Wonderful Winter Trails
By Your Inner Otter
Otters don’t hibernate in winter and neither should you. There are plenty of ways to enjoy your time outside this time of year. Here is a look at some places that have wonderful winter trails for you to find your inner otter.
Glendalough State Park – Battle Lake, MN
Nestled just north of Battle Lake, Glendalough State Park offers a true respite from civilization. One of the last large tracts of undeveloped lakeshore in western Minnesota (9.2 miles) lies within the park. The gently rolling topography is an excellent example of original landscape transition from prairie to northern hardwoods. Skis and snowshoes are available for winter rental at the park office. The park features eight miles of groomed cross country ski trails and snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the park except for on groomed trails.
Where to stay
Where to eat
Maplewood State Park – Pelican Rapids, MN
Located in the rolling hills of the northwest corner of Otter Tail County, Maplewood State Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s winter wonderland. When conditions allow, they offer five miles of classic groomed cross country skiing trails and five miles of un-groomed back country trails. They also have a 1/2 mile groomed snowshoeing trail. You can snowshoe anywhere in the park other than trails groomed for skiing or snowmobiles. Snowshoe rentals are available in the park office. Speaking of snowmobiles, Maplewood has 21 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that connect to Otter Tail County’s larger trail system.
Where to stay
Where to eat
Black’s Grove Park – Wadena, MN
If you enjoy getting off the beaten path and getting immersed in nature, Black’s Grove Park in eastern Otter Tail County is a must visit. This park is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers and the City of Wadena. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails cut through an forrest that is a combination of hardwood and evergreen trees.
