City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival

The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival transforms Theodore Wirth Park (1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55422) into Minnesota’s winter sports playground each January. What began in 2003 as a modest cross-country ski race now draws thousands to this 759-acre urban park where groomed trails meet downtown skyline views. Over two days, you’ll find competitive racing, family-friendly snow activities, and a finish-line party that celebrates everything winter in the land of 10,000 lakes.

The festival runs Saturday and Sunday, typically the last weekend of January or the first weekend of February. Theodore Wirth sits at the western edge of Minneapolis’s Chain of Lakes system, connected via the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway to Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, and Lake Harriet. The festival uses 23 kilometers of groomed trails threading through forests, over parkways, and yes, across a major interstate highway that closes just for you.

What Makes It Special

Saturday’s flagship 31K Classic Ski Loppet starts at Cedar Lake Beach and winds through an extraordinary mix of urban and natural terrain before finishing at The Trailhead. You’ll ski over parkways, through wooded sections, and across Highway 394 (a major interstate that shuts down mid-morning so you can cross). Sunday mirrors this with the 31K Skate Ski Loppet using the same course.

Not ready for 31 kilometers? The 20K Puoli Loppet skips the toughest hills. The 10K Classic Ski Tour offers scenic views without competitive pressure. The 5K Open Loppet encourages costumes and prioritizes fun over speed. Young skiers ages 5-12 can race the Next Generation Loppet at 1K, 2K, or 3K distances.

Skijoring brings dogs into the action, with canine athletes pulling their human partners through 3K, 5K, and 10K courses on Saturday, plus a 10K on Sunday. The world’s largest winter Kubb Tournament (Swedish bocce ball on snow) happens Saturday at The Trailhead. Fat bikers tackle their own courses, and snowshoers can tour at their own pace. For something different, try Ski-Orienteering, where you navigate with map and compass to find checkpoints hidden across the park.

The Best of the Loppet waves let elite skiers chase top times, with the marathon serving as a Birkebeiner Qualifier Series event. The Loppet Challenge invites serious athletes to ski both Saturday’s classic and Sunday’s skate marathons back-to-back. All finishers get one free Pryes Brewing beer (or non-alcoholic option) and a bowl of Captain Ken’s famous chili at the finish line.

Who Should Go

Families with kids: The Next Generation races, youth ski carnival, and non-competitive tour options work for children as young as five. The Festival Village at The Trailhead offers food trucks, warm indoor spaces, and hot chocolate when little ones need breaks.

Competitive athletes: Elite skiers chase qualifying times in the Best of the Loppet waves. The marathon serves as a Birkebeiner Qualifier Series event, and the Loppet Challenge lets you ski both the classic and skate marathons back-to-back.

First-time skiers: The 10K Tour and 5K Open Loppet welcome newcomers. You can rent equipment at The Trailhead, and seeded wave starts mean you ski alongside others at your pace.

Dog lovers: Skijoring races welcome your canine athlete. Special parking near The Trailhead makes managing gear and dogs easier, with clear rules ensuring safety for all participants.

Couples and friend groups: The festival atmosphere, finish line party with free beer (21+), and spectator-friendly viewing spots at Lake of the Isles, the Highway 394 crossing near Brownie Lake, and The Trailhead create memorable winter weekends.

Registration and Pricing

Prices range from $13.72 to $253.28, depending on distance and age. Register at loppet.org. You can change your race distance until 4:00 PM the Friday before the race. After that, you’ll pay full price for a new distance.

Important: The Luminary Loppet is a separate event held on February 8, 2026, at Lake of the Isles. It sells out by late fall each year, with 1,200 luminaries lining candlelit trails across the frozen lake. Book early if you want to experience this nighttime ski under the stars.

Timing and Logistics

Start times: Saturday races begin with early waves around 7:00 AM. Sunday follows a similar schedule. You’ll receive your specific wave assignment via email the week before the festival. Course cutoff times typically allow 5-6 hours for the longest distances.

Parking: Most participants park at the Mortensen lot (700 Meadow Ln N, Golden Valley, MN 55422) and walk or ski 10-15 minutes along the trail to The Trailhead. Skijorers receive special permits for closer parking at the Chalet Lot or Trailhead South Lot. Accessible parking is available with proper permits. Highway 55 access to The Trailhead closes during race hours, so approach via Plymouth Avenue from the east or Golden Valley Road from the north.

Bag drop: Cedar Lake Beach near the start area offers bag drop service (bring your own bag). Bags will be transported to the Trailhead finish line for pickup before 3 PM. Ski racks sit outside The Trailhead, and indoor changing areas are available in the locker rooms (no showers).

Arrive 60-90 minutes before your wave time to park, check bags, warm up, and handle any last-minute waxing.

What to Pack

• Layered clothing for temperatures from 10°F to 30°F
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (bright sun on snow)
• Hand warmers and extra mittens
• Water bottle (stations appear at multiple points)
• Ski wax based on temperature forecast
• ID for free beer at finish (21+)
• Snacks for kids if racing Next Generation
• Course map downloaded from loppet.org

Good to Know: The festival runs even in low-snow years thanks to snowmaking on Trailhead trails. Courses may be shortened, but the event proceeds. Check the participant guide for your specific race cutoff time.

Weather Reality

Late January in Minneapolis means temperatures from 10°F to 30°F. Expect bright sun (sunscreen essential) or occasional snow flurries. Wax your skis the night before based on the forecast. Layer clothes you can shed as you warm up during the race. Families should pack hand warmers and extra mittens since little fingers get cold fast.

Where to Stay Near the Lakes

Theodore Wirth Park sits at the western edge of Minneapolis’s Chain of Lakes system. You’ll want accommodations near Uptown Minneapolis or St. Louis Park for easy access to both the park and the interconnected lakes.

The Uptown neighborhood (2-3 miles southeast) puts you within walking distance of Lake of the Isles and a quick drive to Theodore Wirth. St. Louis Park (just west of the park) offers proximity to The Trailhead. Downtown Minneapolis (3 miles east) provides the widest lodging selection and easy highway access.

Lake.com vacation rentals in Minneapolis’s lake district let you stay steps from the Chain of Lakes while keeping Theodore Wirth within a 10-minute drive. After the race, explore the interconnected lakes via walking paths, or warm up lakeside with hot drinks while watching the sunset paint the frozen water. Search Lake.com for rentals near Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska), or Lake Harriet to extend your winter weekend.

Making It a Lake Weekend

The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway connects Theodore Wirth Park to Minneapolis’s entire Chain of Lakes system. After Saturday’s race, walk or ski the groomed paths around Lake of the Isles (2.8 miles from the park). The frozen lake surface becomes a skating rink in winter, with warming houses and hot chocolate vendors.

Sunday morning before your race, catch sunrise over Cedar Lake from the beach where the 31K starts. Between races, explore Lake Harriet’s winter paths or rent ice skates at Lake Calhoun. The chain of lakes offers miles of winter recreation beyond the festival, making it easy to turn race weekend into a full winter getaway.

Why It Matters: Theodore Wirth Park isn’t just the largest park in Minneapolis. It’s the headwaters of the city’s celebrated Chain of Lakes system. The festival gives you a reason to experience these interconnected waterways in winter, when frozen surfaces reveal a different side of lake life.

Where to Eat

Mill Valley Market (established 2020) sits right at The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy) and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Owners Mike and Abby Rakun source local, organic ingredients for their bison burgers, grain bowls, and Belgian waffles served sweet or savory. The patio offers apres-ski lounging with beer and wine, or grab coffee and pastries before hitting the trails. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8 AM-8 PM, Friday-Saturday 8 AM-9 PM.

For dinner beyond the park, head to Hell’s Kitchen (founded 2002) at 80 S. 9th St. in downtown Minneapolis, where their legendary peanut butter bacon burger and mahnomin porridge have won 67 “best” awards since opening. The employee-owned restaurant serves breakfast all day and features live music on weekends.

Zelo (opened 1999) brings handcrafted Italian-inspired cuisine to Nicollet Mall. Founded by Minnesota restaurateur Rick Webb, who set the standard for Twin Cities dining across four decades, Zelo offers wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas in a warm downtown setting.

Quick Tips: Register early for the Luminary Loppet (Feb 8) as it sells out months in advance. Wax your skis the night before based on the temperature forecast. Download the course map from loppet.org before race day. Return your race bib at the finish (they’re reused to reduce waste). Bring your ID for the free beer (21+).

If You’re Going with Kids: The Next Generation Loppet (1K, 2K, 3K) lets children as young as five experience crossing a finish line. Arrive early so kids can watch older racers. The Festival Village has hot chocolate, and The Trailhead offers warm indoor spaces for breaks. Costume-wearing is encouraged in the 5K Open Loppet. Bring extra mittens and hand warmers since little fingers get cold fast.

If You’re Bringing a Dog: Skijoring races welcome your canine athlete, but dogs aren’t allowed on shuttle buses or in most festival areas. Special parking permits get you closer to the start. Walk your dog before arriving to handle bathroom needs away from the race venue. You must pick up after your dog, and pulks or sleds aren’t permitted. One handler is allowed per team. Dogs can briefly enter The Trailhead front area for warming but must stay away from Mill Valley Market due to food safety rules.

FAQs

Q: Can I change my race distance after registering? A: Yes, until 4:00 PM the Friday before the race. After that, you’ll register and pay full price for the new distance.

Q: What if I’ve never cross-country skied before? A: The 10K Tour and 5K Open Loppet welcome first-timers. Rent equipment at The Trailhead and join the slower waves where experienced skiers help newcomers.

Q: Is this the same as the Luminary Loppet? A: No. The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival happens January 31-February 1. The Luminary Loppet is a separate nighttime event on February 8 at Lake of the Isles, featuring candlelit trails and ice sculptures.

Q: What happens if there’s no snow? A: The festival runs thanks to snowmaking on Trailhead trails. Courses may be shortened in extremely low-snow years, but the event proceeds.

Q: Can spectators watch without participating? A: Yes. Festival Village at The Trailhead is free to spectators. You’ll find beer, food trucks, and prime viewing of the finish line. Other great spectator spots include the Highway 394 crossing and Lake of the Isles skating rink.

Q: Is there a cutoff time? A: Yes. Courses have cutoff times to keep volunteer shifts sustainable. Typically, you have 5-6 hours for the longest distances. Check the participant guide for your specific race.