Winter
Cross Country Skiing
Your skis are calling – they want to explore Minnesota’s wintry North Shore! Larsmont Cottages offers great proximity to some of the most beautiful cross-country ski trails in Minnesota. Ski passes are required and can be purchased online at the DNR website.
The Great MN Ski Pass
Nearby Trails
Lester-Amity Trails, Duluth
61st Ave E & Superior St 19 miles southwest of Larsmont Head north on the Lester River Road, park at the golf course club house and ski the 3k easy loop – great for beginners and families. Once you have confidence up, head back south to the Lester Park Pavilion for a series of interconnected easy loops. Or, head north up the Seven Bridges Road (1 block further west on Superior St) to the Lakeside Chalet and ski the intermediate and advanced loops. Lots of choices make this a good offering for groups with different skill levels.
Korrki Nordic Trails
Off Hwy 61, south of Larsmont Drive south on Hwy 61 to Homestead Rd, then north on the Homestead Rd for 2.5 miles, then west/left on the Korkki Rd for .5 miles to the trailhead. This is a narrow, quiet, classic/diagonal stride trail through the woods that offers a 4K intermediate loop with a 2K add-on followed by another 2k advanced loop that includes one big hill. Perfect for experienced skiers looking for a quiet ski in the woods.
Erkki Harju Trail, Two Harbors
County Rd 2, 3/4 mile north of Hwy 61 in Two Harbors 4 miles northeast of Larsmont Ski a 3K lit trail rolling through part of the golf course or challenge yourself on the intermediate Inside Loop and Easy/Intermediate Outside Loop. No matter which trail you choose, you will most likely spot wildlife tracks. Pretty trails through paper birch, cedar and evergreens.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Hwy 61, 15 miles northeast of Larsmont Pick up trail maps at the Visitor Center and decide to spend an hour or a day! Trails include an easy lakeside loop and an amazing choice of interconnected woodland and riverside loops, mostly intermediate. Something for everyone and a beautiful ski!
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Hwy 61, 23 miles northeast of Larsmont A stop at the park office will get you on your way to the trailhead and your choice of mostly intermediate loops through the forests north of Lake Superior. A good choice for skiers with some experience. Bonus – winter views of Split Rock Lighthouse!
Dog Sledding
The chill of Lake Superior, the landscape of Minnesota’s North Shore, and the frigid temperatures make even the most “citified” person think about a dog sledding adventure as a musher. What a great way to view the beauty of the North Shore during the winter – and what a story to tell back at the office! Try out this old style of transportation near Larsmont Cottages.
For more information about our dog sled tours see our partner, Positive Energy Outdoors’ website. Or call Silver Creek Dog Sleds at (218) 834-6592.
Snowshoeing
Try a traditional winter sport, snowshoeing, right at Larsmont Cottages or on near by trails. Snowshoes are complimentary at the Front Desk. This is a great way to track winter wildlife and explore parts of nature that haven’t been touched by man since the season’s snow began to fall; a great workout and a great mental retreat. Listen to the sounds of the winter forest and bring a camera to capture any wildlife you may track down.
Nearby Trails
Larsmont Cottages
Snowshoe along the lake shore without traveling.
In Duluth
Across the Aerial Lift Bridge, on Park Point, check out the ice walls created by the coldest waves as you step along the shore of Lake Superior.
Lester Park
Snowshoe through the park, near the river and on adjacent golf course.
Wolf Rock
Make the big climb to Wolf Rock – the view is worth it. Wolf Rock is located near Castle Danger just north of Larsmont Cottages.
Gooseberry Falls & Split Rock Lighthouse State Parks
Go where most can not and view the falls or lighthouse from new and exciting places. Avoid the groomed cross country ski trails. Park passes are required.
Snowmobiling
Larsmont is near Minnesota’s famous North Shore State Trail.
We have ample trailer parking, an on-site restaurant, and the best accommodations on the shore. Choose Larsmont Cottages for your Snowmobile next trip!