With a variety of terrain and even lessons and rentals, Nordic ski trails offer a workout and wintry views of Minnesota lakes, rivers and rolling landscapes. Most do require daily or seasonal ski passes, which help pay for trail-grooming and maintenance:
Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area, Maple Grove: This sprawling park has an artificial snow machine to keep its almost 12 miles of trails in good condition. The center also has plans Dec. 9 for "Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener" event, featuring free ski rentals, abbreviated lessons, waxing clinics and an assembly of retailers and ski clubs representatives.
Battle Creek Regional Park West, St. Paul: This urban park has loops for everyone from beginner to advanced and 4 kilometers of trails lit until 9 p.m.
Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Township: This 320-acre preserve rents skis (and snowshoes) for its 8 kilometers of trails. Lessons are available, too.
Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis: With views of the skyline, Minneapolis' largest park offers about 14 miles of groomed trails and is also home to the Loppet Foundation, which offers weekend lessons and rentals from the Par 3 clubhouse. (612-230-6400; minneapolisparks.org)
Afton State Park, Hastings: Warm up by a wood stove after skiing the 12 miles of trails and enjoying views of the St. Croix River Valley.
River Bend Nature Center: This park in Fairbault has 5 miles of groomed trails plus ski and snowshoe rentals about an hour south of the Twin Cities.
(This is part of the Big List here)
