Becker County Cross Country Ski Trails
Detroit Lakes Minnesota Winter Fun
Becker County Cross Country Ski Trails
Detroit Lakes Minnesota Winter Fun
Cross-country skiing and snow mobiling are popular activities during the winter months in Becker County. Multiple public agencies, area resorts, and even private individuals maintain a number of ski trails throughout the County. The Detroit Lakes Nordic Ski Club grooms trails during the winter season at Mountain View Rec Area, East Frazee, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Pine Lake, Pickerel Lake and Detroit Mountain Rec Area. See their website for maps and grooming updates.
Cross-Country Ski and snowmobiling trails within Becker County, Minnesota are maintained to varying degrees; from minimum maintenance level to a regularly groomed basis. Some trails may require a Minnesota State Ski Pass. Check with the trail sponsor regarding any rules and requirements.
Area Trail Details
Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Cross Country Skiing: Length: 7.0 km
Located just minutes from Detroit Lakes, MN, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area offers an explorable terrain with 45 skiable acres, 21 runs, 2 terrain parks, 2 chairlifts, 2 high-speed rope tows, and 2 magic carpet lifts. Detroit Mountain is kid-friendly, catering to first timers (of any age), with a designated learning area featuring Terrain Based Learning™. More Details
Nordic and snowshoes trails at Detroit Mountain take you on a winding tour through their wooded 200 acres. There are approximately 7km of machine groomed skate and classic trails with connectors to additional groomed trails at Mountain View Recreation Area and off-piste trails at the Detroit Mountain WPA US Fish & Wildlife Waterfowl Production Area. Snowshoes trails follow a separate network of trails used for mountain biking and also have the ability to connect to adjacent trail systems at Mountain View Recreation Area and Leitheiser Lake area. Your Detroit Mountain alpine season pass includes the use of the Nordic and snowshoe trails.
Contact Information: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area
29409 170th St, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone: 218.844.7669; Email: info@detroitmountain.com
Driving Map: Distance to The Lodge on Lake Detroit • 1.6 mi.
Mountain View Recreation Area: Length: 4.9 km
The trails at Mountain View Recreation Area wind their way through a mature, mixed hardwood forest. While the local terrain is rolling to steeply rolling, the trails are laid out to accommodate all level of skiers, from beginners to the more experienced. Trails are wide and are regularly groomed for both classical and skate style skiing and offer several different loops. Parking for 10-15 vehicles is located along Tower Road. The Minnesota State Ski Trail Pass is currently NOT required.
Terrain: Hilly, but possible to avoid major hills.
General Location: Off Tower Road just outside of Detroit Lakes.
Driving Map Distance to The Lodge on Lake Detroit • 2.0 mi.
Mountain View Recreational Area Trail Map (PDF)
Contact Information: Becker County Parks and Recreation
200 State St E, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone: 218-846-2612
Dunton Locks Ski & Snowmobile Trails: Length: 6.1 km
unton Locks County Park is a 53-acre park located on the shores of Muskrat Lake and Lake Sallie 3 miles south of Detroit Lakes on Highway 59 and 6, next to the DNR Fish Hatchery. For the nature lover, Dunton Locks County Park features 6.1 km of hiking, mountain biking and cross country ski trails and snowmobile trails located on the hills above the Eagles Picnic Shelter and along the shores between Lake Sallie and Muskrat Lake, south of the bridge. The northern trails wind through hardwood forested hills once a gathering spot for the Sioux Indians. Remnants of Indian burial mounds are still present throughout the park. In fact, much of the park area was a gathering area for netting tulabies, camping, and trading. The southern trails also wind through rolling, wooded terrain, however much of the trails are located on private land owned by the Soo Pass Ranch. This land is used for camping during the music festivals the Soo Pass Ranch holds each year.
Dunton Locks Complete System Trail Maps (PDF)
Dunton Locks North Ski & Snowmobile Trails Map (PDF)
Dunton Locks South Snowmobile Trails Map (PDF)pdf
Contact: Dunton Locks County Park
200 East State Street, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone: (218) 846-2612
Dunton Locks County Park Website
Driving Map Distance to The Lodge on Lake Detroit • 8.4 mi.
Pickerel Lake Ski Trails: Length: 9.1 km
The Pickerel Lake Ski Trails are a mix of narrow, single track trails and forest roads. These trails meander through area hardwood forests and past several small potholes, offering numerous opportunities to spot deer, grouse, and many other forms of wildlife. The 9.1 km of trails are bisected by a local snowmobile trail and are groomed occasionally. Parking for 4-6 vehicles is located at the end of Sunset Road off Co. Hwy. 25. The Minnesota State Ski Trail Pass is currently NOT required.
Terrain: Gentle rolling hills
General Location: North east of Detroit Lakes off county highway 25
Driving Map: Distance to The Lodge: 6.9 mi.
Pickerel Hills Cross Country Ski & Snowmobile Trail Map (PDF)
Contact Information: MN DNR, Forestry
14583 Co Hwy 19, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone: 218-846-8281; Email: kent.wolf@state.mn.us
Maplelag Resort Cross Country Ski Trails: Length 70 km
Maplelag Resort maintains nearly 70 kilometers of ski and mountain bike trails. Most of the trails are groomed double wide classical (traditional) style, but they also have skating trails as well. Skating on Skaters Waltz, Skaters Extension and North Loup for a total of 13km. Skaters Waltz can be skied in either direction. Maplelag offers 60 km of groomed trails for skate and classic skiing. Fat-tire biking enthusiasts can bring their bikes to enjoy 15 km of trails. If you are feeling adventurous you can explore Maplelag’s ungroomed snowy acres with your own snowshoes. Other outdoor activities at Maplelag include: Sledding, Ice Skating, and Ice fishing (must bring your own equipment). Get the latest trail reports at Maplelag Resort. Please be aware that in the winter time icy conditions may exist and there is the potential for falling and injury. As a visitor to Maplelag, you assume full responsibility of your actions. In the other seasons, the ground is uneven and the potential for falling and injury exists as well. All users assume full responsibility of their actions. Note: Please, do not skate on the classical tracks, or walk on any of the groomed trails.
General Location: Maplelag is located in Becker County, 20 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes, MN
Driving Map Distance to The Lodge on Lake Detroit • 21.6 mi.
Maplelag Resort Cross Country Ski Trail Map (PDF)
Contact: Maplelag Resort
30501 Maplelag Road, Callaway, MN 56521-9643
Phone: (218) 375-4466; E-mail: maplelag@tvutel.com
Maplelag Resort Website
Tamarac Wildlife Refuge/Pine Lake Ski Trails: Length: 12.2 km
The Pine Lake Cross Country Ski Trail has two loops. The two mile loop will take you through a field, among the oak-maple forest and along the shores of Tamarac Lake. The Pine Lake loop is nearly 6 miles and will guide you around Pine Lake with spectacular views. Both trails are generally even terrain with a few short hills to keep your trek interesting. This ski trail is occasionally groomed by volunteers. Parking is located along Co. Hwy. 29 and can accommodate 6-8 vehicles. The Minnesota State Ski Trail Pass is currently NOT required.
General Location: East of Detroit Lakes on Hwy 34
Terrain: Rolling hills
Driving Map Distance to The Lodge on Lake Detroit • 23.7 mi.
Contact Information: Tamarac NWR
35704 Co Hwy 26, Rochert, MN 56578
Phone: 218-847-2641; Email: tamarac@fws.gov
Detroit Lakes Winter Activities Guide
Detroit Lakes winter fun begins at The Lodge. At 1500 feet, nearby Detroit Mountain Recreation Area offers an explorable terrain with 45 skiable acres, 21 runs, 2 terrain parks, 2 chairlifts, 2 high-speed rope tows, and 2 magic carpet lifts. Snowmobile more than 200 miles of groomed trails in the Detroit Lakes area. Over 50 miles of cross country ski trails are available on public and private property. Don’t let cold weather keep you from fishing! Fish houses and equipment are available for rent for winter ice fishing. Enjoy Detroit Lakes winter activities and outdoor fun year-round.
Best Winter & Polar Fest Hotels in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
The Lodge on Lake Detroit & The Spa Within
The only way to improve the Detroit Lakes Polar Fest, one of Minnesota’s most fun winter festivals, is to stay in one of the best Polar Fest Hotels in Detroit Lake. Whether your stay is the entire 11-day event, any of the three weekends or if you are just here for a particular event, you will find our Detroit Lakes Minnesota lake resort is the perfect setting to relax and recover from all the day’s activities. What better way to unwind after a busy winter Minnesota day than in The Lodge’s beautiful Fireside Lobby and LoLa D’s Lobby Bar & Bistro. Nestled in a lovely tree-filled setting on a private 550 foot wide sandy beach, you’ll find the latest hotel style and amenities. The Lodge is independently owned and operated by Holland Hospitality, Inc., now in its third generation of providing excellence in hospitality.
With our modern amenities and thoughtful design, we stand out among other lodging choices in Detroit Lakes, MN. For couples or family getaways, we offer a variety of rooms and suites with king, queen or two queen beds. Our free hot breakfast (currently using Grab & Go Bags while Covid precautions are in place), free local calls, indoor heated pool and fitness center make the hotel a great place to recharge between enjoying Detroit Lakes attractions and activities. View hotel detail.
All rooms feature lakefront views, free Wi-Fi and wired internet, flat-screen TVs with extended channels. Rooms are equipped with mini-frige, microwaves, and coffee makers and are pet and smoke free. View accommodation detail.
Detroit Lakes Day Spa: The Spa Within at The Lodge offers an extensive menu of select spa treatment services, many of which are signature treatments exclusive to this spa. These revitalizing treatments include the use of warm and cold basalt stones for face and body, and a variety of facials and massage therapies that are sure to induce a state of deep relaxation.
Your Guide to Year-Round Detroit Lakes Recreation & Fun!
With over 400 lakes within a 25-mile radius, Detroit Lakes lives up to its reputation as a great place for year-round outdoor activities. Whether your activity choice is in, on or below the water (or even on land) Detroit Lakes offers a great variety of things to do for your entire family.
UPCOMING EVENTS
There’s a lot going on at The Lodge year round. Be sure to subscribe to our eNews and keep an eye on our Facebook page to keep up with live musical events (Live at The Lodge), Summer Thursdays, Wine Tastings, Murder Mystery Events, Girlfriend Getaways, and so more.
“Perfect spot for Business Meetings with time to Relax, Rejuvenate and Reconnect with your clients. Want a Perfect spot for your next Business Meeting, a Group Meeting and or small conferences with time to Relax, Rejuvenate and Reconnect with your clients. Great hospitality welcomes you to The LODGE on Lake Detroit with friendly customer service, outstanding lodging environment from the comfort of your room to the sounds of the Minnesota Loons on Lake Detroit. A great selection of restaurants and golf courses are just minutes away. Close to the downtown area, great location for fishing, and all seasonal things to do and events for all to enjoy year-around in the Detroit Lakes area.”
MINNESOTA TRIPADVISOR GUEST
“We enjoyed our stay at The Lodge in Detroit Lakes, Mn. The staff was very helpful and very friendly. We stayed in the Resort Room adjoining to the Retreat Room. It was very nice for our family so we could have access to each others room and to have use of a Kitchen. We were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary and our son was participating in the Pine to Palm Tournament. Nice location to golf course & downtown. The rooms were clean and the amenities of having a dock for our boat and use of paddle boat & Kayakes was especially nice. We enjoyed the complementary breakfast; especially the waffles and pancakes. The Ice water cooler was very refreshing. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Lodge & will be back on any future trips to the Detroit Lakes area.”
KATHY M – TRIPADVISOR GUEST
