Winter Recreation Area at Battle Creek

 

Address

75 Winthrop Street S
Saint Paul, MN 55119

(next to Battle Creek Recreation Center)

Trail Hours

5 a.m.-10 p.m.

 

Battle Creek Rec Center Hours

Mon-Fri: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sat-Sun: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

 

Ski Rental Hours

Fri: 5-9 p.m.

Sat & Sun: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 

 

High School Practice
Mon-Fri: 3-6 p.m. (trails will remain open to the public)

 

The Winter Recreation Area at Battle Creek Regional Park is the first winter recreation area with machine-made snow in the East Metro. This area provides access to recreation for the surrounding community and serves as a premier cross-country ski facility for the entire state. 

Open/Close updates on the trails:

Stadium - Open
Pond Loop - Open
Prairie Pass - Open
Prairie loop - Open
Horseshoe Trail - Open
North/South Tree Loop - Open
Cowabunga! - Open
Winthrop Ridge - Open

A Climb – Close 
A2 Climb – Close 

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Admission - Ski Pass

Admission is free to use the sledding hills or the snowshoe and hiking trails. Cross-country ski trails require a mutual Ramsey County/Saint Paul ski pass.

Buy ski passes

Equipment Rentals

Ski rentals are available inside the Battle Creek Recreation Center for $12. Rentals can be reserved in person on a first-come-first-serve basis. Cash is not accepted for ski rentals; credit or debit card only. Price of rental includes a daily, all-access ski pass.

Hours

  • Friday: 5-9 p.m.
  • Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 

Event/Class Permits

For organizations looking to have events, ski races or classes, please apply for a permit. A representative will contact you after you submit the Winter Special Use Permit Request form below. A fee for an approved permit will be collected prior to the program date.

Organizations may run group classes and training on the machine-made snow trails at Battle Creek Regional Park. Organizations must register by filling out the program request form below and pay an annual fee of $320. All attendees must have a ski pass, with the exception of ski races. 

The stadium area may be reserved for exclusive use. Additional fees may apply. Requests can be made by emailing Thony Thao. Please note each program that requires exclusive use of the stadium.

Applications should be submitted at least three weeks prior to the program date to ensure full consideration.

Parking & Amenities

The parking lot at Battle Creek Elementary may be used for overflow parking on weekends, and weekdays after 3 p.m.

Restrooms, warming space, lockers and storage cubbies can be found in the Battle Creek Recreation Center, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday - Friday and 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

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High school cross-country ski

High School meets for the 2024 season are scheduled for Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 2:30PM to 6:00PM. Any meets occurring outside of these times will be listed. High school ski teams can use Winter Recreation Area at Battle Creek for practices and meets. Special rates are available for high school ski teams. 

Activities

Cross-country skiing

Sledding

Snowshoeing & hiking

Other Winter Programs

Free and family-friendly winter activities.

Learn to ski and other winter programs at Tamarack Nature Center.