Activities

The area surrounding Hinckley is great for off road vehicles. With several state forests in the area and the close proximity to the Gandy Dancer Trail, Hinckley is a great place to stay and play! Make it a day or weekend trip to four-wheel beautiful country in east central Minnesota.

St. Croix State Forest - Located approximately 28 miles east of Hinckley . the St. Croix state forest has approximately 45 miles of four wheeling trails and also connects to the Gandy Dancer Trail. The difficulty rating for these trails is rated as a blue square (more difficult), Additional info. See map

Gandy Dancer Trail - Starts in the St. Croix State Forest just east of Hinckley and travels north 31 miles. Connects the St. Croix State Forest and the Nemadji State Forest. Level of difficulty for the Gandy Dancer is rated as a green circle (easiest), Additional info. See map

Nemadji State Forest - Located in Northeastern Pine county the Nemadji State Forest offers riders 100 miles of ATV / Off-road vehicle trails. The rating for these trails is green circle (easiest). Additional Indo. See map

Chengwatana State Forest - Located southwest of St. Croix State Park the Chengwatana State Forest offers 11 miles of ATV trails rated as a blue square (more difficult). Additional Info See map

General Andrews State Forest - Located 20 miles north of Hinckley, near Willow River. This state forest, although smaller, offers over 39 miles of ATV trails. The difficulty rating for this trail is blue square (more difficult). Additional Info  See map

Bicycling

Hinckley offers many opportunities for biking. The longest paved trail in the state, The Willard Munger State Trail starts here along with St. Croix State Park and Banning State Park.

Willard Munger State Trail - The nation's longest paved trail starts in Hinckley and travels all the way to Duluth. Beginning in Hinckley you can travel along the same route that engineer James Root took with his crew on September 1st, 1894 when they rescued more than 300 people from the Hinckley Fire. The trail takes you through several towns along the way with many great scenic views and unique towns and shops to visit. The trail starts in downtown Hinckley, take Hwy 48 west off I-35, go about 5 blocks to stop sign, take a right on old Hwy 61, then left on Hwy 18. Trail will be on right just past railroad tracks. Parking is available at trail head.

Additional Information on the Willard Munger Trail.

The Willard Munger State Trail is a collection of multiple use trails between Hinckley and Duluth. It consists of interconnecting trails offering hiking, bicycling, in-line skating and snowmobiling. It highlights the picturesque scenery and rich history of East Central Minnesota. The trail follows the route of the railroad that saved many lives in the historic Hinckley and Cloquet fires in the nineteenth century.

Of the St. Croix State Park’s 127 miles of hiking trails, the Two Rivers Trail is perhaps the most scenic, particularly near the confluence of the Kettle and the St. Croix. This hike features the beauty and contrast of the two rivers that meet at its midpoint. A hike upriver on the St. Croix is through a mixed floodplain forest that’s colorful in the fall when the leaves are at their peak. The park has miles of trails for hikers, horseback riders, bicyclists, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers.

Banning State Park is just minutes off I-35 near Sandstone. Hike along the Kettle River amid dramatic sandstone rock formations with lush lichens, liverworts and mosses. Visit Wolf Creek Falls, the Log Creek Arches and Robinson's Ice Cave. Stay at the new camper cabin (sleeps five people), which includes bunk beds, a table and benches. Take in the historic ruins of Banning Sandstone Quarry. The park is known for camping, picnicking, cross-country skiing, beautiful trails for hiking and the study of natural history.

For up-to-date information please refer to the following website: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Audubon Center of the North Woods is just a few miles west of Sandstone on the east side of Grindstone Lake. It has over 7 miles of hiking and skiing trails in a diverse 535-acre sanctuary which includes a variety of habitats, including old-growth red and white pines, hardwood forests, restored wetlands and prairies. Camping and overnight lodging are available on-site.

Paintball

The Combat Zone Inc invites everyone to play Paintball at one of America's Premier Paintball Facilities. Feel the RUSH as you play all day on 8 different gamefields, each with its own challenge -- from eliminating opponents to capture the flag! The fields are equipped with Log Forts, Foxholes, Bunkers, Trucks and Mobile Homes to enhance your experience (There's even the infamous Alamo). Our unique facility was created in 1994 to fill the needs of people who wanted a new way to remember special occasions, or just have fun with family or a group of friends. Church and youth groups, corporate outings, family reunions, wedding and birthday parties all have made lasting memories at The Combat Zone and keep coming back for more! (800) 266-2284