Snowshoeing in Minnesota

Snowshoeing is an expanding recreational activity and with our recent snowfall it’s the perfect chance to go out and explore! This list has awesome places to snowshoe and even options for rentals.

Living in the snowy haven of Minnesota, we have lots of opportunities for snowshoeing! Throughout the state there are numerous locations where you can snowshoe and or rent the equipment to do so.

We shared this last year and have added to the list so thought we would share again.  Doing some research, I found that there are endless places to rent snowshoes. That means there’s really no excuse for giving it a try.

With so many different options, think of all the different scenery you can explore this winter.  Snowshoeing is a great inexpensive way to get out and see some wildlife and get some exercise.

Before we owned snowshoes we rented snowshoes from our city and then drove to Banning State Park. We all had so much fun, last year Snowshoes were our family Christmas gift.  One of our daughters even brought hers along to college in Wisconsin, she’s hoping to explore more.  She found nature groups at school that regularly go hiking and snowshoeing. 

Whatever your reason to give it a try, check out some of these places to rent or try them out.  We continue to add to our list and are excited to see that rental options are reasonable and continue to grow.

If anyone knows of a place we did not mention, please let us know and we will add them to the list.

Where to Rent or Snowshoe in Minnesota:

Alexandria Public Schools
This was a unique find, the school offers outdoor equipment for rent.

Anoka County Parks
$5/2 hours. Rentals are available at Bunker Hills, Coon Rapids Dam, and Wargo Nature Center. **It is recommended that you call prior to arrival to ensure rental equipment is available. 

Dakota County Parks
$7/hour for adults (18+), $5/hour for children (17 and younger).  **Online reservations required. 

Hartley Nature Center (Duluth)
Equipment rentals will begin mid-January.  **Site not updated for the 2022-2023 

Lakeville Parks & Recreation
$5/day. 3-day minimum on weekends. They recommend Ritter Farm Park as an excellent place for snowshoeing. $75 deposit per pair.

Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Theodore Wirth Park 
$12/ three hour time slots. Pole rental an additional $5

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska)
$7/hour and $5 for each additional hour. The Landscape Arboretum has 11 miles of trails that meander along 1,200-plus acres of woodland, prairie, wetland, and open fields.

Minnesota State Parks
$7 first hour and each additional hour is $5. . With many of the Minnesota State Parks offering rentals, you have a wide range of scenery options. 

REI Bloomington
$8-$22/day for basic snowshoes, $8/day for kids’ snowshoes. REI stores also have occasional classes about snowshoeing basics as well as guided day trips. Check their website for more information on day trips and rental options. 

River Bend Nature Center (Faribault)
$5/person for members, $10/person for nonmembers.

Springbrook Nature Center (Fridley)
$5/day. Adult and child sizes available on a first come, first served basis. Available for use between 9 am – 2 pm. They only rent when there is enough snow on the ground (3+ inches of snow pack).

Tamarack Nature Center (White Bear Township)
$12/2 hours 

Three Rivers Park District
$6/2 hours. Available at eight of their locations (Baker, Cleary Lake, Eastman, French, Gale Woods, Lowry, Mississippi Gateway, and Richardson). Reservations are required to guarantee availability.

Vadnais Heights
$5-$10 per person. Check website or call for more information

Quarry Hill Nature Center (Rochester ) 
$2.50-$15 Depending on age and length of rental.

University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness Center (Minneapolis)
$8/day , 2-3 days/$16.00 and additional day $4

Westwood Hills Nature Center (St. Louis Park)
$5/hour (resident), $6/hour (non-resident). There is a minimum of a 6-inch snow base for snowshoe rentals.

Wood Lake Nature Center (Richfield)
$10/day Adults, $5/day Youth (up to 16) and Senior (55+)

Where do you plan to snowshoe next? Let us know your experience and your favorite locations.  We would also love to hear of any additional places you’ve rented  from that we may have missed.