When winter arrives, Cuyuna Lakes transforms into a stunning wonderland that feels like it was made for photographers. Snow-covered trails, frozen lakes, and the warm glow of winter sunsets create endless opportunities to capture incredible images. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just love snapping pictures, here’s why Cuyuna Lakes should be your next winter photography destination.
Winter gives the trails at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area a magical quality. The snow-draped trees and winding paths are picture-perfect, offering beautiful compositions no matter where you point your camera. The quiet stillness of winter adds to the charm, making it an ideal spot to photograph nature at its most serene.
Must-Visit Spot: The Huntington Mine Lake Trail is a hidden gem, with gorgeous views of the forest and lake that make for dreamy winter photos.
Photography Tip: Bring a polarizing filter to reduce glare from the snow and enhance the contrast of the scene.
The icy surfaces of Cuyuna’s mine pit lakes—like Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake and Louisa Mine Lake—create incredible reflections that make every shot feel unique. These frozen lakes are perfect for wide-angle landscapes or capturing small details, like cracks in the ice or snow-dusted shorelines.
Best Time to Visit: Aim for early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and the reflections are at their most striking.
Photography Tip: Play with angles and perspectives. A low-angle shot can add drama to your composition.
Winter’s shorter days come with a bonus: stunning sunrises and sunsets. The low-hanging sun casts a warm, golden glow that contrasts beautifully with the snowy landscapes. Watching the sun rise over a frozen lake or set behind a frosty forest is an experience you’ll want to capture and relive.
Don’t Miss: The Pennington Overlook offers breathtaking views that are especially magical during golden hour.
Photography Tip: Use a tripod to stabilize your camera for long-exposure shots, and don’t forget to bundle up—it can get chilly waiting for the perfect light!
Even in winter, Cuyuna Lakes is alive with wildlife. Deer, foxes, and birds are common sights, and they add a dynamic touch to your winter photos. Pair these with frosty details like icicles, frozen berries, or snow-laden branches for a unique winter story.
Best Spot: The quiet surroundings of Alstead Mine Lake are perfect for spotting wildlife and finding beautiful frost-covered details.
Photography Tip: Bring a telephoto lens for wildlife shots and a macro lens to capture intricate details up close.
Taking photos in cold weather has its challenges, but with a little preparation, you can make the most of your time in the snow. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Part of the joy of winter photography is sharing your work with others. Whether you’re posting on social media or creating a photo album, your images can inspire others to see the beauty of Cuyuna Lakes in winter. Don’t forget to tag local spots and use hashtags to connect with the community!
Idea: Use hashtags like #CuyunaLakesWinter to showcase your photos and encourage others to explore this snowy paradise.
There’s something truly special about photographing Cuyuna Lakes in winter. The quiet beauty of the snow-covered landscape, the unique lighting, and the peaceful atmosphere make it a dream destination for photographers. Whether you’re capturing wide-open vistas, intricate frost details, or playful wildlife, the possibilities are endless.Ready to capture the magic of winter? Book your stay at Cuyuna Lakes Stay and experience the wonder of Cuyuna Lakes this season.
When booking a stay with pets at Cuyuna Lakes Stay, you must call the hotel to add your pets to your reservation.
Pets must not weigh more than 50 pounds, with a limit of 1 dog per room.
Dogs ONLY no cats allowed.
Dogs cannot be left unattended in the room.
You must provide your pets vaccination records if asked for them.
The hotel will charge additional 25% of the room rate for your pet stay.
You will be held financially responsible for pet damage to your room.
Pets must be on a leash whenever they are out of your room.
If you receive two (2) noise complaints you will be asked to leave. (No refunds)
You must pick up after where ever your pet goes potty. You must have your own potty bags, we do not provide them.
Thank you.