Anglers choosing to venture out are encouraged to call ahead for the most current ice conditions. Please note that the Department of Natural Resources reports that 4 inches of new, clear ice is the minimum thickness recommended for travel by foot. Ice safety guidelines also recommend a minimum of 5 inches of new, clear ice for snowmobiles and ATV’s, and 8-12 inches of new, clear ice for cars and small trucks. Please note that ice is never considered totally safe. For more on ice thickness guidelines and ice safety tips, check out Ice Thickness Guidelines by the Department of Natural Resources website.

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales

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Northeastern Minnesota

International Falls

The walleyes have been most active during morning hours, with jigs and minnows working best. Some of the more popular locations include Birch Point, the American Narrows, and Rainy Lake City. For the most fish, jig a minnow roughly one foot off the bottom in 30 feet of water. All area land trails are groomed, and in good to excellent condition. The green lake trail is open and staked from Black Bay to Ash River. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5766, or check out www.rainylake.org

Ely

Fish are being taken by persistent anglers. To consistently catch fish, stay on the move; unfortunately, a few inches of slush covers the ice, making this difficult. Some crappies are cooperating in 20-24 feet of water on Low and One Pine lakes. The best approach is a small minnow under a slip bobber. A few walleyes are being pulled from Shagawa Lake on minnows worked in depths of 20-30 feet. While in Ely, stop in at one of the bait shops for the most current conditions. For further information, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

Duluth

Anglers report success with the fish, and decent access to area lakes due to a lack of slush. Fish Lake gave up lots of crappies last weekend, with most found in 17 feet of water. For nice 10- to 12-inch fish, use minnows or waxworms. Rice Lake remains good for numbers of small northern pike. For the most fish, use a minnow or smelt on a tip-up. To learn more, dial 1-800-438-5884, or check out www.visitduluth.com

Northcentral/West Minnesota

Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Lake of the Woods continues to have a great winter season. Anglers with fish houses around Pine Island, Morris Point, and Zippel Bay are reporting lots of action in 20-26 feet of water. Most of the fish coming in are eating-size walleyes and sauger, however a few large walleyes have been taken. Anglers are also having success in the shallows around the mud flats. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, fishing has been great at the reefs around Oak Island, with some nice 15- to 17-inch walleyes being taken. For more information, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

Over one foot of snow covers the ice on most area lakes, with even deeper drifts in some locations. The weight of the snow is causing travel issues due to existing slush. Most of the slush is in isolated areas, with water being forced on top of the ice over deep water and in areas with the most fishing activity. Anglers with stationary fish houses on the ice should park their vehicles further away from their homes to help ease the pressure on the ice. Anyone traveling via a four-wheel drive vehicle should stick to established trails on the ice, or at least travel in pairs with a tow strap. The preferred mode of travel on the lakes is either by snowmobile or by using a tracked vehicle or ATV. Anglers with heavier vehicles should stick to lakes with an established series of plowed roads. Bemidji, Plantagenet, Grace, Cass, and Pike’s Bay lakes have unorganized trails which are often maintained by anglers fishing the lake. Nearby, Lake Winnibigoshish offers some the best ice roads, with roughly one-dozen resorts maintaining pay roads out to their fish house rentals. Anglers are taking walleyes from the tops and sides of the bars and humps, with perch being pulled from the base of the drop-off, where the hard bottom meets the mud. There is also has a good system of roads on Upper Red Lake, with more than one-half dozen resorts plowing roads. For the most fish, hit the shoreline breaks in 10-12 feet of water. Some of the resorts are moving their rental houses further from shore so anglers will have a better chance of catching crappies along with the walleyes. To learn more, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.visitbemidji.com

Walker/Leech Lake

Ice conditions and fishing opportunities continue to improve! Most of the smaller area lakes now have 14-18 inches of good ice, and vehicles are driving out. Some areas, however, are experiencing flooding or are covered with slush. There are plans to begin plowing some access roads on Walker Bay within the next week or so. Walleye action has been very good on many of the humps and sunken islands in 20-30 feet of water. Perch are active throughout Leech Lake during daylight hours. For the most fish, concentrate near some of the underwater points in depths of 10-13 feet. The smaller area lakes are producing some nice slab crappies as well, especially late in the afternoon and during evening hours in 17-25 feet of water. For more information, dial 218/547-1313, or visit www.leech-lake.com

Park Rapids

Fishing has been good throughout the area for all species of fish. Unfortunately, anglers are having a difficult time accessing the lakes due to deep snow and slush. Vehicle and four-wheeler travel is very limited. The recommended mode of travel is either by snowmobile or by foot. Panfish are very active along the weedlines in 8-15 feet of water on most lakes. Some crappie anglers are doing best working the deeper holes towards dusk, while others are catching some nice crappies, along with the bluegill, at the weedlines. Walleye action has been decent, with Long and Fish Hook lakes producing the most fish. The best approach has been a buckshot rattle spoon or a forage minnow spoon tipped with a minnow. Northern pike are attacking minnows set beneath tip-ups along the shallow weed flats and steep drops with vegetation. The key has been to fish at the cabbage weeds. Anglers ripping artificial baits are attracting pike from far away. And many anglers have reported catching walleyes along the weeds while fishing for pike. To find out more, dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out www.parkrapids.com

Isle/Onamia/Lake Mille Lacs

If you plan to travel off of the plowed roads on Lake Mille Lacs, bring a snowmobile to avoid a lot of frustration! The walleye bite has been decent this season. While you can’t expect a fish every day out of every hole, it is definitely better than it was last year. First and last light remain the best times to fish, with a fair number of fish also being taken during midday hours. For good numbers of fish and a lot of keepers, hit 24 feet of water at Indian Point, Spirit Island, 3-Mile and Lakeside. On a jig line, use either a spoon or a blue, green or black weasel tipped with a fathead minnow. On your tip-up and rattle wheel, use a gem-n-eye or demon with a small, live shiner. A few northern pike continue to be pulled from the bays on large shiner minnows. Perch action has been inconsistent, with the most success when using waxworms or Eurolarva. For more information, dial 1-888-350-2692, or visit www.millelacs.com

Twin Cities vicinity

No reports are available at this time.

Southern Minnesota

No reports are available at this time.

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In general, a drive along Highway 61, from Hastings to La Crescent, offers birders a chance to see numerous Bald Eagles, especially at Read’s Landing.

The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:

In the city of Duluth, in St. Louis County, a male Barrow’s Goldeneye was seen on December 26 near 21st Avenue East in a small patch of open water stemming from Lake Superior. The Barrow’s Goldeneye was with a flock of Common Goldeneye.

A Northern Hawk Owl was seen on December 22 near Grand Marais, in Cook County, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Birch Drive. North of the Sax-Zim Bog, a Northern Hawk Owl was seen on the 31st at the junction of St. Louis County roads 7 and 310. Another was south of here at the intersection of County Roads 28 and 7. And in the southern part of St. Louis County, a Northern Hawk Owl was seen just north of Cloquet along County Road 33, roughly one-quarter of a mile south of Maple Grove Road. A Great Gray Owl can be seen one and one-half miles east of County Road 7 on County Road 232 at the Sax Zim Bog. And both an American Three-Toed Woodpecker and a Black-Backed Woodpecker were three and one-half miles north of County Road 28 on McDavitt Road.

A Varied Thrush is being seen in Duluth along the 2200 block of West 4th Street. Another was reported from Crow Wing County, two and one-half miles south of Deerwood along County Road 8. For further details, contact Steve or Jo Blanich. And a Varied Thrush has been just south of Little Falls in Morrison County at 11000 block of Hilton Road since the 12th.

A Townsend’s Solitaire is still at the Ann Lake Campground within the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Sherburne County. It was most recently reported on December 24. On the 25th, a Townsend’s Solitaire was in Duluth near the Hartley Nature Center visitors’ building.

And, there have been a few reports of overwintering White-Throated Sparrow, Snow Bunting, and Common Redpoll.

Please Note: Explore Minnesota Tourism grants you permission to distribute this information freely to friends, family and others for personal use. However, any republication of the materials, full or partial, in electronic, print or other format, must prominently include the following statement: “The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union and Explore Minnesota Tourism.”

Very good to excellent cross-country ski and/or snowmobile trail conditions can be found at Cascade River, Gooseberry Falls, Savanna Portage, Jay Cooke, Hayes Lake, Lake Bronson, Charles A. Lindbergh, Mille Lacs Kathio, Lake Maria, Wild River, and Nerstrand State Parks. Trails along the Gunflint Trail and the Paul Bunyan State Trail, within Beltrami Island and Pillsbury state forests, and in the Ely vicinity are also in very good to excellent condition. Snow is in the forecast for the entire state this weekend, and any accumulation could result in improved trail conditions and the opening of additional ski and snowmobile trails. Please remember that trail conditions can change rapidly–please call ahead for the most current conditions.

A Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails, and all snowmobiles must have a $16 trail use permit. Cross-country skiers must also have a pass to use grant-in-aid and state-operated trails. For further information, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-646-6367. You may order cross-country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers at 1-888-665-4236. To locate a license center in Minnesota to purchase ski passes and snowmobile stickers, check out DNR License Agents.

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Northeastern Region

Bigfork (north of Grand Rapids)

Scenic State Park cross-country ski trails are groomed, and in very good condition. The trails have a 4-5 inch base. The snowmobile trail that runs through the park is groomed, and riders report good conditions. The trail base averages 4 inches. The historic lodge building is open. There is a stone fireplace, and a supply of wood for a nice warm fire. Roughly 16 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.

Side Lake (north of Hibbing)

The snowmobile trails at McCarthy Beach State Park are groomed, with a 4 inch base. Conditions are currently good. The ski trails are partially groomed, and in very good condition, with a 6 inch base. Both Side and Big Sturgeon lakes have slush, so please use caution if venturing onto the lakes. Local snow depth is 14 inches.

Ely

The ground is covered in roughly 22 inches of snow. All area snowmobile trails are groomed and in fair to good condition, with a 2-6 inch base. These trails will be regroomed by the weekend. Some segments of the Stony Spur and Taconite trails remain ungroomed due to flowages and swampy areas, and there is a detour on Spruce Road due to the swampy area near August Lake. Most area lakes have not yet been staked due to the slushy conditions, and lake travel is not recommended at this time. Towards the city of Tower, the Arrowhead State Trail has been fully groomed and is in good condition, with a 2-4 inch base. Riders are encouraged to use caution and ride responsibly. Most cross-country ski trails in the area are groomed, tracked and in excellent condition. The Hidden Valley and Trezona ski trails in Ely and the golf course trails in Babbitt have also been groomed for skate skiing. These trails have a 6 inch base. Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis–please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.

Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail

Central Gunflint Trail cross-country ski trail conditions are reported to be good to excellent for both classic and skate skiing. On average, these trails have a 6 inch base. There is roughly 13 inches of snow on the ground. Nearby, the Banadad Ski Trail is also in good to excellent condition, with a 10-12 inch base. Local snow depth is 19-20 inches. Just to the south, all 25 kilometers of the Pincushion Mountain ski trails have been packed and rolled, and conditions are reported to be very good to excellent. In general, most trails have a 5-8 inch base. At the city of Grand Marais, 18-30 inches of snow is on the ground. Area cross-country ski and snowmobile trails have been groomed and are in good to excellent condition. Most have a base measuring 1 foot.

Lutsen

Cascade River State Park currently offers excellent conditions for cross-country skiing. The trails are groomed, with a 5 inch base. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 5 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is roughly 16 inches. Nearby, the ski trails at Cascade Lodge and Solbakken Resort have a 4-8 inch packed powder surface, and conditions are reported to be great! From 18-30 inches of snow covers the ground along these trails.

Two Harbors

Gooseberry Falls State Park is covered in 17 inches of snow. The snowmobile trails are currently in very good condition. The ski trails are fully groomed, and in excellent condition. Both trails have a 10 inch base. There are beautiful ice formations on the waterfalls, along with lots of opportunities to view wildlife. Visitors report seeing signs of fox, pine martin, deer, wolf and eagles.

McGregor

The ski trails within Savanna Portage State Park are in very good condition, with a 3 inch base. Most trails are tracked and packed, including the Esker, Lake Shumway, Pine Loop, Black Spruce and South Spur trails. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 2 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is 13 inches.

Carlton

The ski trails on the north side of Highway 210 within Jay Cooke State Park are groomed and tracked and in excellent condition. The ski trails have a 6 inch base. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 3 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is 10-12 inches. Just to the west, the ski and snowmobile trails running through Fond du Lac State Forest are reported to be in good condition, with a 3-4 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is 15 inches. To the south, the majority of the Willard Munger State Snowmobile Trail is listed in good condition, with a 2-3 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is 10-12 inches.

East of Hinckley

The snowmobile trails running through St. Croix State Park are groomed and in good condition, with 5 inch base. The Kettle River ice crossing is closed. Ski trails are also groomed, but icy and in fair condition, with a 4 inch base. Trails near the Norway Point Road are in the best condition. Just over 1 foot of snow covers the ground in this area.

Northcentral/West Region

South of Warroad

The southern portion of the trail running through Beltrami Island State Forest is in excellent condition for both cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The trails have a 7 inch groomed surface. There is roughly 14 inches of snow in the woods.

Roseau

Thirteen inches of snow covers the ground at Hayes Lake State Park. The ski trails are fully groomed and in excellent condition, with 10 inch base! The snowmobile trails are in very good condition, with an 8 inch base. The lake has at least 16 inches of ice, but caution must be used near the springs and river currents. The crappies are biting near the dam face, and the northerns are very active near the fishing pier.

Lake Bronson (far northwest corner of Minnesota)

The ski and snowmobile trails running through at Lake Bronson State Park are groomed, and conditions are excellent. The trails have a 6 inch base on average. Local snow depth is 16 inches.

Detroit Lakes

The Winter Wonderland snowmobile trails in Becker County are groomed and in very good to excellent condition. The trail base is measuring 4-6 inches. There is 25-30 inches of snow on the ground. The Detroit Lakes area has over 200 miles of snowmobile trails that run through rolling prairie and secluded woodlands. There are connections with neighboring trails in all directions.

Brainerd

The snowmobile trails within Pillsbury State Forest are reported to be in very good condition, with a 5 inch groomed surface. The ski trails have a 9 inch groomed surface, and are in excellent condition. Local snow depth is approximately 16 inches. Nearby, the section of the Paul Bunyan State Snowmobile Trail running through Pequot Lakes is reported to be in very good condition, with a 4 inch groomed surface. Most trails in the area have been groomed at least once, and should be regroomed again this week.

Little Falls

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park currently offers very good conditions for cross-country skiing. The trails are groomed, with a 6 inch base. The park’s log cabin shelter building is open, with firewood available. Local snow depth is 19 inches.

Onamia

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in excellent condition, with a 6 inch base. Local snow depth is just over 1 foot. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available. Camper Cabin reservations can be made by calling 1-866-857-2757, or by logging on to the reservation website at www.stayatmnparks.com

Orrock (west of Zimmerman)

The Ann Lake Trail, running through the Sand Dunes State Forest, offers good conditions for both skiing and snowmobiling. The ski trail is partially groomed, with a 2 inch base. The snowmobile trail is groomed, with a 2-3 inch base. Roughly 10 inches of snow covers the ground.

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity

Monticello

Lake Maria State Park received 4 inches of new snow on December 30. All trails will be groomed on December 31, leaving very good conditions and a 2 inch base on 22 kilometers of traditional ski trails and 5 kilometers of skate ski trails. Ski-in cabins are also available–please call the state park reservation line at 1-866-857-2757 to reserve a cabin. The ground is covered in nearly 1 foot of snow.

Three Rivers Park District -Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright county parks

Packed and tracked trails, along with fair to good conditions for both traditional and skate skiing, can be found at Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake and Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. Skate skiers will also find fair to good conditions at Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain, French Regional Park in Plymouth, and Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage. Some of the other parks within the Three Rivers Park District have closed their ski trails due to icy conditions.

Jordan

The Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area offers both skiing and snowmobiling. The ski trails have 3 inch ungroomed surface, and conditions are reported to be fair. The snowmobile trails are groomed and in good condition, with a 2 inch base. Local snow depth is 10 inches.

Almelund (east of North Branch)

The ski trail system within Wild River State Park has been groomed and tracked, and conditions are reported to be very good to excellent. The trails have a 3 inch base. Just over 1 foot of snow is in the woods.

Marine On St. Croix (north of Stillwater)

The William O’Brien State Park ski trails are in fair to good condition, with a 3 inch groomed surface. Some areas are very icy, especially on the west-facing downhill slopes. Please use caution. The ground is covered with 8 inches of snow.

Afton (south of Hastings)

The ski trails at Afton State Park are partially groomed, with a 2 inch base. Most sections of the trail are in good condition, however some segments are very icy–please use caution. There is roughly 6 inches of snow on the ground within the park.

Southern Region

Hutchinson

The western portion of the Luce Line State Trail, running between McLeod County Line and the town of Cosmos, is listed in fair condition for snowmobiling. The trail is partially groomed, with a 3 inch base. Please note that there are many bare areas along the trail.

Nerstrand (south of Northfield)

Nerstrand State Park trails have a 6 inch groomed surface, and conditions are reported to be very good for both skiing and snowmobiling. There is 6-8 inches of snow on the ground.

Frontenac (south of Red Wing)

The Frontenac State Park ski and snowmobile trails have been groomed, but conditions are reported to be fair to poor, with icy patches. Both trails are covered in 1-2 inches of snow. Local snow depth is roughly 8 inches.

Waterville (southwest of Faribault)

Roughly 6-7 inches of snow covers the ground at Sakatah Lake State Park. The ski trails are in fair condition, with a 3 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are reported to be in poor and icy condition. The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, which travels past Sakatah Lake State Park, has been down-graded to poor condition for skiing and snowmobiling due to an icy base.

Watson (northwest of Montevideo)

The ski trail running through Lac qui Parle State Park is in good condition, with a 6 inch groomed surface. The ground is covered with 9 inches of snow.

New London

Sibley State Park ski trails are groomed, and in good condition, with a 4-6 inch base. The snowmobile trails are in fair condition, with a 3-4 inch groomed surface. Eleven inches of snow covers the ground in this area. The sliding hill is snow covered, and in good condition. The heated trail center has a supply of wood for the fireplace. Towards the city of Willmar, the Glacial Lakes State Trail is in fair condition for snowmobiling, with a 1-2 inch groomed surface.

Check out our events calendar for more information on many of these and other upcoming events.

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Just some of this week’s highlights include First Night, the 2009 Land O’Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show, Grease at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, the 10th Annual Whitewater River Valley Christmas Bird Count, a Birding Field Trip, and Winter Bird Feeding Tips.

Northern Minnesota

First Night will take place Wednesday, December 31, throughout downtown Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Beginning at 6:00pm, this alcohol-free family event includes live entertainment and activities, such as concerts, comedians, magicians, dancers, storytellers, a traveling kids’ show, ice sculptures, concessions, and fireworks at midnight. For further information, dial 218/230-4231, or check out www.firstnightggf.org

Lake Bemidji State Park in Bemidji will be the site of a Candlelight Ski Tour, Friday evening, January 3. Come tour the park trails by the warm glow of candlelight, with up to 5 kilometers of easy and intermediate-level groomed ski trails. Participants will also have a chance to warm by a winter campfire and roast marshmallows. Return to the visitor center for additional refreshments and possible musical entertainment. For more information, dial 218/308-2300, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_bemidji/index.html

An Introduction to Winter Camping will be offered January 3 at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park in Onamia, with a chance to learn how to stay warm and have fun while winter camping. Discussions will include clothing, shelters, sleeping gear, campfires, cooking, cook stoves and more. To find out more, dial 320/532-3523, or check out www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/mille_lacs_kathio/index.html

Breezy Point Resort and the city of Breezy Point will be the site of the annual Ice Fest on Friday and Saturday, January 9 & 10. Festivities and highlights include sleigh rides, bonfires, live entertainment, a pancake breakfast, dog sled rides, radar runs, a kids’ fishing program, helicopter rides, snow golf, an ice slide, ice sculptures, fireworks, the Power Ice Auger Competitions, new product displays, and more. For rates and times, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth will be the site of the 10th Annual Warmer By the Lake on Saturday, January 10. Highlights include ice skating, snowshoeing, marshmallow roasting, hayrides, free hot chocolate and cookies, and festive music in a large warming tent. To learn more, dial 218/730-4300, or check out www.visitduluth.com

The Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run & Ice Box Days festivities will be held throughout International Falls from Thursday, January 15 through Sunday, January 18. This fun and zany winter festival includes smoosh racing, Night Light Snowshoe Hikes, snowshoe challenges, 5- & 10-kilometer Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Runs, snow sculptures, a moonlight ski, outdoor family night in the park, a beach party, and turkey bowling! For more information, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit www.freezeyergizzardrun.com

The city of Bemidji will host the annual Brrrrmidji Polar Days Festival on Saturday, January 17 through Sunday, January 25. This annual celebration of winter features family activities, such as golf on ice, broomball, a sled derby, the 5K Polar Challenge run & walk, turkey bowling, a bridal show, the Vocalmotive Dinner Show, Lighted Trail Night Ski Race, and the Taste of Northern Minnesota with samples from over 22 local restaurants and exhibitors. For further information, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.bemidji.org

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

The Macy’s Minneapolis 46th Annual Animated Holiday Show will be open daily, during regular store hours, through Wednesday, December 31. The annual Macy’s 8th Floor Auditorium Show, “A Day in the Life of an Elf,” will tell the story of Santa’s elves at the North Pole as they prepare for Christmas. To find out more, dial 612/375-2200, or check out www.macys.com

Holiday Traditions will be offered at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, each Tuesday through Sunday, through January 11. Come see decorations from holidays past, with nine of the MIA’s period rooms decorated to reflect eighteenth-, nineteenth-, and twentieth-century holiday traditions and social events in England and the United States. Tours of the fully decorated Purcell-Cutts House will be offered through January 4. For rates and times, dial 612/870-3131, or vi