Winter Snowshoeing and Kicksledding in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley

Winter Adventures

Snowshoeing and Kicksledding

See Minnesota’s snowy landscapes from a snowshoe. This winter activity works well for people of every age and ability level.

Theodore Wirth Regional Park

Begin at The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth for a snowshoe outing. The park offers many single-track biking trails and marked hiking trails that welcome snowshoers. Snowshoeing is also permitted on three natural ski trails: Tornado Alley, JD Rivers, and Eloise Butler. On designated ski trails, always travel in the direction of traffic and remain on the left side. Snowshoeing is not permitted on groomed ski trails.

The Trailhead offers snowshoe rentals.

Brookview

During winter, Brookview keeps a one-mile, multi-use natural-snow recreation trail open through the golf course. The route winds over gentle hills and includes solar LED lighting, making it a pleasant place to walk. It opens once snow conditions are suitable and remains maintained through late February.

Westwood Hills Nature Center

Westwood Hills Nature Center covers 160 acres of marsh, woodland, and restored prairie. The area includes Westwood Lake and more than 3 miles of groomed trails, where visitors can snowshoe through the winter landscape while looking for wildlife. Snowshoes can be rented at the Interpretive Center, which is open 7 days a week. Sizes begin with preschool, allowing young children to participate as well.

For another way to experience Minnesota’s Nordic roots, try a traditional Norwegian kicksled. These wood-and-metal sleds glide over snow and ice, with riders taking turns steering and being pulled along. Kicksledding offers outdoor exercise and a chance to reconnect with nature. Rentals are available by the hour.

Snowshoe Rental

The parks of St. Louis Park and Golden Valley offer plenty of room for snowshoeing. Hoigaard’s in St. Louis Park rents snowshoes for exploring, and also sells snowshoes along with a broad assortment of skis and winter apparel.