- This event has passed.
Winter Fun Starts Up! – Starts Dec 20
*Our kickoff date has been postponed until Saturday, December 20. We’re keeping our fingers and toes crossed for a fresh blanket of snow and perfect conditions for winter adventures! Our off-site snowshoe rentals will still be available starting tomorrow, December 19. 
Hey Iron Range — winter just got a whole lot more exciting at the Minnesota Discovery Center! Get ready for outdoor adventures, family fun, and snowy thrills — all kicking off on Saturday, December 20th! ⛄️🛷
🌲 Hit the Trails: Explore our looped 5K groomed trail system in Heritage Park, with beginner, intermediate, and advanced loops. Rent a kicksled or snowshoes for the whole family and enjoy a scenic winter adventure. Trail maps will be ready for you at admissions. 🥾❄️
🌙 Night Adventures: On Thursdays, we’re open late until 8pm! Grab a headlamp and experience our trails under the stars for an unforgettable night hike. 🔦✨
🛷 Sled Into Fun: Check out our brand-new Discovery Hills Sled Park! Bring your own sled or borrow one of ours and cruise down the iconic hills leading to the music amphitheater — freshly snow-covered and ready for fun! 🌨️🎉
🕒 Winter Hours & Access:
- Winter recreation kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 20th!
- Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
- Thursdays: Open late until 8pm – snowshoeing and kicksledding allowed, but not downhill sledding due to lack of enough lighting (safety first!).
- FREE admission on Thursdays from 4pm–8pm 🎟️
💲 Rental & Admission Info
- Kicksleds & Snowshoes: $3 (free if you bring your own) + general admission (MDC members never pay admission)
- Downhill Sleds: Free with general admission (MDC members always get in free!)
- Off-Site Snowshoes (24-hour rental): $15 (no admission required for off-site rentals)
☕ Warm Up & Refuel: On Fridays and Saturdays, our MDC Dining Room transforms into a cozy warming house with hot food and drinks from 11am–4pm. Perfect for a break between outdoor adventures!
Whether you’re gliding along trails, racing down hills, or hiking under the stars, MDC is the perfect place to embrace winter outdoors, make memories, and enjoy the beauty of the Iron Range in the snow.
⚠️ Weather Precautions
For everyone’s safety, winter recreation will pause when temperatures are 0°F or colder, with or without windchill. If snow quality is questionable, please give our Admissions team a call (218) 254-7959 before visiting