Everything you’ll need to know for your upcoming Nordic Cuyuna getaway!

Most of us know Cuyuna for its nationally ranked red dirt, single track mountain bike trails. There are over 35 miles now and counting! The mountain bike trails are busy all Summer long and riders enjoy the colors into the Fall.  After the Fall leaves fall and hunting season passes, we enter into one of our favorite Cuyuna seasons of all: Winter. We are lucky to have endless access to year round adventure right here in Cuyuna, MN and Winter does not disappoint! 

Once the ground freezes and we get a good amount of snowfall, the groomers (who are all volunteer based… THANK YOU!) hit the mountain bike trails to begin grooming. Not all 35 miles are groomed all Winter, but many miles are. The local bike shops can help point you in the right direction for which ones are open and groomed during your stay.  You can also get trail updates and trail conditions from Cuyuna Lakes MTB Crew via their website and twitter. Click this link for the latest trail condition updates:  https://www.cuyunalakesmtb.com/currentconditions

You can rent a fat tire bike from either bike shop in town (or bring your own) and ride the snowy, beautiful trails to your heart’s content. But for this blog, our purpose is to guide you to the snowshoe and cross country ski options in the winter in and near Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. 

Snowshoeing in Cuyuna, MN 

First on our list are the snowshoes. We (Cuyuna Cove) rent them out during your stay or you can easily rent them from Red Raven up the street as well. Snowshoes are actually encouraged on the mountain bike trails in the winter since they help pack the snow down and help out the volunteer groomers who are working hard to pack the snow for the fat tire bikes.  NOTE: Walking on the MTB trails is not allowed in the winter, so if you want to explore them on foot, you’ll need snowshoes strapped on. If you’re staying with us and are lucky enough to experience a good snowfall, you won’t be able to fat tire bike right away. You’ll have to wait until the groomers hit the trails (check that link above for trail updates).

So, in the meantime, grab a pair of snowshoes and leave right from your cabin to explore miles of trails on foot. You can head directly to Yawkey Unit trail head or Portsmouth Trail from your cabin. On both routes you’ll find 100ft pines, views of the mine lakes, rolling hills and of course the crisp, beautiful silence of a Northern Cuyuna Winter. 

Be sure to pack a backpack with extra layers, water, hand warmers and snacks. This way, if you work up a sweat you can also take layers off and store them in your pack. Don’t forget to pack a thermos filled with your favorite hot beverage to enjoy on your breaks! We recommend hot chocolate with a dash (or several dashes) of Baileys (if you’re 21 and over of course). Bring your camera to snap some photos, you’ll want to document the stunning winter wonderland scenery. 

After your snowshoe adventure, head into town to warm up at Cuyuna Brewing or head to Iron Range for lunch or dinner, you’ll be hungry after all that walking and fresh, crisp, outside air! 

Nordic Cross Country Ski Rental Information:  

Where Can I Rent Cross Country Skis near Cuyuna, MN?

Martin’s Sport Shop in Nisswa:

Unfortunately there are no rental options in Crosby/Cuyuna (yet) for cross country skis, boots and poles. However, if you don’t have your own and do need to rent, there is Martin’s Sport Shop located in Nisswa. They rent out cross country skis/boots/poles and snowshoes for $20 a day. It is about a 30 min drive to their store depending on weather conditions. Nisswa is always a fun little area to check out as well if you’re heading there to grab skis!

Hoigaard’s in St. Louis Park:

Another option for cross country ski rentals (if you’re coming from the cities) is to pick them up before you head North to Cuyuna. The rental place we recommend is Hoigaard’s. 

They are located in St. Louis Park and you can do longer rentals (for example, a 3 night rental including skis, boots and poles for an adult is $45, based on Oct 2020 pricing).

Note the days they are closed below and be sure to get them before Mon/Tues if those are the days you’ll need them! Click the link below to check their updated pricing and to make a reservation:

Hoigaard’s

Address: 5425 Excelsior Blvd. Miracle Mile Shopping Center St. Louis Park, MN 55416  Phone: 952.929.1351

https://hoigaards.com/pages/hoigaard-s-nordic-rentals

Email: 261hoigaards@vailresorts.com

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday through Sunday

          Closed on Monday and Tuesday

 

 

The Top 4 Cross Country Ski Trails near Crosby, MN

There are a few amazing cross country ski trails near your cabin at Cuyuna Cove, some of which are only a 7 minute drive away! 

Head to https://crowwing.us/740/Cross-Country-Ski-Trails for more detailed xcountry ski trail information.

 

1) Larson Lake Trail

Distance from Crosby, MN by car: 11 minutes 

Trail Length: 7.2 Miles total (can choose shorter routes) Located in Deerwood, MN

Trail Features: Rolling Hill Terrain, Mixture of oak forests and red and white pines, gorgeous wetland views. 

Trail Safety Info: Click Here

Trail Map: Click Here

Trail Conditions: Click Here

Address/Hours/Phone Number on ExploreMN.com: Click Here

Directions: Larson Lake Trail is located south of Deerwood. Follow State Highway 6 south, turn left on Co. Road 10

2) Wolf Lake Trail 

Distance from Crosby, MN by car: 16 minutes depending on weather

Trail Length: 5.6 Miles total 

Trail Features: Varying terrain from level to hilly.  Mixture of hardwoods and mature pines. 

Trail Safety Info: Click Here

Trail Map: Click Here

Trail Conditions: Click Here

Address/Hours/Phone Number on ExploreMN.com: Click Here

Directions: South of Deerwood Shortcut turn south on Tower Road, turn right onto N. Nelson Road OR follow State Highway 18 east from Brainerd, turn left on Co. Road 159, stay straight onto N. Nelson Road.

 

3) Nordic Ridge Trail 

Distance from Crosby, MN by car: 28 minutes depending on weather

Trail Length: 13.7 miles 

Trail Features: Mixture of scattered old pines and young conifer and aspen growth. Connections to the City of Crosslake recreation trails and facilities including snowshoe trails, hiking, and more.

Trail Safety Info: Click Here

Trail Map: Click Here

Trail Conditions: Click Here

Address/Hours/Phone Number on ExploreMN.com: Click Here

Directions: From Brainerd, head north on County Road 3 for 24 miles. Stay straight (north) onto County Road 66 in Crosslake. Take a right onto Daggett Pine Road, go 0.5 miles. The trail head is located at the Crosslake Community Center on the left(north side of road), with parking available next to the building.

4) French Rapids Trail 

Distance from Crosby, MN by car: 18 minutes depending on weather

Trail Length: 5.9 miles 

Trail Features: Groomed Trails for classic and skate ski. Primarily small pine trees. Scenic views of the Mississippi River. 

Trail Safety Info: Click Here

Trail Map: Click Here

Trail Conditions: Click Here

Address/Hours/Phone Number on ExploreMN.com: Click Here

We hope you have a wonderful time exploring the beauty of the area from the trails. You’ll have to let us know which trails you tried and what ones were your favorite. Winter truly is magical here in Cuyuna.

Enjoy!