December 2025 Trails Talk
WINTER TRAILS IN THE IOWA GREAT LAKES
With the plentiful snow we received last month, it’s a great time to remind everyone that the Iowa Great Lakes Trails offer plenty of opportunities to stay active and enjoy the outdoors all winter long.
Winter Hiking Trails: Winter is a wonderful time to explore nature trails in the Iowa Great Lakes. A couple of our favorites include the Barney Peterson Memorial Trail, located across the road from Gull Point State Park, and Henderson Woods, adjacent to the trail bridge near the Lake Minnewashta boat ramp. Bundle up and enjoy discovering new scenery, unexpected surprises, and abundant wildlife along the way.
Cross-Country Skiing Trails
We are fortunate to have excellent cross-country skiing options throughout the winter months. Two miles of groomed trail are available at Brooks Golf Course, extending up to the Dickinson County Nature Center. As snowfall increases, additional trails will be added, offering both classic (traditional) ski tracks and a wide skate-ski lane.
Another premier location for cross-country skiing is the Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Management Area on the west side of Big Spirit Lake. Please note that, due to its designation as a public wildlife area, hunting is allowed in the complex. Trails in this area will not be groomed until mid-January, once the hunting season ends.
These winter trails are made possible thanks to dedicated local volunteers, the Dickinson County Conservation Board, and support from the Dickinson County Trails Board (DCTB). We will continue to provide updates on snow and trail conditions on Facebook and www.dickinsoncountytrails.com.
Snowmobile Trails and Shared Use: Multiple trails and shared-use spaces are groomed by the Dickinson County Snowhawks for snowmobiling. The Spine Trail and Tatanka Ska Trace, in particular, have functioned as designated snowmobile routes since their inception. This arrangement provides a significant safety benefit by allowing snowmobiles to move through town on a controlled corridor, reducing street travel and encroachment on private property. The club also grooms several stretches along state highway rights-of-way where both trail systems are permitted.
Importantly, snowmobile grooming also enhances winter accessibility for other users. Groomed trails are more navigable for pedestrians and fat-tire cyclists than ungroomed snow, supporting multi-use enjoyment of the system throughout the winter season. With increased use by multiple groups, it’s important that everyone remains mindful and respectful. Pedestrians and cyclists should step aside to allow snowmobiles to pass, and snowmobilers should slow down and use caution when passing others. With courtesy and care, we can all enjoy the trails and appreciate the mutually beneficial relationship between user groups.
While all users are encouraged to proceed with caution, the current approach strikes a practical balance between safety, available resources, and broad community benefit. We value having a trail system that supports year-round recreation and transportation for a variety of users, and we appreciate the cooperation that makes this possible.
Trail users should refer to the SnowHawks trail map and note that only groomed DCTB trails are open for snowmobile use. For more information about the SnowHawks and groomed trail locations, visit www.snowhawksdc.com.
Important Reminder: ATV, UTV, and OHV vehicles are not allowed on Dickinson County Trails. Using these vehicles on groomed snowmobile trails disrupts grooming efforts and damages the hard work of volunteers. However, ATVs and similar vehicles may operate on most roads and highways in Dickinson County. Please review state regulations at Iowa Code 3211.10 All-Terrain Vehicles [PDF] and follow any applicable local ordinances.
FRIENDS CAMPAIGN CONTINUES
The Iowa Great Lakes Trails continue to grow and connect our communities in exciting new ways. Over the past few years, we’ve seen remarkable progress – more than 17 miles of new trails, a beautiful new trailhead in Spirit Lake, and several impactful maintenance projects. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors. With your continued support, we can further connect communities in Clay County, advance development of the rail trail Tatanka Ska Trace and maintain a safe, high-quality trail system.
If you have not already, please consider joining Friends of the Trails. Your contribution will help enhance the quality of life in the Iowa Great Lakes and make a meaningful impact on the area’s health and economy. To learn more or to donate, please visit www.dickinsoncountytrails.com.
We deeply appreciate the community’s ongoing support. Together, we continue to improve and expand the trail system, creating lasting benefits for generations to come.
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director