Best Trails to Cross Country Ski
Cross Country skiing in North Dakota offers outdoor enthusiasts of every age and skill-level an opportunity for a fun and easy way to stay active and energized over the winter months. Enjoy fresh air and nature along some of the best cross country ski trails.
If there is a State Park that specializes in cross country skiing, Cross Ranch is that park. Cross Ranch State Park has over 14 miles of groomed trails along a beautifully wooded riverside nature park.
Fargo has a large network of fantastic cross country skiing trails throughout the city. Edgewood Golf Course is a local favorite, and ski rentals are available at the Edgewood Chalet.
Riverwood Golf Course is one of several great cross country ski courses in Bismarck-Mandan. The large cottonwood trees that line the golf course also beautifully canopy over 5 miles of Nordic ski trails. General Sibley Park and the Missouri River Natural Area are other great options in the Bismarck-Mandan area.
Moose Park features several options for groomed trails adjacent to the Souris River just off of Burdick Expressway in southwestern Minot. Nordic skis and snowshoes may be used anywhere on Minot Park District trails and are available at the Corbett Field warming house at 13th Street SE & East Burdick Expressway.
The US Forest Service established this man-made forest in 1931 to determine what tree species would grow best in northern North Dakota. Today, the area is managed by the USDA Forest Service and has some great options for cross country skiing in a forest.
The Greenway in Grand Forks has over 8 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails along the Red River. Ski rentals are available at Scheels Sports Store by calling 701-780-9424, the Ski and Bike Shop at 701-772-5567, and the UND Lifetime Sports Center at 701-777-3981.
By Garrison, this park's trails feature sweeping views of Lake Sakakawea and unexpected wooded sections. Rentals are available for Nordic skis, snowshoes, fat tire bikes, and kicksleds in the winter. Watch for special nighttime skiing and snowshoeing events.
This beautiful state park in the middle of North Dakota’s Turtle Mountains near Bottineau has excellent wooded cross country ski trails.
Hillcrest Country Club offers beautifully groomed trails. There are also cross country trails available at Homme Dam near Park River.
Dickinson Parks & Recreation offers a groomed cross country ski trail located at the Heart River Golf Course. The trail head begins at Heart River Retreat, trail route is subject to change. Skiing trails are dependent on snow and weather conditions.
Grahams Island State Park offers groomed trails starting at the Sivert Center. Just make sure to stop by the office and grab your day pass if you don’t have a yearly ND State Park Pass. Creel Bay Golf Course also offers trails during the winter months, and is free to use.