Winter

A Winter Paradise

Break out the snow gear, sip some hot chocolate, and enjoy all that Pine River has to offer in the winter. The Paul Bunyan State Trail transforms into a winter paradise for skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing while the city ice rink is perfect for a family ice skating session or a game of hockey. We don’t let cold weather stop us from having fun in Pine River!

Ice Fishing

The Pine River area boasts more than 430 lakes of various sizes. Anglers will find walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish, all abundant and ready to take your bait. Visit the Information Center for all area public access maps.

Skating

The city of Pine River has a public ice rink for ice skating and ice hockey from daylight until 10:00 p.m. The rink includes a heated warming house and a plowed parking lot. For updated rink information and announcements, visit the Friends of the Pine River Ice Rink on Facebook.

Snowmobile & ATV Trails

Surrounded by hundreds of miles of trails, Pine River is the center of some of the greatest snowmobiling in central Minnesota. The Paul Bunyan State Trail runs directly through Pine River and is the perfect choice for a winter ride as soon as the snow flies. Many snowmobilers use the Paul Bunyan trail to access the Snowway One trail system just 10 miles west of Pine River. You’ll find several area snowmobile clubs grooming trails often during the winter when adequate snow is available.

The Spider Lake trails west of Pine River travel 29 miles through the Foot Hills State Forest and are perfect for year-round ATVing. The trails provide a challenging ride as they curve around lakes and ponds, and follow ridges and slopes throughout the forest. ATV trails are open year-round, except on groomed, signed snowmobile trails and during spring thaw.

Stop in at the Information Center for trail maps and information.

Skiing

The Cut Lake cross-country ski trail lies just 10.5 miles west of Pine River on County Road 2, offering 16.5 kilometers of trails that range from easy to difficult. Other Cass County cross country ski trails include the Hiram Trail, the Goose Lake Trail, and the Washburn Trail. The Lake Country Nordic Ski Club grooms cross country ski trails when adequate snow is available.

We’re here to help!

Whether you’re planning an extended vacation or just a day-trip, we’re here to answer any questions you might have. Stop in at the Information Center or call us at 218-587-4000 and we’ll help make your Pine River adventure unforgettable.