Snowshoeing and winter hiking are some of the most accessible winter things to do in Plymouth. They provide a simple, seasonal way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Grab your warm layers and sturdy boots or snowshoes. Here are a few trail ideas to get you started.

French Regional Park is especially versatile in the winter. This large park features snow-packed trails and plowed, paved trails (totaling 2.7 miles in the winter). Additionally, they have dedicated snowshoeing areas, including the Nature Exploration Area and the lighted Lagoon Trail. Snowshoe rentals in adult and youth sizes are available with advance reservations, making it easy to plan ahead. If you’re looking for exciting weekend activities in Plymouth this winter, renting snowshoes and trying a new activity in fresh snow is an excellent option.

Also part of the Three Rivers District, Eagle Lake Regional Park offers nearly 2 additional miles of hiking trails. If you’re up for a unique winter adventure, this park features 1.5 miles of snowshoe trails that end in an open area for off-trail exploration!

Then, Plymouth Creek Park Reserve offers several great trails for winter. Expect rolling hills and lake views as you make your way along the trails. Trails around Medicine Lake also make winter exploration easy. East Medicine Lake Park is a popular spot to park. From here, you can enjoy scenic views of the lake and a paved path. Finally, Medicine Lake Regional Trail and Mooney Lake Park are two additional local favorites for winter treks on foot.

Cross-country skiing is one of the most popular winter activities in Plymouth, thanks to well-groomed trails, gentle terrain, and options for both daytime and night skiing.

Eagle Lake Regional Park is a favorite for beginners, with 3.6 miles of classic and skate ski trails divided into two loops. The mostly flat routes wind through woods and meadows with some gently rolling hills, making them ideal for those new to the sport (or anyone who prefers fewer hills). Trails are easily accessible from the golf course parking lot. Skiers 12 and older must display a Three Rivers Park District ski pass while skiing.

French Regional Park, located along the north shore of Medicine Lake, offers even more mileage and lighted trails. Skiers can enjoy nearly six miles of groomed trails. One trail even becomes a lighted route at night. Conveniently, it starts at the visitor center. French Regional Park also offers classic and skate ski rentals for adults and youth (advance reservation is recommended). Rentals are easy to pick up at the visitor center, and helpful staff will provide tips before you head out. There is a cross-country ski trail that sets out right from the Visitor Center.

A Three Rivers ski pass is required at both parks. Day and seasonal passes are available. Checking trail conditions before you go is always recommended.

*Now closed for the season. Be sure to check out our rinks again next year which are typically open mid-December-February (weather permitting)

Outdoor ice skating is a classic way to embrace winter, and it’s one of the most beloved outdoor winter things to do in Plymouth. There’s something special about gliding across the ice under open skies, whether you’re teaching kids to skate, playing a casual game of pickup hockey, or simply looking for a way to stay active this winter.

In Plymouth, outdoor rinks bring neighborhoods together! Many local outdoor rinks offer staffed warming houses. This way, you can easily take breaks and lace up skates in a more comfortable temperature. Weather permitting, outdoor rinks and warming houses are typically open from mid-December through late February. They also offer lights daily from sunset until 10 p.m., making after-school and after-work skating easy and accessible.

Here is a list of outdoor rinks and warming houses in Plymouth:

• LaCompte Playfield, 10795 Old County Road 15 (staffed)
•  Plymouth Creek Playfield, 3625 Fernbrook Lane (staffed)
•  The Meadows, 5805 Peony Lane N. (staffed)
•  Zachary Playfield, 4355 Zachary Lane (staffed)
•  Bass Lake Playfield, 5450 Northwest Blvd. (unstaffed)
• Parker’s Lake Park, 15205 County Rd 6 & Niagara Lane (unstaffed)

Few winter experiences elicit pure joy and nostalgia quite like sledding and tubing, making them among the most popular kid-friendly winter activities in Plymouth. It’s simple, active fun that doesn’t require lessons or special gear. All you need are warm clothes, a sled, and a good hill. For families looking for weekend things to do in Plymouth this winter with kids, sledding is an easy win. Here are a few local sledding hills to try with your kids this winter. They are all free and unsupervised.

The Meadows Playfield has a new, dedicated sledding hill, which has quickly become a local favorite. Families should bring their own sleds and check city updates for weather-related closures. There is a large, covered sitting area with multiple tables at the top of the hill for parents to gather, set up hot chocolate, and watch their kids sled.

French Regional Park offers a classic winter setup with a massive sledding hill (located near the visitor center). Non-rail sleds are welcome, and you can either bring your own or rent one on-site. It’s the perfect spot for long runs, big laughs, and memorable winter afternoons.

Finally, Plymouth Creek Playfield also offers a neighborhood sledding hill that many local families enjoy. You can also find a fun playground here for kids to use afterward (or between runs!).

Fat-tire biking is one of the most unique winter things to do in Plymouth. The wide, high-volume tires maximize traction in the snow, build confidence, and make winter riding surprisingly approachable and fun. It’s a great winter option for mountain bikers and cyclists.

Eagle Lake Regional Park allows fat-tire biking on mixed-use trails during winter. The park offers 1.7 miles of trails that wind through woods and snow-covered meadows. For longer adventures, the Luce Line State Trail provides miles of mostly flat riding along a former railroad grade. This trail begins in Plymouth and ends near Orono.

Ice fishing is a Minnesota tradition. When Medicine Lake freezes over, it becomes a hub for Twin Cities ice anglers looking to enjoy fresh air and the thrill of a tug on the line.

Medicine Lake is home to an impressive variety of fish, including bluegill, crappie, northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, bullhead, and carp. Access is easy from French Regional Park, and there are plenty of productive spots to set up for the day. Walleye, northern pike, and panfish are especially popular targets throughout the winter season.

Local anglers often have success jigging with fathead minnows for walleye and panfish, while tip-ups baited with sucker minnows can attract larger northern pike. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying it for the first time, ice fishing on Medicine Lake is an excellent way to experience winter in Plymouth!