Winter Picnics in Roseau, Minnesota
Snow, Snacks, and a Table with Northwoods Views
Planning a Winter Picnic
Who says picnics are only for summer? In Roseau, winter turns every snowy field, forest trail, and frozen lake into the perfect backdrop for a cozy, high-energy outdoor feast. Add a little flair to your cold-weather adventure by packing a picnic meal that fuels snowshoe races, sled rides, fort-building, and family laughter. Bonus: winter temperatures mean food stays fresh, so you can get as creative as you want with your menu.
Getting to your picnic location is part of the adventure. Load your small lightweight neccesities into a backpack and load your picnic gear onto a sled. Even the simplest plastic sled glides easily over snow and can haul more than you’d expect. Kids love pulling supplies — and it doubles as a ride home for tired adventurers wrapped in blankets.
Hot Meals Made Easy
Hot Sandwiches on the Go
Fire up the panini press or skillet and send your crew off with grilled cheese, hearty melts, or stacked deli sandwiches. If you are out of town, ask a local resturant to wrap your favorite sammy or burger in foil and take it to go. When wrapped individually in foil a sandwich is easy to warm by the fire or enjoy straight from the pack.
Bonfire Meals
Pack a sled with all the fixing you need to build a winter bonfire. Create a fire ring in the snow and start a warm fire in a safe location. Enjoy the fire and be sure to extinguish it with snow.
Grilled Kabobs
Marinate cubes of venison, beef, chicken, or pork at home, then skewer and roast them over an open flame at your picnic spot. Vegetarians can try marinated veggies — smoky, savory, and perfect in the crisp air.
Our local grocers sell premade kabobs in the meat department.
Warm Up with Soup
Nothing warms winter adventurers like soup. Fill wide-mouth thermoses with your favorite. If looking to buy it locally, we recommend Dahlia’s tomato basil, wild rice, or roasted red pepper soup and pair with grilled sandwiches for the ultimate comfort combo. Feeling rustic? Stop at Dollar General and buy a pot and a few cans of soup or an instant mix packet. Heat water over a campfire and make your own right on site. Don’t forget a can opener and water if you go this route.
Hot Pizza or Pie Over the Fire
Turn your campfire into a cozy outdoor kitchen by making pizza pockets or sweet pies with metal hot pie presses. Just layer bread and your favorite fillings—gooey cheese and pepperoni, apple pie filling, or chocolate and marshmallows—snap the press shut, and toast over glowing coals until golden and melty. The result is crispy on the outside, warm on the inside, and endlessly customizable, making campfire pies a fun, hands-on treat for kids and adults alike around the bonfire.
Sweet Treats - Icecream
Surprise your group with the most delightful winter treat — ice cream in the snow! It won’t melt, and it feels wonderfully rebellious. Add it on top of your grilled pies or simply slice the carton into serving portions and pass out spoons for an unforgettable dessert moment.
Picnic Comfort and Embracing Nature
Sitting on snow or at a metal picnic table steals warmth fast, so bring foam pads, wool blankets, or even faux fur throws for instant comfort. Want to go full Northwoods chic? Build snow benches and top them with a plaid tablecloth — it’s like a snow fort with better snacks.
Stay Moving and Stay Warm
Keep everyone warm by keeping them moving — think tag, snowshoe races, snowball toss games, or sled challenges.
Things to Consider Bringing - The Winter Picnic Supply List
Gear & Supplies
fire starters
Paper towels, napkins, wet wipes
Trash bag
Cutting board, can opener, disposible dishes and flatware & paring knife
Camp chairs
Fun & Activities
Sleds, snowshoes, or skates
Frisbee or foam footbal
Camera or phone tripod
Optional Extras
Bonfire supplies & fire starters
Pie irons / campfire presses
Bluetooth speaker
- Extra Mittens
Good Food and Fun -Memories Made in Mittens
In Roseau, winter picnics aren’t just meals — they’re memories made in mittened hands, steam rising from thermoses, and laughter echoing across snowy landscapes. So pack the sled, light the fire, and turn your next cold day into a warm-hearted Northwoods adventure.