When white gold falls, the adventure begins. Whether you’re a weekend warrior planning a blitz ride or ready for a stay ‘n’ play or destination ride, Hinckley, Minnesota, offers something special for every rider, beginner to seasoned. From adrenaline-filled fun to relaxing by the bonfire or resting at a cozy hotel, experience a Minnesota winter playground in Hinckley’s charming town with twists and turns through stunning landscapes. Located just over an hour from the Twin Cities, make plans and escape to a beautiful winter wonderland. 

*Don’t miss our interview with local snowmobiler Karl Hosler, with 20 tips below! 

In East Central Minnesota, you will find small-town hospitality with every comfort and easy snowmobile trail access. Enjoy snowmobiling through wide open spaces, tall pine forests, prairies, and two beautiful scenic river shorelines. See abundant wildlife, including deer, fox, bald eagles, osprey, owls, and even the occasional timber wolf or bear. From local loops to 150-mile trail rides, East Central Minnesota is among the best snowmobiling in Minnesota. 

Hinckley, Minnesota, is picturesque and wild, surrounded by state parks and forests with the opportunity to ride a vast network of snowmobile trails. Connect to seemingly endless miles of trails riding through St. Croix State Park (Minnesota’s largest State Park with over 34,000 acres), St. Croix State Forest, Banning State Park, Chengwatana State Forest, Nemadji State Forest, and the General C.C. Andrews State Forest. Dare to discover a new trail through the backwoods or conveniently ride the trails closer to town with get-at-able hotels, restaurants, and Grand Casino Hinckley (located right on the trail). 

Hotels and Restaurants in Hinckley, Minnesota

There are many comforts to complete your stay in Hinckley’s vibrant town, whether you are ready to relax or continue the adrenaline rush when you leave the trails. You can choose from the following hotel options based on your type of trip: Days Inn, Americas Best Value Inn, and Grand Casino Hinckley. At Grand Casino Hinckley, the sky is the limit! Try your luck at the Slots, enjoy the Rival House’s Bowling and Live Music, savor delicious food at various Restaurants, or unwind and relax at the Spa. 

Add Whistle Stop to your breakfast itinerary, and start your day with a hearty breakfast before hitting the trails! To pack snacks, visit Daggett’s Fresh Foods for great grab-and-go options. A stop at Tobie’s Restaurant & Bakery is a must and always a local and traveler’s favorite! They are famous for their caramel, cinnamon, and pecan caramel rolls. 

For more Lodging and Dining options, visit hinckleymn.com. 

20 Tips for Snowmobiling in Hinckley, Minnesota 

Hinckley’s convenient Minnesota location between the Twin Cities and Duluth allows snowmobilers to ride trails in every direction. In fact, you can ride all the way to Duluth on the Willard Munger Trail, with the trailhead starting in Hinckley! Another beneficial and favorite trail is The Matthew Lourey State Trail, which passes through multiple forests that link St. Croix State Park with Chengwatana, Nemadji, and St. Croix state forests. St. Croix State Park alone has 75 miles of trail! You can also ride the countryside to Mille Lacs Lake. The options are plentiful for all skill levels and to meet your trip style.  

Strap on your helmets; it’s time for the interview with local snowmobiler Karl Hosler!

1. What sparked your interest in snowmobiling, and how long have you been riding?

I’ve been riding snowmobiles for over 30 years. I started when I moved to Minnesota from Pennsylvania, where the snowmobile culture didn’t exist. While snowy Minnesota winters offered plenty of opportunities to ride. I started out playing in fields with friends and eventually became an avid trail rider. Minnesota’s extensive trail network provides fairly accessible riding, limited primarily by snow conditions needed for well-groomed trails.

2. What is unique about the Hinckley area regarding snowmobiling?

Hinckley offers access to a chain of forests that include Chengwatana State Forest, St. Croix State Park, St. Croix State Forest, and Nemadji State Forest, which provide a great route for exploring the wilderness by snowmobile. We also have hotels and restaurants on the trails.

3. How long/miles are the trails? Can you make a full day of it?

Most trail riders prefer to make a loop rather than return on the same trail. Local loops can be as short as 14 miles and range as far as you want into surrounding trail systems. Passing through all of the forests I mentioned would be more of a 150-mile ride. We also have the Munger Trailhead in Hinckley, where you can shoot all the way up to Duluth. Trails meet Hinckley from the north, south, east, and west. This gives some flexibility to route planning.

4. What are some of your favorite trails and why?

My favorite trails are through the parks and forests. I like to take in the outdoors and escape civilization for a while.

5. What are your favorite stops on the trails?

The Trail Center in St Croix State Park has great features like indoor fire pits, picnic tables, and heated restrooms. It’s a good place to stop for a break, roast hotdogs, and take in the beauty of the outdoors. Sometimes, you can meet other riders and chat about what trails they have been on.

6. What is the snowmobiling culture like in Hinckley? Is it family-friendly?

Whether riding a nearby loop, grabbing lunch at an area restaurant, or strictly enjoying the outdoors, many enjoy the sport as a family. You can also enjoy a day or weekend with a group of friends.

7. Are there snowmobile and gear rentals?

Hinckley does not have snowmobile rentals. However, there is a business in Rush City that does. T&T Sports and Lawn is about 25 minutes south of Hinckley.

8. Do I need a permit?

Anyone born after 1976 needs to have snowmobile safety certification to ride on public trails. Youth courses are available for ages 11-15 that become valid at age 12. These courses require an online course completion and classroom review with a riding performance course. Certification for 16 and up just need a completed online course. Information for certification and courses can be found on the Minnesota DNR website.

9. What is the terrain like?

In good snow, trails are groomed and have limited elevation changes. Our local trails are fun for all.

10. Are there advantages or challenges on the snowmobile routes in Hinckley?

Nothing that comes to mind. I recommend using the RIDE COMMAND Polaris app if you are new in the area so you know where the trails are and can stay on them and not end up trespassing on private property.

11. Is there a snowmobile club? Do you participate in the club or other organizations?

Yes, the Hinckley-Pine City Flames Snowmobile Club is tasked with maintaining the trails in the immediate area. They maintain 104 miles of trail. I’m currently serving as Trail Administrator for the club. I would encourage snowmobilers to get involved with clubs in their area. It takes a lot of work to get these trails ready. The Flames have many landowners who allow us to use their land to provide snowmobile trails; this lets us create a more natural trail to enjoy, so the trail is not always in the ditch.

12. What is your favorite memory or adventure of snowmobiling in Hinckley?

My favorite rides are when I can share the experience with family. It is always fun stopping at the warming house in St. Croix Park, building a fire, getting warm, and cooking hot dogs over the fire.

13. What is your advice to a novice visiting the area for the first time?

I recommend the use of the Ride Command Polaris app for navigation. Follow the Hinckley-Pine City Flames on Facebook for more trail information. Make sure you know your hand signals when riding and know to stay right when going around corners. Safety is important for all riders and trail maintenance crews. If you are newer to snowmobiling or the area, it’s best to ride with another person.

14. What is your ideal snowmobiling day or weekend?

Most traffic is on the weekends; most maintenance is on weekdays. The best trail conditions will be early in the weekend or late in the week.

15. If you could give just one recommendation to someone new to the area, what would it be?

I recommend riding out to St.Criox Park and taking a break at the trail center. It gives you the feeling of being in the wilderness with an opportunity to warm up and use a restroom.

16. What are the best snowmobiling local resources?

Hinckley-Pine City Flames Snowmobile Club provides important trail updates. The DNR website offers broader information on area parks and trails. The Polaris Ride Command navigation app is a good tool for finding your way around on the trails.

17. Any tips on the best gear?

Invest in quality gear rated for snowmobiling. The right equipment makes all the difference in comfort and safety. Good boots; it is not fun to ride with cold feet. A helmet with a heated visor is also a great thing to have. It helps your helmet not fog up, making it easier to see.

18. What is your favorite place to stay/lodging for groups of snowmobilers? Any locations right on the trails?

Hotels: Days Inn, Americas Best Value Inn, Grand Casino Hinckley. Grand Casino Hinckley is probably the most conveniently located on the trail. We also have an Airbnb located on the trail called Retreat121. You can find more information about lodging at www.hinckleymn.com. 

19. How do you see snowmobiling evolving in Hinckley in the coming years?

If the winters stay snowy and the snowmobile clubs keep getting dedicated volunteers, the trail system will continue to be maintained and could grow in years to come.

20. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Snowmobiling is a fun sport whether you are with family or friends. Hinckley is a good place to come for the weekend and stay and ride. If you stay at the Casino, you can ride all day and come back to the casino hotel, and you will have food, entertainment, and more under one roof. 

If you have more questions about accommodations, visit www.hinckleymn.com or call 320-384-0126. The team at the Hinckley Convention and Visitors Bureau is here to help!

Always #KnowBeforeYouGo – visit the Hinckley-Pine City Flames Snowmobile Club Facebook page, or here is a link to the new DNR Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html. 

Find more Hinckley winter fun activities >> https://hinckleymn.com/seasonal-activities/winter/

Happy Trails!