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MN80

Lake Maria State Park
& Sand Dunes State Forest

Description | Ratings

Trails: 23 km (14 miles) of trails are groomed for cross-country skiing. Another 7 km of trails are groomed at Sand Dunes State Forest, about 10 miles northeast of the park.
Trail fees: MN Ski Pass and Park entry fee for Lake Maria SP
Snow report: Trail conditions are reported on the park's website
Nearest town: Monticello, MN
Web site: MN State Parks | MN State Forests
Trail map: Available at the park and on the DNR website
Equipment rentals: No
Ski lessons: No
Other winter activities: Skating, snowshoeing
Facilities: Day lodge at Lake Maria
Lodging on site: Camping and backcountry cabin at Lake Maria
Lodging nearby: Minneapolis and St Cloud each have many hotels and other accommodations
Location of trails: Lake Maria is about 7 miles west of Monticello on Highway 39. Sand Dunes State Forest is a few miles north of Monticello.
Tourist info: St Cloud VB | Monticello Tourism
Weather report: for Monticello
Map of local region: Monticello Area
Sand Dunes submission by: HLE
from: Robbinsdale, MN
Date submitted: Oct 26, 2003

Rate this XC Area

Number of ratings: 2
Average rating: 4.00  

2        

Name of area: Sand Dunes State Forest
Date that I last skied the trails: Mar, 2003
Trails that I skied: Green, Yellow, Blue and Brown
Trail marking: Very good
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: na
Favourite trails: Green and yellow
What I liked: Ranger who reworked the trails is an avid skier and it shows. All new markings and maps for 2004.
What I disliked: No on-site warming facilities.
Comments: On-trail shelter coming in 2004-5. Winter camping available on Lower Red Loop. Food and facilities in nearby Orrock.
Submitted by: HLE
from: Robbinsdale, MN
Date submitted: Oct 26, 2003

1        

Name of XC Area: Lake Maria State Park
Area number: MN80
Times that I have skied there: Several times
I last skied there in: Mar, 2003
Trails that I skied: Bjorkland Lake, Kettle Kane, Big Woods Loop
My favorite trails: Kettle Kane
Trail marking: Very good
Trail grooming: Very good
Rating: 4 stars
What I liked: Considered one of the best ski trail systems in the MN State Parks. Park manager is an avid skier and it shows.
What I disliked: Nothing
Comments: Trails are groomed every Thursday, as needed, or after every 2-inch-plus snowfall.
Submitted by: HLE
from: Robbinsdale, MN
Date submitted: Oct 26, 2003

Rate this XC Area