Tucked alongside the second largest river in North America, Frontenac State Park’s trails guide hikers along the banks of the Mississippi River offering fantastic glimpses of the surrounding bluffs and water below. Our winter visit to Frontenac State Park meant our hiking was mostly in the interior of the park. However, we did climb to Eagle Point for a bird’s eye view of Lake Pepin. The trails to Eagle Point took us over grassy prairie and through hardwood forest before reaching the lookout.
Winter Hiking at Frontenac
Our hike was about two miles round trip and was easy, with few elevation changes. The park offers a few ungroomed winter hiking trails of varying length an difficulty. In addition to hiking trials, Frontenac grooms several cross country ski trails that crisscross the hiking trails. All trails are clearly marked.
The boys enjoyed the winter terrain at Frontenac State Park because there were several opportunities to shimmy down a bank and explore the more heavily wooded areas. The like to think they are the first to discover off-trail areas of the park. They also used the many park benches along the trail as chances to beg for trail snacks. It worked.
Get Outside
Taking advantage of one of Minnesota’s 67 State Parks in the winter months, left us feeling refreshed. Check out our other winter adventures at Cuyuna Country Recreation Area and Jay Cooke State Park. Crisp, winter Minnesota air does wonders for the winter blahs. Get outside!
Happy Hiking, Rochelle