Cross-Country Skiing Trails to Explore in Rochester and Where to Rent Skis
In the winter in Minnesota, it can be tough to stay active or even have the desire to leave the house at all sometimes. But it's important to get out of the house in the winter!
While you could just hop from your house to your car to a store or restaurant, you can also enjoy our Minnesota winter. I know, we complain about it a lot, but if you dress right, our winters can be really beautiful.
There are a few different ways that you can get out and enjoy winter. You could hike, go sledding, or even just go for a walk in your neighborhood. Or, you could go cross-country skiing!
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Cross-Country Skiing in Rochester, MN
Cross-country skiing is great. I haven't gone in a while, but I should try to get out this winter. It's a cool way to get out in the snow and, ya know, not have to worry about sinking in it. You can explore trails by just gliding over the snow.
We have a few spots around Rochester and nearby where you can go cross-country skiing, plus rental options for the majority of us who don't own equipment.
Chester Woods has 12 miles of groomed ski trails. The trails are rated as level 'moderate'. Rentals are available for $5. They also have kick sleds and snowshoes you can rent, also for $5. The office is open for rentals daily 10 AM - 3 PM.
Eastwood has a ski trail open during the winter. You can check out a map of where the ski trails are located. I don't believe they offer any ski rentals, but Quarry Hill allows you to rent skis and take them off-site (which requires you to sign a waiver and put down a deposit).
Essex Park has over 5.5 miles of groomed trails. Rochester Active Sports Community says the trails may be a challenge for beginners. I don't believe there are rentals at Essex Park, but again, Quarry Hill allows you to rent skis and take them off-site.
Gamehaven has around 7 miles of trails, but some of it is machine-made, according to the Rochester Active Sports Community, and the rest is natural. There are no rentals available here, so, again, you'll likely need to rent from Quarry Hill if you don't own equipment.
Oxbow Park has 2 miles of groomed trails and is rated as 'easy'. Rentals are available for $5. They also have kick sleds and snowshoes you can rent, also for $5. The office is open for rentals daily 10 AM - 3 PM.
Quarry Hill has more than 8 miles of groomed ski trails. You can rent skis here for $7.50 for adults, $5 for kids. The office is open 9 AM - 4 PM Monday through Saturday and noon - 4 PM on Sundays. They also have snowshoe rentals for $5 for adults, $3 for kids.
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Gallery Credit: Carly Ross
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