When the weather outside turns cold and snow hits the ground, you’ll find many things to do in Minnesota, like snow tubing, skiing and snowshoeing. While all of these can lead to hours of outdoor fun, not everyone can stand up on skis or will have the energy to hike around in snowshoes. When you feel the urge to play in the snow, check out these places to snow tube for an all-day family adventure.
Eko Backen. There are many things to do in Minnesota, but one of the funnest is snow tubing at Eko Backen. Located at 22570 Manning Trail in Scandia, Minn., Eko Backen is the place to be when looking for things to do in winter. Beginning in December and running through March, Eko Backen’s snow tubing hill will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. During the years that Christmas Day falls on a weekend, the snow tubing hill will be closed. The tubing hills are well groomed with two towing lines to take snow tubers back up the hill for another round of winter fun. Tickets are $14 for those 13 years old and older, $11 for kids 4 to 12 years of age, and children 3 and under are admitted for free. Group rates are also available. All tickets are for three full hours on the snow tubing hill. For more information, call 651-433-2422.
Primetime Food & Spirits. Located at 8548 Ski Chalet Drive in Breezy Point, Minn., Primetime Food & Spirits will have snow tubers racing down the tubing hill when there is no snow on the ground anywhere else in the state. How is this possible? The snow makers will be going full force to make sure your winter fun doesn’t stop until the end of the season. The price for two-hour snow tubing is $13, but an additional $5 per hour can be paid for separately. Groups are welcome but are asked to call in advance. When your tummy begins to rumble and you hands and feet are numb, head into the restaurant to warm up and eat lunch and/or dinner. For more information, call 218-562-4455.
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch. Located at 7291 Country Road 6 SW in Stewartville, Minn., the Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch is open each year for snow tubing. Snow tubes are provided along with hot water. Bring your own snacks, coffee, hot chocolate mixes and warm clothes for two hours of winter fun. Prices are $12 per person with group rates available. Call in advance if you have a large or small group. With a Godly Christian atmosphere, the ranch wants to make visitors aware they do not permit tobacco or alcohol on the grounds. For more information, call 507-533-4315.
Wirth Winter Recreation Area. Located in Minneapolis Park near the Columbia Golf Course, the Wirth Winter Recreation Area offers winter fun such as: cross country skiing, snow shoeing, ice fishing, ice skating, sledding and snow tubing. The snow tubing hill is equipped with lights, groomed tubing lanes and a tow rope. Snow tubes must be rented from the park. Prices for adults are $12 per person and $8 for kids 17 and under. For more information, call 763-522-4584.