Winter brings beauty and tranquility to the Edge of the Wilderness in Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest. Bring your friends and family on a cross-country skiing trip through this historic country of undulating hills, pine forests, and icy lakefronts with hoarfrost-covered birch and cattail.
Scattered throughout this 47-mile long scenic byway are 19 cross-country skiing trails, exhilarating journeys that await you and your family on over 120 miles of beginning, intermediate, and expert level trails. These trails along the Edge of the Wilderness intersect with others that go to every part of the state. Even in winter, wildlife is abundant here. As you silently slide along the snowy paths, keep a lookout for white-tailed deer, timber wolves, snowshoe hares, and many birds such as the Great Gray Owl, Bald Eagle, Snowy Owl, Snow Bunting, and Crossbill.
Want to discover some history with your ski trip? Try the 21-mile semi-primitive Suomi Hills Trail, located about 18 miles north of Grand Rapids on the byway. The South Suomi parking area and North Suomi parking area are off of Highway 38. Ski to its north end and see the site of a World War II prisoner of war camp. Or ski the six-mile-long Shingobee Trail, originally created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. It was the first ski trail attraction in the State of Minnesota, and today includes a toboggan sliding trail and a warming cabin. ‘Shingobee’ is the Ojibwe word for the cedar, spruce and balsam trees that overlook the trail.
Try the Simpson Creek Trail in Deer Creek, about 35 miles northwest of Grand Rapids and west of the byway. This 13-mile-long beginning and intermediate-level route starts in Deer River, goes past a fishing lake, slips through gigantic pine forests, and voyages into a cedar swamp. The route then slides right into the “Cut Foot Sioux” region, where in 1907 a settler named Sam Simpson and his crew logged pine trees and built the first roads in the area. Each winter the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor’s Center in Deer River hosts a popular one-mile-long candle-lit ski run on this trail.
From the byway’s beginnings in Grand Rapids and all the way north along the byway, you’ll find plenty of places to rent skis, purchase warm clothing, stop for a snack, and stay the night. For local weather conditions and other up-to-the-minute recreation information, visit the Grand Rapids website. Don’t forget that for most public ski trails in this state, you must have a signed Minnesota ski pass if you are 16 years old or older. Obtain these online, over the phone by calling 1-888-665-4236, or at many locations in Itasca County.
Enjoy the stimulating ski trails of the Edge of the Wilderness, where a new experience waits for you with every step you take. Along the Northwoods, you’ll find adventure, fun, and an all-around good time amidst the rich smell of pines and freshly fallen snow. Come catch a close look and a breath of fresh air as you ski along the Edge of the Wilderness.
Aquatic Adventures along the Edge of the Wilderness
History of Logging on the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway
The Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway Overview