Minnesota is home to thousands of trails designed for cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. In fact, Minnesota's cross-country skiing trails offer more miles of skiing than a trek from St. Paul to Los Angeles, and there are 22,000 miles of groomed trails for snowmobiling. Minnesota trails provide breathtaking views of our state’s forests, lakes and rivers. 

Minnesotans love to embrace winter weather, and nothing brings out our rosy-cheeked enthusiasm like a winter festival! 

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is the oldest winter festival in the United States. Since 1886, downtown St. Paul has been transformed into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures, parades and live music in Rice Park. These days it's also an integral component of The Great Northern festival, which unites some of the Twin Cities' premier winter events under one, snowy banner from late January through early February. 

Or if you're in northwest Minnesota, you can join the frozen fun at Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes and see the ice throne complete with illuminated blocks of ice and the event's mascot, Polar Pete, each night. 

Minnesota is home to more than 100 breweries and taprooms across the state, like Minneapolis brewery-meets-soccer bar La Doña. Be sure to keep your eye out for local beers when you're at the liquor store, or visit the breweries themselves to pick up a growler to-go.

Local distilleries are getting in on the takeout game, too. Craft cocktail enthusiasts will enjoy tasting whiskeys, vodkas, gins and moonshines from distilleries like Tattersall, Du Nord, 11 Wells, J. Carver Distillery, Far North Spirits, Lawless, Panther Distillery and Vikre Distillery.

Some of your favorite comedy clubs and improv theaters are back. Catch a live comedy show at Acme Comedy Club or Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy or ComedySportz. Each match is an improvised comedy between two teams of actors as they create short games and scenes based on your suggestions.

Did you know the U.S. Men’s 2015 curling team (who won the 2015 championship) is from Duluth? Minnesota has the most curling clubs in the nation. With more than 30 clubs across the state, you are bound to find one near you.

Another unique winter activity that can be found in Minnesota is dog sledding. The Boundary Waters has over a million of acres of pristine, snowy environment for you and a team of Canadian Inuit dogs to explore. There are also outfitters along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Ice fishing is an iconic Minnesota winter activity. Visit Lake of the Woods, the "Walleye Capital of the World," to experience excellent ice fishing. This fishing destination features more than 50 resorts, sleeper services and hotels. Lodging options include a cozy cabin, condo, hotel, motel or a sleeper fish house on a frozen lake.

Even if you can't attend a game in person, you can still spend an evening cheering on the home team from your couch. Minnesota pro teams to watch during the winter include the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Wild.

Minnesota collegiate sports are also an exciting way to spend an evening watching athletes compete in multiple sports. The University of Minnesota is part of the Big 10 Conference, with winter sports including basketball and hockey The University of Minnesota’s men’s and women’s hockey team are consistently ranked among the best in the nation. The teams have various games across Minnesota during the season.

Minnesota features some of the highest hills in the Midwest, and Minnesota downhill ski areas offer thrills for any level of skills. From Spirit Mountain in Duluth to the new Detroit Mountain Recreation Area in Detroit Lakes, there are opportunities across the state to cruise the runs. 

No matter what you do this winter, get out and explore Minnesota. You can document your adventures and get inspired for new outings by using the hashtag #OnlyinMN on social media.