Snowshoeing for Beginners
Snowshoeing in Grand Rapids, MN is a great way to explore the forest in northern Minnesota. Winter can be experienced in two ways, snuggled up indoors enjoying the warmth, or layering up and exploring Minnesota’s nature. One of the best ways to experience the outdoors in the winter is by snowshoeing. This is an activity that anyone can do! Below are the Top tips for snowshoeing for beginners. In addition, resources for rentals and guides.
Tips!
- Layer up. Minnesota winter can be chilly especially if you’re snowshoeing near water. Wear snow pants, waterproof winter boots, a hat, gloves, and a warm winter coat. Make sure to check the weather before going out.
- Bring a friend or go with a guide! If it is your first time going out snowshoeing, it is a great idea to have someone with you.
- If you’re snowshoeing out at Tioga or anywhere where the trails have wooden bridges make sure not to use your poles to avoid them getting stuck in the bridge.
- Check out trail info before hitting the trails.
- Make sure your snowshoes and poles are adjusted properly.
How to adjust snowshoes to fit: https://fb.watch/a0Id3ta4jq/
purchase or rent
If you do not own your own snowshoes, don’t worry…
Places to Rent:
Ardent Bicycles
218-999-5470
951 NW 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Website: https://www.ardentbicycles.com/
Places to Purchase:
Glen’s
218-326-1201
701 NW 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Website: https://www.glensoutdoors.com/
L&M Fleet Supply
218-326-2926
1400 S Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Website: https://www.landmsupply.com/
Ardent Bicycles
218-999-5470
951 NW 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Website: https://www.ardentbicycles.com/
places to snowshoe
Top Trails to Explore include Tioga Recreation, Forest History Center, Soumi Hills, Sugar Hills, Joyce Estates, Legion Park Trails, Simpson Creek, and Wabana. Visit the Snowshoeing Page to see trail maps and the level of difficulty of each trail.
Cozy Lodging
Grand Rapids, MN offers a lot of overnight lodging options from in town Hotels, Motels, Air B&B and Bed and Breakfasts. You will also find MN Resorts cabins that are open year round, and lake vacation rentals. The decision on what type of lodging can be searched based on the amenities that you are looking for. In town lodging is close to in-town trails, shopping and dining. Cabins and vacation rentals are located on beautiful lakes and near trails systems. For snowshoeing you don’t need designated trails. Just make sure that if you are on a cross country ski trail or a mountain bike trail that you cross the trail at a 90 degree angle to not disrupt the grooming. Find Grand Rapids Lodging HERE.
Fun places to eat & drink
Snowshoeing can work up quite the appetite. Grand Rapids, MN might be a small town, but it boosts fun places to eat & drink. Whether you are looking for a quick bite on the run, or you are looking to sit down at the favorite place the locals go, you have options! There are two craft breweries and a MN wine bar in addition to some franchise properties and locally owned restaurants. Find fun places to Eat & Drink HERE.