Things To Do

Cross-Country Skiing

Things To Do

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A map of Black Bay Skiing and Hiking Trails near Rainy Lake, Minnesota, showing color-coded trails, parking areas, a visitor center, comfort stations, shelter, paddle access points, and a mileage scale. | Rainy Lake, MN

Black Bay Skiing and Beaver Pond Hiking Trail
Trail map of Blue Ox and Alwood/Squaw Lake areas in north-central Minnesota, featuring ATV routes, parking, campsites, picnic spots, service roads, and a map key with navigation tips—ideal for exploring the Rainy Lake region. | Rainy Lake, MN

Blue Ox Trail
A sign between two trees reads "Lofgren Park Campground" with an image of pine trees and a tent. This Minnesota park features grass, scattered autumn leaves, and background trees under a clear blue sky, not far from Rainy Lake. | Rainy Lake, MN

Lofgren Memorial Park
A person wearing red ski boots stands on snow with red cross-country skis, near another set of skis and poles lying on the ground at Rainy Lake in Minnesota. | Rainy Lake, MN

Manka Lighted Ski Trail
Aerial view of three people walking a dog on a winding wooden boardwalk through lush green bushes and trees near Rainy Lake, with open fields and sparse trees in the background of Minnesota’s scenic landscape. | Rainy Lake, MN

Tilson Creek Bogwalk
A person wearing a green jacket, tan pants, and a camouflage backpack is skiing on a snowy trail through a forest of tall, leafless trees near Minnesota’s Rainy Lake. | Rainy Lake, MN

Tilson Creek Ski Trail

The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is a great starting point for your ski adventure. From the visitor center, you can access the Tilson Creek Ski Trails (just outside of Voyageurs) via a connector trail. This ten-mile network of interconnected trails, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, offers a variety of loops and longer excursions.
For a unique experience, ski across frozen Rainy Lake (1 mile north of the visitor center) to access the Black Bay Ski Trails. Please be sure to check ice conditions before venturing out onto the lake.

The Rainy Lake Visitor Center offers adult and child-sized skis, boots, and poles to rent. Call the Rainy Lake Visitor Center at (218) 286-5258 for availability.*
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Other Gateway Communities:
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Voyageurs National Park offers additional cross-country skiing opportunities near other gateway communities. Explore the Kab-Ash Trail, or find trail information near Crane Lake and Ash River. Ski rentals at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center are available at limited hours. Please check the park’s website or call park headquarters at (218) 283-6600 for updates. 

Blog Posts about Cross-Country Skiing

Logo for the 46th Annual Icebox Days in International Falls, Minnesota, featuring large icy blue text with icicles and a frosty background. The year 2026 appears in the design, highlighting Minnesota’s chilly charm near Rainy Lake. | Rainy Lake, MN

Icebox Days