Come for the lodging, stay for the snow sports and sights!



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"January 2025"

Cozy Winter Escapes ❄️??

From cozy camper cabins to winterized yurts, join us for a warm, comfortable, and unforgettable stay at a Minnesota state park this winter. Whether you’re looking to ski in and out of your cabin, wake up to frost-covered forests, or simply enjoy the peace of a crackling fire, Minnesota state parks offer the ultimate winter escape. Pack your gear and get ready to experience the beauty of a state park in its quietest, coziest season!

A snow-covered camper cabin at twilight. [ [link removed] ]

??: Aaron Reichow, camper cabin at Jay Cooke State Park

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Tips and Tricks
Planning Your Overnight Adventure

"Pro-tips for the coziest stay ever"

Winter adventures take preparation, but the rewards are worth it. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:

*❄️Book early: *Camper cabins, yurts and suites are always very popular. View availability on our reservation website [ [link removed] ]. 

**❄️*What's provided: *Be aware of what amenities are available during your stay. Camper cabins and yurts require you to bring your own bedding, whereas guest suites do not. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with amenities before packing. Visit the park's website [ [link removed] ] or call the park office for more information.

*❄️Water access: *Check the park website [ [link removed] ] or reach out to park staff to confirm where water will be available. Some bathrooms and spigots will be shut off for the winter. Know where your closest option is during your stay.

*❄️Check weather: *Before you head out, check the forecast. Knowing if it will snow or be extra chilly will help you prepare and have a more comfortable visit.

*❄️ Dress in layers:* Choose moisture-wicking materials and bring extras to stay dry. Don't forget a hat and gloves! View more tips on dressing for winter [ [link removed] ]. 

*❄️ Plan your meals:* High-energy foods like nuts, cheese, and warm soups can help keep you fueled.

* ❄️ Stay active:* Cross-country skiing, hiking, or even building a snow shelter will keep you warm and engaged.

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Out and About
Your Perfect Winter Getaway

"Explore the variety of overnight options available"
The inside of a yurt shows a fireplace burning brightly. [ [link removed] ]

??: Lily Lee, yurt at Afton State Park

Whether you’re seeking rustic charm or modern comforts, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy the season at Minnesota state parks.

Camper cabins [ [link removed] ] provide a warm and simple retreat, offering the perfect balance of comfort and nature. Many are equipped with heating, bunk beds, and outdoor fire rings for roasting marshmallows under the stars.

Winter camping and lodging map. [ [link removed] ]

Looking for something unique? Try staying in a yurt [ [link removed] ], which offers an off-the-grid experience with a touch of whimsy. Heated by a wood stove and insulated, yurts are a great way to explore the outdoors while staying toasty.

For those who prefer modern amenities, many state parks offer cabins and guest suites [ [link removed] ] that  deliver all the comforts of home. These accommodations generally include heat, private bathrooms, and even fireplaces, perfect for warming up after a day on the trails.

If you’re a traditionalist, winter camping [ [link removed] ] is still an option! Many state parks offer drive-in campsites or backcountry spots for a true winter adventure. 

Ready to plan your winter escape? Explore the handy lodging map [ [link removed] ] on the DNR website to see what options are available at your favorite parks. Whatever you choose, Minnesota’s winter wonderland is waiting!



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Cozy Camper Cabins

"The perfect home base for winter adventures"
Two people exit a camper cabin in winter. Their skis are leaning up against the outside of the cabin. [ [link removed] ]

??: Camper cabin at William O'Brien State Park

When the snow blankets Minnesota, there's no better place to cozy up than a camper cabin [ [link removed] ] in a state park. These heated, rustic retreats offer the perfect balance of comfort and adventure, providing a warm home base for your winter explorations. 

Equipped with heat and electricity, many camper cabins are available year-round in Minnesota state parks. Located near popular winter trails and scenic overlooks, these cabins make it easy to enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or simply unwinding in the beauty of nature. Parks like *Jay Cooke [ [link removed] ]*, *Big Bog [ [link removed] ]*, *Mille Lac Kathio [ [link removed] ]*, *Bear Head Lake [ [link removed] ]*, and *Wild River [ [link removed] ]* all have winter cabin options making it possible to enjoy the beauty of the season without sacrificing comfort.

Inside the cabins, you’ll find simple yet functional amenities like bunk beds, tables, and benches—perfect for settling in with a warm drink after a day outdoors. Most cabins also come with a fire ring and picnic table outside, giving you the option to toast marshmallows or gather around a crackling fire under the stars. Bring your bedding, cookware, and sense of adventure.

For families, camper cabins offer a unique opportunity to bond while exploring winter’s quiet wonders. Younger kids will love spotting animal tracks in the snow, and parents can enjoy a peaceful evening away from the hustle of everyday life. 

Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Itasca State Park Expands Offerings

"A winter adventure hub with many overnight options"
A snow-covered inn is illuminated by warm yellow light. [ [link removed] ]

??: Headwaters Inn at Itasca State Park

*Itasca State Park [ [link removed] ]* has transformed into a true winter adventure hub, offering incredible opportunities for both seasoned cold-weather enthusiasts and first-time winter travelers. Whether you’re looking for cozy lodging, invigorating outdoor recreation, or a unique camping experience, Itasca has something to make your winter getaway unforgettable.

*Stay Your Way*

From traditional winter camping to modern comforts, Itasca offers a variety of options to suit every adventurer. Stay at Pine Ridge Campground with drive-in electric campsites perfect for easy access to ski and snowmobile trails, or embrace the wild side with remote backcountry campsites you can ski or snowshoe to.

For a more modern stay, book one of the Four-Season Suites or a room at the Headwaters Inn, both offering ski-in/ski-out access. Families and groups will love the charm of Bert’s Cabins, complete with wood-burning fireplaces, outdoor fire rings, and even pet-friendly options. View all lodging options at *Itasca State Park* on our website [ [link removed] ]. 

*Hit the Trails*

Two people smile widely with a golden retriever on a snowy path lined by string lights at night. [ [link removed] ]

Explore the Twinkle Light Trail, a magical, illuminated loop trail perfect for a short nighttime adventure under the stars and twinkling lights. For longer treks, Itasca offers groomed trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Stop by the Forest Inn, where you can rent snowshoes or skis [ [link removed] ], warm up by the fire, and connect with the park’s vast winter trail system.

This winter, make *Itasca State Park* [ [link removed] ] your destination for adventure, comfort, and unforgettable memories!



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Winter Camping in State Parks

"How to stay warm and have fun"
A person pulls a sled of camping gear through the snow on a path in the woods. [ [link removed] ]

??: Don and Kathy Wood, winter camping at Tettegouche State Park

Winter camping [ [link removed] ] might sound daunting at first, but for those who embrace the challenge, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to experience Minnesota’s natural beauty. From crisp, quiet nights under the stars to the satisfaction of mastering the cold, winter camping in Minnesota state parks offers a truly unique adventure.

Did you know 20+ Minnesota state parks offer winter camping opportunities? Whether you're a seasoned camper or a beginner, winter camping can be as simple or adventurous as you’d like. Some parks, like *Tettegouche State Park [ [link removed] ]*, even offer workshops to help new campers learn the basics of staying safe and comfortable in the cold.

*Workshops at Tettegouche State Park*

Two people stand in winter outdoor gear with a bonfire and snow structure behind them.

Since 2015, Tettegouche State Park hosts a day-long *winter camping workshop [ [link removed] ]* for beginners in February. Led by interpretive naturalist Kurt Mead, the workshop provides step-by-step guidance on everything from dressing for the weather to building snow shelters like a quinzhee—a kind of snow cave that can stay surprisingly warm inside. It’s also a chance to experiment with different options, such as using a “hot tent” with a small wood stove.

For anyone who decides they’re not quite ready for the full experience, workshops are great because they’re led in a controlled environment with experienced staff on hand. Plus, there’s always the option to retreat to a nearby heated building for the night!



*The Rewarding Side of Winter Camping*

While winter camping may be more physically demanding than its summer counterpart, it offers a rare sense of peace and accomplishment. “Winter camping helps us jar ourselves out of winter hibernation mode,” Kurt explains. “Twenty-four hours without indoor heat is a rewarding experience.” There's nothing quite like crawling into a warm sleeping bag after a day of hard work, hearing nothing but the crunch of snow underfoot and the wind in the trees. 

*Ready to Try It?*

Winter camping [ [link removed] ] is available at state parks across Minnesota. Be sure to check park-specific details before heading out, as water access, restroom availability, and plowed campsites vary by location. For first-timers, it’s always a good idea to call the park ahead to confirm conditions.

Want to learn more? Visit our website to see which parks offer winter camping [ [link removed] ], or check out the Winter Camping Workshop at *Tettegouche State Park* on February 8, 2025 [ [link removed] ]. With the right gear, preparation, and mindset, winter camping can become your next great adventure!

Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Why Winter? ☃️

"Unbelievable sights only available in the winter months"

?? Frozen waterfalls

Experience the awe of waterfalls transformed into stunning ice sculptures. Parks like *Gooseberry Falls [ [link removed] ], Minneopa [ [link removed] ]*, and *Nerstrand Big Woods [ [link removed] ]* are breathtaking when draped in frozen beauty. See which state parks have waterfalls on ParkFinder [ [link removed] ]. 

A frozen waterfall on a blue sky day. [ [link removed] ]

??️ Candlelit trails [ [link removed] ]

Step into a glowing wonderland as you explore candlelit trails. These serene evening walks combine flickering candlelight with crisp winter air for an unforgettable, tranquil adventure. Check out the candlelight event calendar to find an event near you [ [link removed] ]. 

A snowy path is illumined by candles along the trail in winter. [ [link removed] ]

❄️ Frosty fields

Blankets of fresh snow transform Minnesota’s prairies and open spaces into breathtaking frosty fields. State parks like *Blue Mounds [ [link removed] ]*, *Glendalough [ [link removed] ]* and *Glacial Lakes [ [link removed] ]* offer stunning views of glistening snow-covered landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Two deer look out from an all white, frosty field.

?? Interesting ice formations

From Lake Superior’s icy shores to frozen bubbles on lake surfaces, Minnesota’s winter creates unique and dazzling ice formations. Explore parks like *Split Rock Lighthouse* [ [link removed] ] or *Scenic State Park* [ [link removed] ] for a closer look at these natural works of art.

On the top of a lake, ice floats in rounds circles.



You're On Thin Ice 🧊⛔️
Infographic showing ice thickness guidelines. [ [link removed] ]

While you're out enjoying your wintry adventures, make sure you are also thinking about ice safety! We know it’s tempting to get close-up photos of frozen waterfalls, but ice that forms over or near falling/flowing water is not as strong or thick as ice that forms on a stagnant body of water. There should be at least four inches of new, clear ice before going out on foot—stay on the shore if you aren't sure about ice thickness and strength.

*Remember: ice safety is your responsibility!* Never assume ice is safe because someone else was out there before you. Learn more ice safety tips on the DNR's website [ [link removed] ].




New 2025 Vehicle Permits are Here!

Every year, one Minnesota state park is featured on our vehicle permit stickers and handmade ceramic mugs. In 2025, the rugged wilderness and wild beauty of *George H. Crosby Manitou State Park [ [link removed] ]* is featured front and center to commemorate its 70th anniversary! Permit stickers and matching mugs with the new design are available now, in-person at state park offices and online [ [link removed] ].

Order online today! 2025 MN state vehicle permit and matching ceramic mug. [ [link removed] ]


Footer graphic with four icons, a tent in the woods, a compass, pines and binoculars.

Icon representing past times. [ [link removed] ]

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minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]

*Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  |  mndnr.gov [ [link removed] ] *

Email us: [email protected]  |  Call 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367

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