Fall & Winter Outdoors

Fall & Winter Outdoors

Thief River Falls Visitors Guide

Upcoming Events

Weekly Cribbage
Daily (until 30 January 2025)
Dec. 12th, 2024
Live Music By Saphire
Dec. 13th, 2024 at 6pm to 7pm
Christmas Concert with Aaron Espe
Dec. 14th, 2024 at 7pm
Skate with Santa!
Dec. 15th, 2024 at 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Discover the cooler weather excitement waiting for you in Thief River Falls!

Thief River Falls is known for being the home of Arctic Cat and the birthplace of snowmobiling. We also have over 2 million acres of public hunting land. Pick your pastime and join us in Thief River Falls! Information on all of these attractions can be found here or at the Thief River Falls Travel Information Center located in the Historic Carnegie Library at 102 Main Ave. North.


Snowmobiling

Thief River Falls has access to more than 500 miles of groomed trails that interconnect to over 1,500 miles of trails in northwest Minnesota. Thief River Falls is a snowmobile hub for northwest Minnesota with five different trails leading out of the city. Snowmobilers can choose from countless daily loop rides ranging from 50-200 miles. Snowmobiling was born in this part of Minnesota and the many food and fuel stops along the trails welcome all riders, whatever their brand. Click here for a TRF Snowmobile Trail Map or click here for a NW MN Regional Snowmobile Trail Map.

For weekly snowmobile trail reports, click here. For print copies of snowmobile trail maps, contact Visit Thief River Falls at info@visittrf.com or 218-686-9785.

Arctic Cat snowmobiles have been manufactured in Thief River Falls for over 35 years. The Arctic Cat plant is listed as having one of the top 250 plant tours in the nation in the book entitled “Watch It Made In The USA: A Visitors Guide To The Companies That Make Your Favorite Products.” Plant tours are free of charge and offered weekdays at 1 p.m. (except during winter months.) Call ahead to schedule a tour: 218-681-8558.

Cross Country Skiing

Cross country ski trails are groomed regularly in the Greenwood Trails Recreation Area. Click here for a Cross Country Ski Trail Map. For print trail maps, contact Visit Thief River Falls at info@visittrf.com or 218-686-9785.

Snowshoeing

With 48 acres of wooden trails, the Greenwood Trails Recreation Area is a great place to snowshoe. Bring your own or rent a pair at TR Family Time Racquetball Club.

Ice Skating

Thief River Falls has two large indoor arenas: the Ralph Engelstad Arena and the Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center, and both offer recreational ice skating. To view the ice skating schedule, visit the Ralph Engelstad Arena website. There are also two outdoor skating rinks in Thief River Falls. One is located at Engelstad Park (sometimes referred to as "Eastside") on 1st St. & Crocker Ave. and one is located at Northrop Park on 9th St. & LaBree Ave.

Sledding

Hartz Park, located on Riverside Avenue along the river, offers a huge hill for sledding. Sledders can enter the area through the National Guard Armory parking lot which is located on Highway 32.

Hiking

Thief River Falls is home to both the Greenwood Trails Recreation Area and the Northland Trails, next to Northland Community & Technical College. They are both excellent for hiking, and the 7 mile scenic River Walk connects the two. Click here for a River Walk Trail Map.

Hunting

With over 2 million acres of public hunting land to choose from, the Thief River Falls area offers hunters choices of waterfowl ranging from geese, ducks and sandhill cranes to sharptail grouse, woodcock and wild turkeys. Thief River Falls is truly an untapped bonanza for waterfowlers! This area is also an outstanding hunting destination for bear and deer.

Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area is located only 35 miles northeast of Thief River Falls and is a Controlled Hunting Zone (CHZ) with 85 blinds and shooting positions (primarily for goose hunting). Wildlife habitat on the WMA is managed for resident and migratory wildlife and the area provides recreational sport hunting of many game species. The digital map found here is a great resource for more information on the WMA.

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge is also a short drive from Thief River Falls located 23 miles north. Several different hunting opportunities are available on the Refuge, including firearms, archery, and muzzleloader deer seasons, as well as ruffed grouse and sharp-tailed grouse hunting. Youth waterfowl and deer hunts are permitted during State seasons in designated areas. Please see the hunting brochure for specific details and regulations.

For more detailed hunting information, contact Visit Thief River Falls at 218-686-9785/info@visittrf.com or MN DNR at 218-219-8580.

Cross-Country Skiing

Greenwood Trails Recreation Area

148 Greenwood St. W
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

Phone:
218-681-2519

48 acres of paved and unpaved trails that are great for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Biking in TRF - Greenwood Trails.jpg
Map of Greenwood Trails Recreation Area
(Placement on map is approximate)
Northland Trails

1001 State Highway 1
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

Northland Trails is a 38-acre wooded trail system nestled in between Northland Community & Technical College and the Thief River. Park in the parking lot off of Hwy 1, and explore the trails. The unpaved trails are open to all …

Fat Bikes
Map of Northland Trails
(Placement on map is approximate)

fitness centers

Sanford Wellness Center Thief River Falls

120 LaBree Ave. S.
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

Phone:
218-683-4367

Comprehensive fitness facility featuring state-of-the-art equipment. Day Pass $6 per day. Access 24/7. Must be 18 years or older or be accompanied by guardian. Memberships available.

Sanford Wellness Center
Map of Sanford Wellness Center Thief River Falls
(Placement on map is approximate)
Wild Side Kayak & Snowshoe Rental

1571 Hwy. 59 S.E.
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

Phone:
218-686-9628

Wild Side offers Kayak & Snow Shoe rental. Call 218-686-9628.The building offers a weight room, racquetball, basketball, badminton, and wallyball courts. Locker rooms with showers and saunas. Studio for parties and exercise classes.

Wild Side Snow Shoe Rental
Map of Wild Side Kayak & Snowshoe Rental
(Placement on map is approximate)

Grocery

Hugo's Family Marketplace

215 Pennington Ave.
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

Phone:
218-681-8555

Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 6 a.m. to Midnight
Visit their website

Hugo’s Family Marketplace, family owned and operated since 1939. Our full service meat, bakery and deli counters, Healthmart Pharmacy and Caribou Coffee make your grocery experience fun and unique.

Hugo's Family Marketplace
Map of Hugo's Family Marketplace
(Placement on map is approximate)
Walmart

1755 Hwy. 59 S.E.
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

Phone:
218-683-3643

Save money, live better! Household goods, toys, electronics, hardware, jewelry, sporting goods, clothing, groceries, and more!

Walmart
Map of Walmart
(Placement on map is approximate)

ice skating

Engelstad Park

199 Crocker Ave. N.
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

1.32 acres, Tennis Courts, Basketball Court, Outdoor Ice Skating Rink, Warming House, Restrooms, Parking, Electricity, Water.

Engelstad Park
Map of Engelstad Park
(Placement on map is approximate)
Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center

501 Brooks Ave
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

Phone:
218-681-2183

The HOMCC was constructed in 1969 and named in memory of Huck Olson, a former sportswriter for the Thief River Falls Times. The City of Thief River Falls owns and operates the center. The HOMCC seats 3,600 and has …

Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center
Map of Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center
(Placement on map is approximate)
Northrop Park

9th St./LaBree Ave.
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

1.60 acres, Lighted Outdoor Ice Skating Rink, Warming House, Shelters, Playground Equipment, Electricity, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Parking.

Northrop Park
Map of Northrop Park
(Placement on map is approximate)
Ralph Engelstad Arena

525 Brooks Ave. N
P.O Box 528
MN 56701

Phone:
218-681-2183

The Ralph Engelstad Arena and Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center provide Thief River Falls with over 140,000 sq. ft. for multi-sport activities, shows, events, concerts, consumer shows, banquets, receptions and corporate meetings. Features 2 ice sheets, basketball floor, on …

Ralph Engelstad Arena
Map of Ralph Engelstad Arena
(Placement on map is approximate)

sledding

LB Hartz Park

LB Hartz Park
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

6.00 acres, Shelter, Playground Equipment, Electricity, Picnic Tables, Parking, Volleyball, Sledding

LB Hartz Park
Map of LB Hartz Park
(Placement on map is approximate)

Snow Shoeing

Greenwood Trails Recreation Area

148 Greenwood St. W
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

Phone:
218-681-2519

48 acres of paved and unpaved trails that are great for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Biking in TRF - Greenwood Trails.jpg
Map of Greenwood Trails Recreation Area
(Placement on map is approximate)
Northland Trails

1001 State Highway 1
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

Northland Trails is a 38-acre wooded trail system nestled in between Northland Community & Technical College and the Thief River. Park in the parking lot off of Hwy 1, and explore the trails. The unpaved trails are open to all …

Fat Bikes
Map of Northland Trails
(Placement on map is approximate)
Wild Side Kayak & Snowshoe Rental

1571 Hwy. 59 S.E.
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

Phone:
218-686-9628

Wild Side offers Kayak & Snow Shoe rental. Call 218-686-9628.The building offers a weight room, racquetball, basketball, badminton, and wallyball courts. Locker rooms with showers and saunas. Studio for parties and exercise classes.

Wild Side Snow Shoe Rental
Map of Wild Side Kayak & Snowshoe Rental
(Placement on map is approximate)

snowmobile trails and clubs

Thief River Falls Sno-Drifters

1023 Atlantic Ave. N., P.O. Box 51
Thief River Falls
MN 56701

Phone:
218-689-0280 218-681-7423

The Thief River Falls Sno-Drifters is a snowmobile club that grooms 76 miles of snowmobile trails in and around the Thief River Falls area. Click here for a snowmobile trail map.

Thief River Falls Sno-Drifters
Map of Thief River Falls Sno-Drifters
(Placement on map is approximate)

Our Partners

City of Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce Advance Thief River Pioneer Radio TRF Radio The Times