2008 Snowkite Ride Guide: Minnesota
Where to Snowkite in the United States: Minnesota
Tools like Google Earth and good old fashioned scouting has helped us discover amazing snowkite locations on a seemingly daily basis around the world. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top known spots in the US and provided some detailed information on each so you can go check them out. We have also named other locations to go discover on your own. If you know of a spot that isn’t listed, drop us a line so we can add it to the growing list.
Swede Lake
Description: Frozen lake with NSKiteboarding snowkite terrain park, motocross ice track and power foil air strip.
Conditions: W/NW and NW winds are common but it can vary. Season starts in November on ice, then snow from December to early March. February is the best month.
Skill Level: Beginner to Expert
Directions: 40-minutes west of Minneapolis , Take Hwy 7 West out of Minneapolis 35-45 mintues depending on traffic then take a Right on Co Rd 10 north go 3 miles Take a right on Swede Lake Road pulic access one mile on your right.
Local Info: www.mnkiting.com
Facilities: Head two miles south into downtown Watertown for all facilites. D’Vinci’s is the best place to eat.
Shops/Schools: www.NSKiteboarding.com 612-940-6639 and www.scubacenter.com 612-925-4818
Restrictions: None
Other: Make sure to pack your jib board for hitting rails. Stop in to the warming house and say hello to the local crew.
Mille Lacs Lake
Description: Frozen lake
Conditions: Wind from any direction will work here in the winter, it’s a large open space.
Skill Level: Beginner to Expert
Directions: North Central Minnesota. On a map, Mille Lacs is located in the middle of the state and is the biggest lake that region.
Local Info: www.mnkiting.com
Facilities: There are many resorts around the lake for supplies.
Shops/Schools: No shops. Lessons from UMD Outdoor Rec Program and PASA Certified Instructor Randy Carlson.
Restrictions: Access the lake only at public beaches unless you have permission from private land owners.
Other: Be careful parking your kite with lines out near resorts. Snowmobilers have been known to run over kite lines heading for beer!
Lake Calhoun
Description: This inner city lake provides a great winter option for riders in Minneapolis and St. Paul. With the Minneapolis skyline as a backdrop, it’s not uncommon to see 1-2 dozen kites racing across the cold sky. Many 9-5ers grab a lunch time session on Calhoun. Cloudy nights the clouds hold in the city lights and provide great night riding.
Conditions: December usually offers up great black ice skatekiting conditions. Snowkiting season starts mid January and lasts till April. Most directions work well. West is probably the not the best.
Skill Level: Beginner to Expert
Direction: Located in the Uptown area. Take 35W to 36th street and head west to the Lake. From the West take Excelcior Ave East to the lake
Local Info: Lakawa.com
Facilities: As a inner city lake there are some great options for food within minutes of the lake. There are also year round porta-potties on the north and south end of the lake.
Shops/Schools: Midwest Mountaineering, Scuba Center, Extreme Action Sports, Lakawa School of Kiteboarding
Restrictions: Rig at least 200 feet from shore. This lake is off limits in the summer months.
Other: Follow the ice fisherman’s lead in the early and late season… if none are out the ice probably isn’t safe. This lake is enjoyed by many (no snowmobiles luckily) so play nice and make sure all users of the lake enjoy their day.
Wild Rice Lake
Description: Frozen lake
Conditions: Near Duluth Airport so easy access to current wind readings.
Skill Level: Beginner to Expert
Directions: From W Arrowhead Road head north on 4. Turn left on Rice Lake Dam Road, 6.2 miles from Arrowhead Road.
Local Info: www.mnkiting.com
Facilities: None
Shops/Schools: No shops. Lessons from UMD Outdoor Rec Program and PASA Certified Instructor Randy Carlson.
Restrictions: The area near the Dam stays open all winter. Stay away from that area or take a swim!
Other: To get the best wind you’ll need to bring a sled to hike to the middle of the lake. Duluth kiters hike to catch the best rides! Good warm up exercise.
Also check out: Lake Minnetonka, Lake Waconia and White Bear Lake.
Lake Minnetonka
Description: One of the favorite spots close to the Twin Cities. This massive lake is made up of dozens of bays and other lakes, offering launches for all directions. It is also home of Kite Island, which is located at the bottom of Wayzata Bay. The wind shadow behind the island usually contains the peanut gallery, the smell of BBQ and sounds of pumps.
Conditions: December usually offers up great black ice skatekiting conditions. Snowkiting season starts mid January and lasts till April. Most directions work well from Kite Island, with East providing more gusty conditions. Numerous other launches around the lake offer great rides.
Skill Level: Beginner to Expert
Direction: Head out of downtown Minneapolis on 394, head into downtown Wayazata off of 101, follow Grove Lane down onto ice.
Local Info: http://www.loweprofile.com/misc/tonkamap.htm, Lakawa.com
Facilities: Wayzata offers some great eats.
Shops/Schools: Midwest Mountaineering, Scuba Center, Extreme Action Sports, Lakawa School of Kiteboarding
Restrictions: Be aware of strewn out lines as you approach kite island
Other: Follow the ice fisherman’s lead in the early and late season…if none are out the ice probably isn’t safe.
Updates with thanks to Tighe Belden.
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