Ski and Snowshoe Trails Open at Forts Folle Avoine

In early times, fur traders and Native peoples handcrafted snowshoes to get around during winter. You can put on your own “shoes” (or XC skis) and follow in their footsteps with a trip to where two fur trading posts once existed side by side.

During summer, the Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park near Danbury bustles with people and activities. The park is closed during winter (except for Christmas at the Forts), but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do there. The Burnett County Historical Society, which operates the park, allows skiers and snowshoers to use the trails there at no charge, although donations are appreciated. Parking is available outside the gates near the trailhead.

The cross-country ski trail circles the perimeter of the park, going through the Ojibwe Village and past the Fur Posts. Trails groomed for classic skiing are beginner to intermediate level.

Please do not snowshoe or hike on the ski trail. A separate snowshoe trail starts at the trailhead outside the gate and travels west to the river. It follows the river past the Fur Posts and the Ojibwe Village, ending in the primitive camping area. The out-and-back snowshoe trail is a half-mile in length. Plans are to continue the snowshoe trail through the remainder of the park to create a full circle.

The Historical Park, located 8500 County Rd. U near Danbury, is on 80 wooded acres along the historic Yellow River.