Minnesota winters are full of fun! There is much to see and do when the temperature drops and the snow starts to fly. Luckily, there is one place in Minnesota where you can take part in several favorite winter activities. Every winter, the Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area transforms the reserve into a wonderland of activity. More than a million people visit Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area every year, and it's no wonder. Thanks to all of the skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in Minnesota found at this park, it's one of the best places in the state to have fun this winter. Here's all that Elm Creek has to offer:
Elm Creek Park Reserve Preps for Busy Winter Season
Elm Creek Park Reserve Overview
Elm Creek Park Reserve is a 4,900-acre expanse in Maple Grove, Minnesota. The land is transformed by snow with the snow-covered tree branches making it look like something from a fairy tale. But this place is not just good to look at. It also holds much to do! And it's just as good as the best ski resorts in Minnesota.
Activities
- Cross-country skiing
- Downhill skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snow tubing
Cross-Country Skiing at Elm Creek
Cross-country skiing is a popular activity at Elm Creek. The park has more than 18 kilometers of groomed trails, lighted and with snowmaking to keep the paths fresh. Some of the best ski trails in the metro area. Fantastic night skiing on their lighted trails!
Trail Conditions
Make sure to check the trail conditions before you head out.
- Only the man-made snow loop had been groomed. In spite of the warm-up, conditions were very good.
- Snow is very dirty and debris has been exposed in areas. Skate deck was getting soft as I was leaving.
- Skied the man made loop which was in great shape. Snow is hard and fast with no icy patches or debris. Classic track were also in good shape.
- I only skied the man-made loop, but it was in excellent shape; kudos to the staff. After the warmish temps and possible freezing rain, I was skeptical of the conditions, but the trail was soft yet fast, no real icy spots, little sugar.
- Valley trail with man made snow was very good. Skate and classic.
- Northern lights was terrible... adequate snow but has not been groomed in days.
- Skied early afternoon. Windy for sure but the trees around northern lights loop are a very decent wind block. Did several circuits on the inner loop of northern lights, it is skiable. Also skied several passes on SE loop of manmade trail which was also offered some protection from wind.
- Wonderful fast conditions on the machine made snow this morning, with perhaps a light 1 inch of fresh on top. All machine made trail is open. Bring your best skis for the fake snow, but B skis or lower for the natural. Of the natural, I only skied Northern Lights.
- Man-Made loop groomed and in excellent condition. Arrived 2pm, almost deserted of skiers. Conditions were excellent, classic tracks deep and clean. Skied on man made snow loop only. More skiers kept arriving with two school buses of high school skiers which made the trails busier.
- Late morning ski. Only the Valley Trail (man made loop) had been groomed.
- I skied the Lake trail this morning but should have turned around when I had the chance. The skate deck hadn't been touched by the groomers yet and the trail was rutted, hard, and littered with debris. It was tough to ski at times and the small twigs weren't always avoidable. The classic tracks looked to be in decent shape. If you really want to ski the natural snow trails, classic would probably be a better choice (b skis or rock skis, given the debris). The short portion of the Northern Lights trail that I skied was in slightly better shape.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Downhill skiing is also popular at Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area. If you enjoy other ski resorts in Minnesota, you'll love skiing at Elm Creek. Of course, snowboarding is also welcome at Elm Creek.
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Ski and snowboard day passes and season passes are available to anyone over the age of five. Children age four and younger are free. Rentals are also available.
- This lighted beginner-level slope is a perfect place to gain confidence before heading to the bigger hills.
- The terrain park with rope tows is packed with challenging features.
- The Snowsports Academy provides lessons for every level of skier and boarder.
- Ski and snowboard rentals are available.
Snow Tubing at Elm Creek
One of the most exhilarating activities at Elm Creek is snow tubing. One of the best snow tubing hills in Minnesota can be found here. There are many lanes, ranging from steep and speedy to slow and steady.
When you get to the bottom, simply ride the moving sidewalk back to the top! Tube rentals are included in the cost. Speed down the tubing hill at Elm Creek and catch a ride back to the top on a moving sidewalk. Learn more about tubing at Elm Creek.
Tubing Reservations
Advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Reservations are required ahead of time and the tubing sessions are set at two hours.
Hours of Operation (2025-2026)
Regular Hours
Cross-Country Skiing:
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- Monday-Sunday: 5 AM - 10 PM
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding:
- Monday-Friday: 3 PM - 9 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 9 AM - 9 PM
Tubing Hill:
- Monday-Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday-Friday: 4 PM - 9 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM - 9 PM
Winter Break Hours
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding:
- Dec. 20-23: 9 AM - 9 PM
- Dec. 24: 9 AM - 3:30 PM
- Dec. 25: Closed
- Dec. 26-Jan.: 9 AM - 9 PM
Tubing Hill:
- Dec. 20-23: 10 AM - 9 PM
- Dec. 24: 10 AM - 3:30 PM
- Dec. 25: Closed
- Dec. 26-Jan. 4: 10 AM - 9 PM
Hours for cross-country skiing, the downhill ski and snowboard area and the tubing hill may be different from chalet hours. Please see specific activity hours before your visit.
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Passes and Rentals (2025-2026)
Season passes and daily passes can be purchased online, by calling 763-559-6700 or at the chalet.
Cross-Country Ski Passes
- Daily pass (single park): $10 plus tax
- Season pass (all parks): $90 plus tax
Equipment Rental
Advance equipment reservation is required.
Rates (2025-2026)
Tubing
- 2 hours of tubing: $18 plus tax
- Special: Half-price Wednesdays! Join us on Wednesday nights for two hours of tubing for $9 plus tax.
Reservations
Reservations are strongly encouraged and may be made up to 14 days in advance. When open, please check availability online before coming to the hill. Reservations can be made online or by calling our reservations office at 763-559-6700.
Discounts
- Winter Recreation Area of Elm Creek season pass holders receive a daily rate of $15 at Hyland Hills.
- Hyland Hills season pass holders get a daily rate of $5 at the Winter Recreation Area for downhill skiing or snowboarding.
- Get 20% off an adult or child full-day lift ticket Giants Ridge. Valid any day!
- MSAA 4th Grade Passport Program members are eligible for three visits to Elm Creek during the 2024-2025 season.
Gearing Up: FAQs
Find out the answers to some of the most common questions about visiting the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek.
What equipment is allowed on the skiing and snowboarding hills?
Downhill skis with metal edges and functioning brakes (or with leashes, if telemark skis) and snowboards with metal edges and non-releasing bindings. We do not allow snow skates, ski bikes, sleds, snow scooters, cross-country skis or plastic snowboards on the skiing and snowboarding hills.
Can I rent just alpine skis, snowboards, snowboard boots or alpine ski boots?
There is no discounted rate for renting a partial downhill ski or snowboard package. We rent them only as a full package.
Can I rent just Nordic boots or skis?
Yes, we do offer a-la-carte cross-country equipment rental. You can rent boots, skis or poles separately.
On the Hill & Inside the Chalet: FAQs
Can I wear only my boots on the bunny hill?
No, we do not allow any foot traffic on the ski hill. Anyone on skiable terrain, including the bunny hill and surface conveyor lifts, must have a valid lift ticket attached to their clothing and skis or a snowboard on their feet.
Can I bring my dog to the hill?
We do not allow dogs inside the chalet or anywhere on the downhill ski and snowboard or tubing areas during the ski season. Service animals are welcome.
Can I bring my own food?
You can bring your own food; however, we do not allow anything with a heating element to be brought inside the chalet. This includes but is not limited to: coffee makers, pressure cookers, air fryers and crockpots.
Does Elm Creek serve alcohol?
No, we do not have a bar onsite, nor do we allow guests to bring their own alcohol on the premises.
More to Explore at Elm Creek Park Reserve
At 4,900 acres, Elm Creek Park Reserve is the largest park in Three Rivers.
- Archery Range: An expansive, 30-acre archery range is on the northwest side of the park. There is a walk through course as well as targets set at various distances and an elevated platform. A daily or annual pass is required.
- Camping: Elm Creek camping will re-open on Friday, April 24, 2026. Reservations required.
- Camper Cabins: Camper cabins are located near the horse and paved bike/hike trails.
- Group Camp: Rush Creek Group Camp is located near biking/hiking trails. Reserve a group campsite.
- Horse Camp: The Elm Creek Horse Camp is located on the north end of the park near the archery range. The horse camp has five sites. Each campsite can hold up to eight people and two sleeping units. Self-contained RVs are not allowed.
- Dog Park: Dogs can run and play in the 29-acre fenced area with a separate area for small and frail dogs. Additionally, there is a fenced wetland pond. A daily or annual pass is required for the off-leash area. Elm Creek has lots to explore on two legs or four. Dogs on a six-foot, non-retractable leash are allowed on paved and turf trails except where posted otherwise.
Other Activities
- Come play the challenging 18-hole Elm Creek Disc Golf Course that demands distance as well as accuracy.
- With over 50 miles of hiking trails, Elm Creek is a wonderful place to explore. Multi-use turf trails are found throughout the park. The park reserve’s paved trails take you through woodlands, wetlands and old farm fields.
- A 10-foot-wide, mowed horse trail consists of two main loops and a connection northwest along Diamond Creek into the big woods. A daily or annual pass is required. Reservations required for camping. Check the Horseback Riding page for trail status updates.
- The singletrack trail offers an exciting ride for beginner through advanced mountain bikers.
- Elm Creek has one of the largest play areas in the state. Swings, slides, ropes and lots of fun features make it fun for kids of all ages.
- Elm Creek has over seven miles of multi-use trails for skijoring.
- Nearly 10 miles of trails provide links through the park to state Grants-in-Aid snowmobile trails. Snowmobile trailer parking is available at the park.
- Eastman has 6.5 miles of snowshoeing trails that are great for photography or bird watching. Snowshoe rentals are available to reserve online from Eastman Nature Center. Reservations must be made in advance.
Important Notices
- A reservation is required for all buses and commercial vehicles.
- The small trailhead parking lot on Elm Creek Road near Fernbrook Lane N. has permanently closed. Trail users are invited to park in the paved overflow parking lot accessible from the Eastman Nature Center entrance road.
- Starting this fall, the restroom buildings near the Acorn Picnic Shelter and play area will be closed to the public for construction. Work will take place through the winter and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. The restroom buildings will receive new roofs, siding, drinking fountains and sidewalks.
- Three Rivers Park District began a woodland/savanna restoration project in the northeastern part of Elm Creek Park Reserve in the winter of 2024. The multi-phase project will continue through June of 2026. The project will restore 42 acres of oak woods.
- The first phase will involve the removal of buckthorn and other small trees within the project area. This will be accomplished by a contractor using forestry mowers and hand cutting.