Minnesota Snowshoe and Skiing Trails
Definitely bring your snowshoes along if you are planning a winter trip to Crane Lake! We have many, many beautiful remote wooded trails to explore on snowshoe. A shortlist of local Crane Lake snowshoeing trails would include: The Grouse Hunter Walking Trail off the Nelson Road (1.75-mile loop) The Statue Loop behind Pierre the Voyageur (< 1-mile loop) The Vermilion Gorge Trail across from Voyagaire Lodge (1.5 miles one way) Several more trails can be found along the Vermilion Falls Hwy. Ask your host resort for details.
Hiking Trails at Crane Lake
Currently, there are no cross-country skiing trails groomed in Crane Lake. The Echo Bay Trail at Kabetogama Lake is the nearest groomed cross-country ski trail, part of Voyageurs National Park. You can get more information about trail conditions and rentals on the Voyageurs National Park website.
In Crane Lake, there is a “backcountry” cross-country ski trail at the sign for the Herriman Lake Trail, off Nelson Road. Once you ascend the initial hill, this trail levels off nicely. Snowshoers also use this trail. Forest Service Road 479C is another beautiful ungroomed cross-country ski trail a short 5-minute drive down the road. See our page on Hiking Trails for more ideas!