I’ve been fortunate to travel to a lot of incredible places in the world. But out of all these places, there are few I feel drawn to year after year. One of these places I can’t get enough of is the arrowhead region of Minnesota. I love the abundance of public land and outdoor recreation. I also appreciate how it is never the same experience twice. Varying weather and seasons offer changing landscapes, sometimes all within the same day. And while fall seems to get most of the attention, I think winter in northeast Minnesota should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The snow-covered boreal forest is like something out of a movie. You’ll feel more alive than ever, breathing in the crisp clean air. And for an area that can feel quite crowded during peak times, you’ll have moments when you feel you could go miles and miles without seeing anyone else.
There are experiences during these Minnesota winters you can’t get in the other months of the year. The forest can leave you speechless. In no particular order, here are three things you need to add to your northeast Minnesota winter bucket list.
Frozen waterfalls
Minnesota’s arrowhead overflows with magnificent waterfalls. The High Falls of the Baptism and Pigeon Rivers will impress you with their majesty. And the curvy “steps” of the Cascade River are unforgettable. Then there are the countless waterfalls throughout the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness that can only be reached by miles of canoe and foot travel.
These Northwood’s waterfalls are impressive any time of year. But visiting them in the winter is an unforgettable experience. As the flowing water freezes, natural ice sculptures begin to form. Add in the minerals that flow through these rich waters and layers of fresh snow and you have the most magnificent pieces of art that only Mother Nature could create.
If you’re lucky, you might see some brave souls ice climbing along Minnesota’s North Shore and on inland waterfalls. Keep the advice from the Minnesota DNR in mind. “There is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice.” You can learn more about ice safety here.
Frozen Caribou Falls 
Gooseberry Falls in winter
Also, be aware that trails to these waterfalls are not maintained in the winter and can be quite slick. At more popular locations, like Gooseberry Falls, the icy stairs become more like an ice slide in some winters. Always be prepared with traction devices and trekking poles while out exploring this frozen wonderland.
Several waterfalls have short and flat trails that are much more navigable. Kawishiwi Falls near Ely and The High Falls at Grand Portage State Park are wonderful for beginners and should without a doubt be added to your Minnesota winter bucket list.
Fresh snow
Minnesota’s arrowhead is known for record-breaking temps and snowfall. While we don’t time our trips around snowfall, we’ve always lucked out with a fresh snow at some point during our trip—usually on the drive up. There’s nothing better than being the first person to break trail in your snowshoes on a sunny day after a fresh snowfall. And the pine forest, drooping with countless white flakes, is one of the most beautiful things you’ll ever see. And that’s why experiencing a fresh snowfall should be on everyone’s Minnesota bucket list.
The big waves
Big winter storms bring epic big waves to the dramatic shoreline of Lake Superior. I find it fascinating that I can visit the same beach several times over the course of the year and it’s never the same beach twice. The power of the big lake and her towering waves is truly awe-inspiring.
The big waves are much more challenging to time than a fresh winter snow though. It took us close to a decade of random winter adventures in Minnesota’s arrowhead before we caught an epic storm that sent waves towering over tall cliffs. Photographer friends tell me that they keep an eye on the region’s weather and pay attention to incoming storms. I prefer to plan my trips in advance and enjoy whatever weather shows up that week.
Any spot along Minnesota’s North Shore with an overlook of dramatic cliffs is a great spot to catch some waves. The cliffs along Highway 61 near Iona’s beach are spectacular and the cove near the boat landing is a great place to spot winter surfers. The trail out to Shovel Point at Tettegouche State Park offers countless overlooks to safely stop and take in Mother Nature’s unrelenting power.
As with hiking to the frozen waterfalls, you’ll want to use the same safety precautions here. The wild waves and freezing weather can combine to create challenging trail conditions. And never ever turn your back on the big lake. Keep a safe distance from the shoreline and enjoy the show while staying warm and dry.
Winter in Minnesota’s arrowhead is an experience you’ll never forget. With the right preparation and precautions, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip when you add these three things to your Minnesota bucket list.
Holly Scherer is a Minnesota-based writer, photographer, outdoorswoman, and guide. She’s most at home in the great outdoors; camping, hiking, paddling, cycling, and gardening. When she’s not on an adventure, she and her husband live in the Twin Cities where they’re fond of saying, “home is where we store our outdoor gear.”