Dogsledding

For that once-in-a-lifetime wilderness experience, consider a dogsled vacation package—available through several outfitters and lodges in northeastern Minnesota. Ely, in particular, has developed into a kind of “dogsledding central,” and trips are also available along Gunflint Trail and the North Shore areas. Trips range from a one- to two-hour ride—where the outfitter mushes a team of Alaskan Huskies—to daylong or multi-day outings where you learn to mush the team yourself. Visit exploreminnesota.com for more info.

Stargazing

If you want to see the entire winter sky in all its brilliance, you’ll have to escape the city lights. Minnesota’s myriad state parks, remote lodges, and peaceful resorts all offer the perfect spot for a star party. While several planets are visible in December’s evening sky, the cold nights of early January offer some of the clearest skies around.

Snowshoeing

For an invigorating way to explore our state’s natural beauty, slip your feet into a pair of snowshoes and roam free. Many state parks and some Minnesota resorts rent snowshoes. Giants Ridge and Lutsen Mountains each offer snowshoe trails and Gunflint Trail features nine separate snowshoe trails totaling 25 miles. Visit exploreminnesota.com and search by keyword “snowshoeing” for more details.