Spent some time on the North Shore recently, and of course this time of year that means skiing! Explored both Split Rock and Gooseberry State parks on skis. While I have skied at Gooseberry before this time we hit the trails down closer to the lake. Often snow conditions do not allow for close skiing to Lake Superior, but this year there is plenty of snow down along the water. Split Rock allowed the better views of the lake, since much of their cross country ski trails run right along the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior.

Split Rock also had plenty of deer along the trail, and while they wouldn't pose for any photos they were abundant. Rounding out the weekend was a great fun place to stay. Northern Rails just north of Two Harbors is a hotel made out of ten railroad train cars. Now once you are inside, you would never know you are in a train car, but in the hall and from the outside it is a pretty cool place.

More proof you don't have to venture too far from home to find some great things to see and do in a Northern Minnesota Winter. Here is one more view of Lake Superior, while standing on the Split Rock ski trails.