MORE THAN A DAYTRIP
Visit our Winter Wonderland
13 Things To Do This Winter
IN THE ST. CROIX VALLEY
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GRAB YOUR SWEETIE FOR A ICE SKATE DATE!
If you’re looking for a unique, outdoor event to attend with your sweetie, try the “Skate Night, Date Night” that is being co-hosted by Big Rock Creek, the Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge, and the River Valley Hockey Association. The ticket price is $80 per couple and includes admission for two adults to the Big Rock Creek property, fabulous heavy hors devours catered by The Dalles House, four drink tickets to the Big Rock Bar, complimentary s’mores station around numerous fire pits, coffee, hot cider and a night outside having fun with your sweetheart.
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2. SNOWSHOE
Snowshoeing can take you to the part of the trail that your boots just can’t cut it. Not only will you be able to explore more of our winter wonderland, you’ll be engaging in a pretty impressive workout too.
Find your trail here.
For upcoming candlelight or moonlight snowshoe events, keep checking our event calendar! We will update as we get more information.
3. Winter HIke
Winter in the woods gives a quiet, peaceful vibe. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, and all you need is a good set of footwear and the perfect trail to get started.
Find a trail here.
4. Build a snow sculpture
Anywhere is a great place for a quick snowman! Make a snow family as you hike along a trail to greet other visitors, or drop down and see who can make the best snow angel. This is good ole fashioned fun to the core.
Anywhere is a great place for a quick snowman, but if you’re looking to up your game, grab a team and enter a snow sculpture contest! New this year is the 1st Annual Snowman Contest hosted by Saphire Realty. Build your masterpiece before January 30th, and share your submission!
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5. Cross Country Ski
Glide through miles of trails on cross country skis here in the St. Croix Valley! Many trails are groomed for classic and skate-skiing and are ready for your winter enjoyment. Our nordic trails are truly exceptional, and there are levels for all types of skiers.
Find your trail here.
6. EMBRACE HYGGE
While indoors, engage your creative side with a art or craft class at our local wineries, breweries, and other business hosts! Check out our event calendar to find one!
Or, book a weekend retreat with a theme. Try The Trails Retreat for your Baking, Biking, Yoga, or Knitting Retreats!
Find more lodging here.
7. Fat bike
A unique way of exploring the snow-covered trails has emerged in recent years and is growing HOT in the St. Croix Valley. Fat Bikes are a type of specialized mountain bike made for adventures on unstable terrain. These bikes are made to ride on snow-covered trails and are equipped with over-sized tires that allow the rider to “float” over previously unrideable conditions. It’s a great workout, fun for the whole family, and a perfect way to extend your biking season. In the St. Croix Valley, the Woolly Mountain Bike trails are the perfect spot to try out a fatty.
Find a trail here.
8. Downhill ski & snowboard
Want to be the first to hit the slopes? Then you need to come here. We hold the reputation for being the first to open in the region every season! From bunny hills to black diamond runs, we’ve got enough for weekends full of fun.
With two ski resorts here in the St. Croix Valley, we’ve got your winter days covered!
9. WINTER CELEBRATIONS
Bundle up, grab your favorite face covering to keep you warm and safe, and head out to our area’s winter celebrations!
The word is out! Snow Days and Moonlit Nights at Big Rock Creek is happening at Big Rock Creek and we are so excited. Just wait until you check out the new Luge and firelit hike to the Moon 
In Chisago Lakes, you’ll find the Celebration of the Lakes, which will have candlelit hikes, dogsled rides, snowmobile races and more! Or check out the Balsam Lake Winter Fest that will host Truck Ice Drag Races and more!
Bundle up, grab your favorite face covering to keep you warm and safe, and head out to our area’s winter celebrations!
Miracle at Big Rock will be open through January 2, and along with a holiday light extravaganza, there is always more fun to pack in.
In Chisago Lakes, you’ll find the Celebration of the Lakes, which will have candlelit hikes, dogsled rides, snowmobile races and more! Or check out the Balsam Lake Winter Fest that will host the 10th annual 5K Snowshoe Race, medallion hunt, Fire and Ice Plunge, Hatchet throwing, a 4 x 4 Truck Ice Drag and more!
10. Snow Tube
Experience the jubilation of speed as you slide down the mountainside on a snow tube. Both Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area and Wild Mountain have dedicated snow tube areas separate from their ski/snowboard hills. It’s a great way to spend a family day!
Find a hill here.
11. ICE FISH
Ice fishing is a way of life in these parts during the winter. Whether you set up shop on one of our 400 area lakes in an ice house or spend a day enjoying the great outdoors around your freshly drilled hole, you may just have a chance to catch your dinner.
Find your lake here.
12. Snowmobile
Rev up for some fuel-injected fun in the St. Croix River Valley. The natural terrain provides some of the most diverse scenery in the Upper Midwest. The landscape, shaped primarily by glaciers, offers glimpses of eskers, potholes (kettles), forests, bluffs, ancient rock formations, and stunning river vistas. And through it all twists over 550 miles of world-class snowmobile trails.
Plan ahead and check for trail open dates with the local clubs.
Find a trail here.
13. WINTER Wonderland
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is a sight to behold in the winter. Find a vista along the bluffs, explore the backwoods of the valley, or stroll the picturesque towns that dot the St. Croix Valley landscape.
Stop and shop at our area stores and bring home a unique treasure from your memorable winter vacation in the St. Croix Valley!
This article was written by Linda Shober and produced by Linda Shober Marketing + Design, a marketing firm located in the St. Croix Valley specializing in providing content, strategy, management, design, and creative for digital and traditional marketing projects.