11 Ways to Enjoy Winter in St. Louis Park & Golden Valley, MN

Winter Activities

Searching for things to do near Minneapolis during the colder months? St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, Minnesota, offer indoor and outdoor experiences suited to families, couples, and weekend visitors.

February 19, 2026

Snowy weather is an invitation to get outside. Because St. Louis Park and Golden Valley sit just minutes west of downtown Minneapolis, you can enjoy winter fun without traveling up north. Skate on the ice, sled down a hill, explore snow-covered trails, and finish the day with shopping or a meal. Even when snow is scarce, plenty of cool experiences remain available. It’s all part of Minnesota’s Sweet Spot for Outdoor Fun.

1. Lace Up Your Skates

St. Louis Park and Golden Valley together have 21 outdoor park skating rinks. The Rec Center in St. Louis Park also has two indoor skating rinks that operate year-round. Next door, the ROC provides a covered outdoor skating experience, including disco ball ice skating on select Fridays throughout the winter season.

This is an affordable, family-friendly activity near Minneapolis that also works well for a date night.

2. Hit the Trails

Theodore Wirth Park in Golden Valley features some of the best cross-country ski trails in the state. When temperatures run warmer than expected, snowmakers keep several trails open throughout the season. At The Trailhead inside the park, visitors can rent equipment for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Beginners can take lessons while trying cross-country skiing near Minneapolis.

Many area locations provide snowmaking, lighting, or indoor alternatives, helping winter activities continue during low-snow winters.

3. Go for a Spin

Cold and snowy conditions do not have to keep cyclists indoors. Fat tire riders can use the groomed trail at Brookview in Golden Valley, then warm up with a hot drink from Brookview’s Three One Six Bar + Grill.

Theodore Wirth offers winter routes ranging from easy to extreme and hosts the 29K Freewheel Fat Tire Loppet. A lighted loop is available from 6–9 pm Friday through Sunday evenings. Trail conditions can be checked in advance. Day rentals are available from Theodore Wirth and Tonka Cycle & Ski in nearby Hopkins.

This is a distinctive winter biking option near Minneapolis for outdoor adventurers.

4. Take a Hike

In St. Louis Park, Westwood Hills Nature Center encompasses a 160-acre landscape of marsh, woods, and restored prairie. Westwood Lake and more than 3 miles of trails create opportunities for snowshoeing and wildlife viewing.

The Interpretive Center rents snowshoes in sizes ranging from preschool through adult. Call ahead to reserve a pair at 952-924-2544.

For families, particularly those with young children, this makes a peaceful winter nature outing near Minneapolis.

5. Fly Down a Hill

Families can go tubing at the hill in Theodore Wirth Park, where a tow rope carries riders back to the top. A separate kiddie hill is available for younger children.

For traditional sledding, St. Louis Park and Golden Valley have 12 hills throughout the communities, including 3 that are lighted for early evening use.

These hills offer some of the best free or low-cost sledding and tubing near Minneapolis.

6. Throw an Ace

At Brookview in Golden Valley, swap golf clubs for a disc and play 18 holes of disc golf. Players can try for an ace, also known as a hole-in-one, and rent discs from the clubhouse.

It is an easygoing winter activity near Minneapolis for couples and informal groups.

7. Rock Out

Brookview in Golden Valley offers outdoor pub curling on six synthetic-ice rinks. First of its kind in the state, the venue welcomes participants of every age and skill level. Rinks can be rented by the hour, with reservations available up to seven days ahead.

The experience is approachable for beginners and makes a popular Twin Cities date idea or group outing.

8. Walk the Dog

For a more adventurous outing with a dog, try skijoring. At Brookview or Theodore Wirth Park in Golden Valley, you can harness your dog and ski together.

Skijoring provides a one-of-a-kind dog-friendly winter activity near Minneapolis.

9. Shop ‘Til You Drop

St. Louis Park and Golden Valley offer places to find gifts for family and friends. Max’s has necklaces and earrings, while sota clothing carries warm hoodies and cozy hats. Droolin’ Moose offers chocolates, and Nordic Ware Factory Store has distinctive bakeware. For whimsical décor and novelties, visit Patina.

Together, these shops make a winter shopping getaway near Minneapolis.

10. Stay Inside and Play

Indoor venues provide a way to stay warm while continuing the fun. At The Shops at West End in St. Louis Park, Game Show Battle Rooms recreates classic TV show games. St. Louis Park’s Park Tavern Bowling & Entertainment Center combines bowling with arcade games. In Golden Valley, younger children can play at the Backyard at Brookview, an indoor play space.

These are useful family activities near Minneapolis when winter temperatures fall.

11. Hang Out With Friends

After time outside, relax at breweries and distilleries across St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. Steel Toe Brewing in St. Louis Park serves an award-winning beer. In Golden Valley, Under Pressure Brewing offers over 40 uniquely blended beers.

At The Dampfwerk Distillery in St. Louis Park, sample German-style liqueurs and fruit brandies, including their American Single Malt Whiskey. Nearby, Copperwing Distillery serves its signature Vodskey®, made from bourbon mash but distilled like vodka.

Breweries and distilleries offer a comfortable winter date night or evening out with friends in the west metro.

Plan Your Winter Visit

Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest time for these activities. To avoid larger crowds, consider weekday evenings or Sunday mornings. Free parking is widely available in both St. Louis Park and Golden Valley.

Compared with busy Minneapolis lakes and regional parks, these destinations provide simpler parking, shorter waits, and terrain that is welcoming to beginners.

Winter FAQs

Do winter activities near Minneapolis require a drive up north?

No. Skiing, tubing, skating, and snowshoeing are all available in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, only minutes from downtown.

Are there free things to do in winter near Minneapolis?

Yes. Many of the sledding hills, skating rinks, and hiking trails in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley can be used at no cost.

Where can beginners learn cross-country skiing in the Twin Cities?

Theodore Wirth Park, near St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, provides rentals and lessons for people trying cross-country skiing for the first time.

Are these winter activities suitable for children?

Yes. Many of the venues offer features such as playgrounds, tow ropes, equipment rentals, and indoor warming areas for families.

What can you do in winter when there is no snow?

Indoor skating, shopping, breweries, and entertainment venues remain available throughout the year.

What are some winter date ideas near Minneapolis?

Disco skating, visiting a brewery, and outdoor pub curling in Golden Valley and St. Louis Park are all options for a winter date.

St. Louis Park and Golden Valley are located just west of Minneapolis in the Twin Cities metro, making them convenient destinations for a winter day trip or weekend getaway.