Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, and the Cuyuna Lakes area offer the best mix of adventure and comfort for winter activities in Minnesota.
Check local highlights via Brainerd Winter Activities and Pequot Lakes Things to Do for seasonal ideas.
Cozy Cabins and Indoor Winter Activities in Minnesota
Photo of North Country Cottages by Lizanne Dooner.
For the North Shore, Lizanne recommends Tofte Trails and North Country Cottages, both with fireplaces and access to Lutsen Mountains.
In the Brainerd Lakes Area, Cuyuna Matata Collection and Nature Link offer kitchens, saunas, and snowshoeing, great for indoor winter activities in Minnesota.
For resorts, Grand View Lodge offers ice skating, horse-drawn carriages, and outdoor hot tubs. The epitome of the best winter activities in Minnesota for families.
Winter Activities in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Cozy Small Towns
Photo of Pequot Lakes by Lizanne Dooner.
Lizanne loves New Ulm for its German-inspired charm, breweries, local eats, and downtown shopping. Pequot Lakes is small but full of nature and cozy coffee spots like MN Traders Co., perfect for winter activities in Minnesota for kids and adults.
Coffee lovers can check out Rustica and Minneapolis/St. Paul cafés for the ultimate winter activities in Minneapolis Minnesota experience.
Fun Winter Activities in Minnesota You Can’t Miss
Minnesota shines in winter. Lizanne enjoys ice skating at Minneapolis parks or The Oval in Roseville, The Great Northern Festival, and sauna + cold plunge experiences like Sauna Camp.
Other top spots include Ice Castles, pond hockey, the Art Shanty Project, and seasonal ice bars. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Central Lakes State Trail or Taconite State Trail for snowmobiling and skiing adventures.
Winter Activities in Minnesota for Kids and First-Time Visitors
First-time winter visitors should dress in layers and embrace the cold. Lizanne recommends a sauna + cold plunge, ice skating, visiting Minnehaha Falls, warming up in a local café, and trying a Juicy Lucy from The Nook in St. Paul.
These tips ensure that even families and beginners can enjoy winter activities in Minnesota safely and memorably.
Read More Local Winter Stories in The Local
Want more seasonal inspiration? Read Lizanne’s full feature in The Local: Winter Edition, with tips on cabins, small towns, Twin Cities highlights, and winter events.
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