Winter Wonderland in Central Minnesota

Central Minnesota is a great destination for winter lovers, especially for families with kids. There are so many fun and exciting activities to enjoy in the snow, from snowmobiling to sledding to ice fishing. Whether you want to stay in a cozy cabin or a luxury resort, you will find plenty of options to suit your budget and preferences. Here are some of the highlights of winter in Central Minnesota, with a focus on Clitherall, a charming town in Otter Tail County.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Minnesota, and Central Minnesota has some of the best trails in the state. You can explore over 1,200 miles of groomed and marked trails, with scenic views of lakes, forests, and wildlife. You can also find snowmobile rentals, tours, and lessons for beginners and kids. One of the best places to go snowmobiling is Clitherall, which is located on the Otter Trail Scenic Byway. This route connects several towns and attractions, such as Glendalough State Park, Phelps Mill, and Maplewood State Park. You can also stop by Clitherall Lake or West Battle Lake for some ice fishing or skating.

Sledding

Sledding is another fun and easy way to enjoy the snow with your kids. You can find many hills and parks that offer sledding opportunities in Central Minnesota. Some of the best places to go sledding are Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, Powder Ridge Winter Recreation Area, and Riverside Park in St. Cloud. These places also have other winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowshoeing. You can also try dog sledding at North Ridge Ranch, where you can learn how to mush a team of huskies and experience the thrill of gliding through the snow.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a quintessential Minnesota winter activity, and Central Minnesota has some of the best lakes for it. You can catch walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch, and more. You can also rent heated ice houses, augers, and fishing gear from local outfitters. Some of the best lakes for ice fishing are Big Stone Lake, Mille Lacs Lake, and Lake Minnewaska. If you want to stay close to Clitherall, you can try Clitherall Lake or West Battle Lake, which are both known for their clear water and abundant fish.

Winter Festivals

Winter in Central Minnesota is not only about outdoor activities. You can also enjoy some of the winter festivals that celebrate the season with music, food, art, and entertainment. Some of the winter festivals that you can check out are Winterfest in Alexandria, Spicer Winterfest in Spicer, and Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes. These festivals feature events such as ice sculptures, snow sculptures, ice skating, sleigh rides, fireworks, and more.

As you can see, Central Minnesota has a lot to offer for winter fun. Whether you want to be active or relax, you will find something to suit your mood and interest. So don't let the cold stop you from visiting this beautiful region. You might just fall in love with winter!