Winter Recreation
Forest Ice Skating
Skiing
Sledding
Snowshoeing
Forest Ice Skating – Opening December 21
Step into something new with us this winter!
This is our very first year offering Forest Ice Skating, and we’re treating it as an exciting experiment. We’ve created a gently winding ice trail through the woods, between a quarter-mile and a half-mile long, with light elevation changes for a truly unique outdoor skating experience. We’re still learning, testing, and refining, but we think you’re going to love it.
Hours
- Weekdays: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Weekends: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission
- Members: Free
- Guests 15+: $10
- Guests 14 and under: $5
- Veterans & Seniors (65+): $5
Skates
We hope to offer skate rentals through the Visitor Center soon. In the meantime, we are gratefully accepting skate donations to help us build our rental collection.
Come glide through the trees, enjoy the crisp winter air, and be part of our very first season on the ice. We can’t wait to see you out on the trail!
New!
Make the Most of Winter with Our Snowshoe and Ski Trails
Northland Arboretum features over seven miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and over two miles of prepared snowshoe paths, making us one of the best places in the state to ski, sled, or just take a walk during Minnesota’s gorgeous winters. Check out our winter trail and hiking maps for information on cross-country ski paths, snowshoe trails, restrooms, and more.
#1 Forest
#2 Tree Education Area
#3 Old Homestead
#4 Beaver Pond
#5 Beaver Pond from North
#6 Visitor Center
#7 Sledding Hill
#8 Monet Pond Bridge
Winter Ski Trails
Our winter trails include 15 kilometers of cross-country ski trails groomed by the Brainerd Nordic Ski Club, as well as two miles of prepared snowshoe trails. Winter ski trails are open from sunrise to sunset, with 6 kilometers of lit ski paths for evening use, maintained by the Brainerd Nordic Ski Club, open from 4:30 to 10:00 PM every day. All our trails are groomed for dual use, both classic cross-country and skating, making Northland Arboretum among the most popular places to ski during winter.
If you are 16 or older, you must have The Great Minnesota Ski pass to ski on groomed trails in Minnesota state parks, state forests, or on state and Grant-In-Aid trails. Daily passes are available at the Arboretum Visitor Center. Yearly passes are available wherever DNR permits and licenses are sold. Sign your ski pass and be sure to carry your pass with you every time you go skiing. Current ski conditions at the Arboretum can be found at skinnyski.com.
Snowshoe Trails at Northland
The Northland Arboretum has over two miles of marked snowshoe trails that wander through the prairie restoration area and into the Jack Pine Savannah. Snowshoe trails are marked with green signs and intersect at certain points with ski trails. Please look for signage on the trail for directions and your location.
Snowshoe Rental
Snowshoe rentals are available to arboretum guests at our Visitor Center. Snowshoe rentals are valid for three hours from the time of purchase. Child and adult sizes are available.
Hit the Slopes
During the summer months, our sledding hill serves as a native pollinator habitat. In the winter, the hill is available for sledders of all ages, best for younger ages. It is located right next to the nature playscape. In the evenings, the hill is lit until 10 PM.
Contact Us
At Northland Arboretum, we’re constantly working to improve our services and keep nature accessible to as many people as possible. If you have questions or concerns or just want to leave feedback on your experience with us, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Simply submit the contact form below and we’ll get back to you within seven business days.