Winter Recreation Area at Battle Creek

Due to unseasonably warm temperatures, we had initially planned to remain open until mid-March. However, we regret to announce that we will be closing for the remainder of the season following this weekend, March 1-3, 2024.

Address

75 Winthrop Street S
Saint Paul, MN 55119
(next to Battle Creek Recreation Center)

Machine-made snow trails are open.

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. 

Admission

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

Activities

Cross-country skiing

Sledding

Snowshoeing & hiking

Equipment rental

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. 

Trail conditions and amenities

County staff updates ski trail conditions every Friday or as needed.

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. 

Winter programs

Find upcoming dates for all of our free, family-friendly winter activities on our programs page.

Learn to ski and other fee-based winter programs are held at Tamarack Nature Center.

Group Classes and Training

A customer service 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. Please contact Thony Thao with questions.

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. 

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.

High school ski teams

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.