When the weather turns frightful during the Minnesota winter we all begin looking for a safe indoor place to walk. Although I prefer to walk outdoors, in reality it’s Minnesota and it’s winter so we often need alternatives to the icy, cold trails.
The good news is that there are a multitude of indoor walking opportunities throughout the city. One of the biggest venues is the Mall of America. Not just for shopping and dining it hosts the Mall Star Walkers program and the Mayo mile. Centrally located it’s a great place to meet other friends to enjoy a walkie talkie as Lindy would call it.
Most likely your local mall offers indoor walking. Ridgedale in Minnetonka opens at 7am for walking. We always recommend that you nordic walk before the mall opens at 10am to avoid becoming tangled with moms and strollers. Check with your local mall for their walking hours.
Plymouth Creek Center’s field house is open for indoor walking. If you live in Delano check out the Delano Tiger Activity Center and their indoor elevated walking track. For those of you in the northern part of the cities White Bear Lake’s Hippodrome is open for free walking Monday through Thursday 6-9pm. Stillwater has indoor walking at the High School. Your Community Education offices will have full information on walking hours and programs.
The important thing is to not let winter defeat your commitment to be active and healthy. Grab those poles and go for an indoor walk.