With Theo's easy access, man made snow and abundant trails, this network is a XC skiers delight whether you ski classic or skate.
Close to downtown and a short distance from MSP International Airport, Theodore Wirth Park is an easy trail network to get to. It is located in Golden Valley, MN just north of Minneapolis.
Theodore Wirth Park has a lot to offer Nordic Skiers and Fat Tire Bikers alike. The experience starts off at the Trail Head, a beautifully built and newly constructed facility that houses ticket sales and rental equipment. It is also a beautiful place to sit down and warm up after hard work on the trails. As the site of an upcoming World Cup Event in 2020, the Minneapolis Park Board (MPB) has created a beautiful facility that impresses, and the great thing is, it's open for everyone to enjoy.
Wirth Park makes snow, which is great in Minneapolis since snow fall is always light here despite the cold temperatures. This means even though the surrounding area may lack snow the trails are still open for those looking for an adventure. They are groomed well for both skate and classic style skiers, and the trails are used but not overly crowded. Once natural snow hits the network really opens up and the users spread out, so if solitude is what you seek just wait for the natural stuff to fall.
Besides the great trail network, there are some great things you can add to the experience. There is a sauna open by appointment right outside the Trail Head if a warm up is desired. I am more of a warm up by coffee kind of guy.
If you're like me and coffee is your thing, I would recommend Cuppa Java. Its located a few short minutes ways in an unique older building. The atmosphere is cozy and the lattes are good.
I also love beer, and its great to have a brewery nearby. Minneapolis has no shortage of local breweries, and near Theo Wirth you can find Utepils Brewing. It's a German focused brewery, with a large open atmosphere, great windows and light. It's a little industrial and a little bit German beer garden. Large flags decorate the inside and the glimmering brew tanks are always in view. They also have a great outside space when the weather is more cooperative. One more thing- I always seem to find cyclists there, so if meeting like minded people is a priority, maybe check out one of their cycling focused events.