The Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board offers a wide array of recreational activities close to home. We would like to invite you to enjoy some of our 33 conservation areas and our Lime Creek Nature Center. With winter upon us there are many seasonal activities to participate in such as cross county skiing, snow shoeing, ice fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

The Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve has a 7.5 mile groomed snowmobile trail that is maintained once a snow pack is established. Snowmobiles are not allowed on any other Cerro Gordo Conservation Area and must remain on designated trails.

Linn Grove Park in Rockwell has a large sledding hill that has been enjoyed by sledders for generations.

The winter activity spotlight is on cross county skiing. The Lime Creek Conservation Area has over eight miles of recreational trails that are groomed for skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. A four inch snow base is required before grooming will be initiated for the season.

Cross county skiing is a form of skiing in which a person propels themselves across the snow using skis and poles. It is one of the oldest and most practiced forms of skiing and can be a great aerobic workout that challenges you to use almost every muscle.

Cross county skiing does not require much equipment and it is less expensive than alpine equipment. There are two methods of cross country skiing: ski skating and classic skiing. Ski skating utilizes a movement that resembles ice skating or rollerblading. Classic skiing is planting one ski down and pushing it down to propel the other ski forward.

When snow conditions allow, prairie trails are groomed for skate skiing, while the woodland trails are groomed for the traditional diagonal stride method. The Quarry Lake Trail at Lime Creek is designated as a snowshoe and dog walking trail. During the ski season, hikers/snowshoers are asked to walk to the side of the groomed trails, and bikes and horses are prohibited.

The Lime Creek area diagonal stride trails are groomed so you will want light, fast, and thin skis. If you prefer blazing your own trails you might want to consider getting heavier and thicker skis. Skis come in different lengths but mid length are the most popular. Try to rent skis first to determine which skis work best for you.

We invite you to enjoy “Recreational Experiences Close to Home” and try cross country skiing! Call The Lime Creek Nature Center for more information at 641-423-5309.