In Minnesota, the hard part of staying active isn’t cost. It’s the long stretch of winter, when it gets dark early and the wind chill drops below zero. The good news is that the state’s cheapest options were built for exactly that: groomed ski trails, lighted loops and park permits that cost less than one month at most gyms.
At a glance
- State park permit, year-round
- $35 per vehicle
- One-day park permit
- $7
- Cross-country ski pass, age 16+
- $10 a day, $25 a year, $70 for three years
- Free annual park permit
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities, active-duty military personnel and their dependents, Purple Heart recipients, and members of Minnesota's 11 federally recognized Tribes
- Activity target for adults
- 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week
State park permits: what they cost
Minnesota sets state park permit fees in state law, Minnesota Statutes section 85.055 [1].
| Permit | Price |
|---|---|
| Year-round vehicle permit | $35 |
| Second or additional vehicle, year-round | $26 |
| One-day vehicle permit | $7 |
| Year-round motorcycle permit | $30 |
| Permit for qualifying persons with disabilities | $12 |
If you go more than five times a year, the year-round permit is the better buy.
Free permits. State law requires a free annual permit for [2]:
- veterans with any level of service-connected disability, shown with a VA or Defense Department letter each year
- active-duty military in any branch, their dependents, and Purple Heart recipients
- members of Minnesota’s 11 federally recognized Tribes, with qualifying Tribal ID
Each free permit is valid only on a vehicle owned and occupied by the person it was issued to [2].
The cross-country ski pass
Skiing is the classic Minnesota winter workout, and it’s cheap. On state ski trails and grant-in-aid trails, anyone 16 or older must carry a valid cross-country ski pass [3]. The fees are set in law, and a $1 issuing fee is added when you buy [4][11]. What you pay:
- Daily pass: $10
- Annual pass: $25, good from July 1 through the next June 30
- Three-year pass: $70
The pass and the state park permit are separate. If you drive into a state park to ski, you’ll need the park permit for the car and the ski pass for yourself.
Minneapolis: lighted ski trails and a 102-mile loop
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s system includes 102 miles of Grand Rounds biking and walking paths, 22 lakes and 49 recreation centers [5].
Theodore Wirth Park has 14 miles of groomed ski trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers, with natural and manufactured snow. The lighted trails are lit from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. [6]. That matters in December, when it’s dark before most people leave work. The Park Board also runs ski trails at Columbia and Hiawatha golf courses and in Chain of Lakes Regional Park, and sells its own trail passes for them [6]. Wirth’s manufactured-snow trails need an All-Access pass [6].
Recreation centers offer yoga, Zumba, tai chi, aerobics, dance and martial arts classes for different ages and fitness levels, plus open gym for kids [7]. Prices vary by class, so check the Park Board’s program listings for the center nearest you.
YMCA financial help in the Twin Cities
The YMCA of the North, which runs Ys in the Twin Cities, offers financial assistance. It looks at your annual income and the number of adults and dependents in your household [8]. You can apply online or at a branch with your most recent federal tax return or other financial documents and a photo ID [8].
Exercising safely in the cold
Cold is the main risk of outdoor exercise in a Minnesota winter. Wind makes it worse. Per the National Weather Service chart, zero degrees plus a 15 mph wind equals a wind chill of -19°F, and uncovered skin can get frostbite within 30 minutes [9]. Frostbite only happens when the actual air temperature is below freezing, but you can still get hypothermia from cold exposure above freezing [9].
How much activity you need
For adults, the federal target is 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly, with muscle-building activity on at least two of those days [10]. An hour of moderate-intensity skiing three times a week reaches the low end.
Gear that helps
You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.
Best for: Strength work at home or in a park
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
Five color-coded 12-inch loop bands, from extra light to extra heavy, that add resistance to squats, bridges and arm work at home or in a park, and fold into the included carry bag. [12]
- 5 bands, 5 resistance levels (extra light to extra heavy) [12]
- 12-inch loops [12]
- Carry bag and illustrated exercise guide included [12]
- Made of latex [12]
Watch out: Latex: skip these if you have a latex allergy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Floor exercises and stretching
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
A thick foam mat that cushions knees and wrists for floor exercises, stretching and core work on a hard floor or in the grass, with a strap to carry it to the park. [13]
- 1/2 inch thick NBR foam [13]
- About 74 x 24 inches [13]
- Elastic carrying strap [13]
- Hand wash only [13]
Watch out: Thick and soft, so it is less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Early-morning and evening walks and runs
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
A light, adjustable reflective sash that makes you easier for drivers to see on early-morning and evening walks, runs and bike rides. [14]
- Cross-body design, reflective all the way around [14]
- Two pads for clip-on LED lights (lights not included) [14]
- Adjusts from XS to XL [14]
- Quick-release buckle [14]
Watch out: Reflective only: add a clip-on light if you walk or run where there are no streetlights.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Sources
- Minnesota Statutes 85.055: State park permit fees
- Minnesota Statutes 85.053: State park permits (free permits)
- Minnesota Statutes 85.41: Cross-country ski passes
- Minnesota Statutes 85.42: Ski pass fees
- Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board: Grand Rounds
- Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board: Cross-Country Skiing
- Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board: Health & Fitness
- YMCA of the North: Financial Assistance
- National Weather Service: Wind Chill Chart
- Health.gov: Top 10 Things to Know About the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: The Great Minnesota Ski Pass
- Amazon listing: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- Amazon listing: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
- Amazon listing: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
Common questions
How much is a Minnesota state park permit?
State law sets the year-round vehicle permit at $35, a second vehicle at $26, and a one-day permit at $7. A year-round motorcycle permit is $30.
Do I need a ski pass to cross-country ski in Minnesota?
On state and grant-in-aid ski trails, skiers 16 and older must carry a Minnesota cross-country ski pass: $10 a day, $25 a year or $70 for three years. City-run trails, like Minneapolis's, sell their own trail passes.
Who gets a free Minnesota state park permit?
Veterans with any level of service-connected disability, active-duty military and their dependents, Purple Heart recipients, and members of Minnesota's 11 federally recognized Tribes can get a free annual permit with qualifying ID.
Where can I ski at night in Minneapolis?
Theodore Wirth Park has about 14 miles of groomed ski trails, and the Minneapolis Park Board says its lighted trails are lit from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.