Breezy Point Cross Country Ski Trail

Nearly 100 resources and points of interest have been identified along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway route. Some of the spots are well known such as the Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area or the Crosslake Historic Log Village. Others are not as commonly recognized.

Each of the quarterly issues of Inkslinger will highlight one of these lesser known Byway points of interest.

Breezy Point Cross Country Ski Trail

The land for the trail was dedicated by developers in 1978 and became a part of the original plats. The property on which the trails are located is still owned by the City of Breezy Point. Through a joint agreement, the City and Pelican Conservation Club care for the trail’s two miles of developed area. Additional undeveloped trail area promises more skiing opportunities in the future.

Grooming was done every year from the 1980’s until about 3 years ago when snow conditions precluded any chance of good skiing. Just last year the trail was brushed out in hopes that an old-fashioned snowy winter will grace the Lakes area again.

Those who were around when the ski trail was first completed recall use as high as 1000 skiers a season.

The ski trail can be accessed from Winter Trail off Ranchette Drive. Users can park on the roadside, or in the Ice Arena lot and walk over to the trail. Maps of the trail are available from the city clerk.

During other seasons, the Breezy Point Trail is used as a pleasant woods walk. The trail is available to the public at no charge. On your next Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway drive along CSAH #11, turn on Ranchette Drive and make a point to visit the Breezy Point Cross Country Ski Trail.

News Category: 
Published Date: 
Monday, November 21, 2005
Published By: 
Inkslinger, Volume 6 Celebration Issue Apr-Nov 2005