Washington: Cross-Country Skiing, Parks and St. Croix

If you are looking for accommodation in Washington and want to put the winter activities into perspective, the cross-country skiing options are the main focus to begin with: Nordic-Rocks cross-country skis can be rented at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park and Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Beyond that, parks, riverfronts, trails and culture shape the surrounding area. For your decision, the most important consideration is therefore which setting you want to make the focus of your stay.

Cross-country skiing in two distinct park landscapes

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park covers 515 acres. Its landscape includes hills, densely wooded ravines, old fields and prairie. The option to rent Nordic-Rocks cross-country skis there connects the cross-country skiing opportunities with a varied natural setting.

Nordic-Rocks cross-country skis are also available for rent at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. At 2,165 acres, the reserve is considerably larger and includes gently rolling hills as well as woodland and prairie landscapes. Visitors can also rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards there through iPaddlePorts; horseback riding trails are part of the offering as well. This combination makes the site recognizable as a contrast to Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, which is more strongly characterized by ravines and old fields, without implying anything about specific accommodation locations.

Parks, forests and trails along the water

Pine Point Regional Park has a different focus: pine forests, lakes and wetlands define its landscape, and it also has horseback riding trails. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park covers 685 acres and extends along 3,800 feet of shoreline on the St. Croix River. At Big Marine Park Reserve, notable natural features include the St. Croix Valley, a northeastern terminal moraine, high-quality uplands and a wetland habitat for wildlife.

For a longer route, the Gateway State Trail is available. The paved, 18-mile trail is designed for multiple types of use. Point Douglas Park has a launch site for canoes and kayaks. The park is located on the St. Croix River, just above its confluence with the Mississippi River. Those who want to understand Washington more in terms of trails, river landscapes or different types of parks will find several clearly distinct points of reference here.

Additional natural and recreational features

Square Lake Park is designated as a regional “Special Recreation Feature” because of Square Lake’s outstanding water quality. This designation describes the recognized character of the site but does not name any specific activity or facility. In the Long Lake Conservation Area, bow hunting for deer, turkeys and small game is permitted during the designated hunting seasons. The time restriction is an integral part of this use.

The Washington County park system comprises a total of seven parks, two regional trails and one conservation area. When choosing a location, you can therefore distinguish between an explicitly stated cross-country skiing opportunity, larger reserve areas, forests and wetlands, waterfront areas or a paved trail designed for multiple types of use. The rental offerings are each associated with the parks named above.

Culture and regional context

The Washington County Historic Courthouse offers a historical addition. It is the oldest surviving courthouse in the state of Minnesota and offers daily public guided tours as well as self-guided tours. In addition, the lower St. Croix between Highway 8 and Boom Site Landing in Stillwater, Minnesota, is designated as a separate section. For an additional location comparison, you can also consider Afton and Dakota.

Cross-country skiing is associated with rental options at two locations; parks, riverfronts, trails and cultural sites differ in landscape and use. Organize your choice according to the setting you actually want to experience during your stay.

For the overarching travel overview: Minnesota.