The Best Winter Activities in and around Crosslake!

Winter in Minnesota... It is here again! Cold winds, icy roads, frozen cars…eeek, but then there are the white covered trees from the fresh snowfall, holiday lights, family gatherings, Christmas parties and so much more. Many around the country ask why we stay when it gets so cold… some would say they ask themselves that same question every year and others would say they wouldn’t have it any other way. We have some of the best winter activities that can’t be enjoyed above 32 degrees. Here are a few of the reason we stay in the winter wonderland we call Crosslake, MN

Holiday at the Dam

For the last 4 years the Crosslake Corp of Engineers along with the city of Crosslake, Crosslake Chamber of Commerce, PAL Foundation and Crosslake-Ideal Lions Club come together to highlight the unique and historical Pine River Dam in Crosslake by creating a holiday experience for residents and visitors.

Held the first Saturday of December from 1 – 4 pm the Crosslake Corp of Engineers features outdoor fun for the whole family. Events include meeting Santa, Horse-drawn wagon rides, Crafts for the kids, Hot Cocoa & S'mores roasted over a warm campfire.

So next year when you are looking for something fun to do, even if it’s a bit chilly outside, stop by the Crosslake Dam on the first Saturday of December and enjoy all the activities not to mention the beautiful lights!

Cross Country Ski, Snowshoe and Hiking Trails at Crosslake’s Community Center

Yes, it can get a bit cold outside but once you bundle up and get your blood pumping it isn’t so bad. The City of Crosslake along with the Crosslake Community Center spend hours upon hours year-round to maintain some of the best cross-country ski trails, hiking trails and snow shoeing trails. Freshly groomed after a beautiful snowfall can make for some of the best memories and views as you glide or hike around frozen lakes and among the fascinating creatures of winter in Crosslake.

Next time you visit Crosslake in the winter don’t forget to pack your ski’s or snowshoes and maybe an extra pair of mittens or fluffy socks!

Crosslake’s Holly Days

New this year, the Crosslake Chamber of Commerce has introduced Holly Days. A new app for your phone where you can check in at area businesses and receive discounts or sign up for a drawing. Such a fun way to spread the holiday cheer! Don’t forget to stop by Whitefish Lodge or Manhattan’s at Manhattan Beach Lodge and check in to see our specials!

Crosslake Winterfest

A 15-year tradition in Crosslake, is our very own Crosslake Winterfest! What better way to embrace the winter weather than to throw a festival!! Bundle up the kids, bring your sleds and ice skates, for an evening to enjoy a huge snow mountain, pond skating, games and s'more. Sip hot cocoa while enjoying a fantastic firework display on Friday, February 2nd, 2018. Then drop the kids off with a sitter and enjoy a date night in Crosslake with live music and DJ entertainment at several Crosslake establishments! Rise and shine Saturday morning for the Firefighters pancake breakfast before taking part all the activities including Ice Car Racing, Manhattan’s Bingo, Bocce Ball Tournament, Helicopter Rides, Radar Runs, Italian Olympics, Kids Games, shopping, food and drink specials all over town plus the 15th Annual SoupFest.

Mark your calendar and check out the lodging specials offered at both Whitefish Lodge & Manhattan Beach Lodge! Book your room early – We fill up fast!

Snowmobiling in the Lake Country

With over 1,200 groomed trails in the lakes area Crosslake and the surrounding communities encourage guests from all over to come and enjoy the beauty of the trail systems that interconnect the communities over the lakes and through the woods. Next time you hear of a fresh snowfall in and around Crosslake prime up the sleds, put them on a trailer and head on over for a fun filled day of snowmobiling.

Contact Whitefish Lodge or Manhattan Beach Lodge for all your lodging needs!

Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza

What’s more Minnesotan than getting 11,000 fisher people on a patch of ice named Hole in the Day Bay of Gull Lake? Well that would be the Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza held each year at the end of January. People come from all over the country to attend this amazing event for their chance at winning prizes that range from a brand-new truck to $10,000 in cash!

With the first contest being held in January 1991, it is certain the founders never expected this event would become the world’s largest ice fishing contest and put Nisswa, MN, on the map with a winter event that generates over $150,000 for area charities annually.

This year the event will be held on January 28th, 2018. Tickets are available online at http://icefishing.org/

Some call us crazy but we call it home! We would love for you to enjoy our home this winter at Whitefish Lodge & Suites or Manhattan Beach Lodge and maybe you’ll grow to love our Winter Wonderland as much as we do!