Trail Reports
VOYAGEURS NAT'L PARK
Winter Trails Report: January 30, 2025
With the Purple Trail opening this week, all snowmobile trails in Voyageurs are now open and ready for winter adventures! The portages are in good shape and will each be groomed once or twice per week if enough snow is present. Warming huts are now open at Grassy Bay on the Green Trail and at Kettle Falls for anyone that needs a break from riding.
Two pressure ridges on the Green Trail required staff to reroute the trail, which is marked with stakes. If you ride off the staked trails, be alert for pressure ridges, as they have been expanding. Ice is never 100% safe, especially these areas in low visibility conditions or if traveling at high speeds, and other hazardous spots where the ice is still thin: sand bars, shorelines, and shallow areas.
To read the park's full winter trail reports and find out current trail conditions in the surrounding area, visit: https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Winter Trails Report - Jan. 1st, 2025
It’s a Happy New Year at Voyageurs! But sadly, the ice conditions are still the same as last year. All the park’s snowmobile trails and ice roads remain closed. Due to continued “warm” temperatures and a lack of snow last week, the lakes are still not ready to drive or snowmobile across.
On Monday, this angler discovered a dangerous pressure ridge the hard way! While out by Shipwreck Island on Lake Kabetogama, his side-by-side ended up on its side and in the water. Park staff, locals, and the Kabetogama Volunteer Fire Department were able to help, and luckily no one was hurt.
If you do go out on a frozen lake, be extremely careful near pressure ridges. Avoid these treacherous spots when possible! They can be difficult to see in conditions with low visibility. Check the weather forecast, use the buddy system, and let others know your plans, if you venture on the ice.
Stay tuned to our website and social media for weekly updates and to find out which trails across the lakes are closed or open. https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Winter Trails Report - 12/27/24
Bah humbug! The holidays have not brought any new snow to Voyageurs and warmer temperatures have slowed ice formation on the lakes. Because of this, we have not yet opened any of the lakes to snowmobile or vehicle travel.
Ice thickness has ranged from 2 - 8" in various locations around the park and consists of both strong clear ice and weaker "white" ice, making it unsuitable for maintenance to safely operate equipment. As they await better ice conditions, crews are focusing on land-based trails throughout the park.
For those longing to indulge in some winter recreation, view the full Winter Trails Report here, which includes the current status of ski and snowshoe trails that are ready for visitors to enjoy!
https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
MN DNR Arrowhead Trail Conditions
FYI - riders born after December 31, 1976 are required by law to hold snowmobile safety certification. Persons 16 years of age and older, resident or non-residents are eligible for adult certification. Adults can complete and pass an independent study CD or a youth snowmobile certification class.
Children 11yr – 15yr are eligible to attend, complete and pass a youth snowmobile safety certification class with the certificate valid at age 12. We suggest that all snowmobilers, residents and non residents, become familiar with the laws and regulations and pass it on to friends or customers that may be planning on riding in Minnesota.
Please don’t forget to purchase a Minnesota state “trail permit” for your sled.
Winter Trails Report: January 30, 2025
With the Purple Trail opening this week, all snowmobile trails in Voyageurs are now open and ready for winter adventures! The portages are in good shape and will each be groomed once or twice per week if enough snow is present. Warming huts are now open at Grassy Bay on the Green Trail and at Kettle Falls for anyone that needs a break from riding.
Two pressure ridges on the Green Trail required staff to reroute the trail, which is marked with stakes. If you ride off the staked trails, be alert for pressure ridges, as they have been expanding. Ice is never 100% safe, especially these areas in low visibility conditions or if traveling at high speeds, and other hazardous spots where the ice is still thin: sand bars, shorelines, and shallow areas.
To read the park's full winter trail reports and find out current trail conditions in the surrounding area, visit: https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Winter Trails Report - Jan. 1st, 2025
It’s a Happy New Year at Voyageurs! But sadly, the ice conditions are still the same as last year. All the park’s snowmobile trails and ice roads remain closed. Due to continued “warm” temperatures and a lack of snow last week, the lakes are still not ready to drive or snowmobile across.
On Monday, this angler discovered a dangerous pressure ridge the hard way! While out by Shipwreck Island on Lake Kabetogama, his side-by-side ended up on its side and in the water. Park staff, locals, and the Kabetogama Volunteer Fire Department were able to help, and luckily no one was hurt.
If you do go out on a frozen lake, be extremely careful near pressure ridges. Avoid these treacherous spots when possible! They can be difficult to see in conditions with low visibility. Check the weather forecast, use the buddy system, and let others know your plans, if you venture on the ice.
Stay tuned to our website and social media for weekly updates and to find out which trails across the lakes are closed or open. https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Winter Trails Report - 12/27/24
Bah humbug! The holidays have not brought any new snow to Voyageurs and warmer temperatures have slowed ice formation on the lakes. Because of this, we have not yet opened any of the lakes to snowmobile or vehicle travel.
Ice thickness has ranged from 2 - 8" in various locations around the park and consists of both strong clear ice and weaker "white" ice, making it unsuitable for maintenance to safely operate equipment. As they await better ice conditions, crews are focusing on land-based trails throughout the park.
For those longing to indulge in some winter recreation, view the full Winter Trails Report here, which includes the current status of ski and snowshoe trails that are ready for visitors to enjoy!
https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
MN DNR Arrowhead Trail Conditions
FYI - riders born after December 31, 1976 are required by law to hold snowmobile safety certification. Persons 16 years of age and older, resident or non-residents are eligible for adult certification. Adults can complete and pass an independent study CD or a youth snowmobile certification class.
Children 11yr – 15yr are eligible to attend, complete and pass a youth snowmobile safety certification class with the certificate valid at age 12. We suggest that all snowmobilers, residents and non residents, become familiar with the laws and regulations and pass it on to friends or customers that may be planning on riding in Minnesota.
Please don’t forget to purchase a Minnesota state “trail permit” for your sled.
