TrekUnity
When
February
Attendance
~40,000 (racers + spectators)
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
The American Birkebeiner — "the Birkie" — is the largest cross-country ski race in North America, sending more than ten thousand skiers across roughly 50 kilometers of groomed Northwoods trail from Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin each February, finishing on a snow-covered Main Street lined with cheering crowds.
Part of the elite Worldloppet series and rooted in Nordic skiing tradition, Birkie week fills the Northwoods with races, expos, and celebration, a bucket-list event for skiers and a lively winter spectacle for everyone.
Want to go? Turn American Birkebeiner into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Last full week of February
Admission
Free to spectate · racers register
Parking
Shuttle systems connect start, finish, and lots during race week; plan around road closures.
Nearest airport
Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) ~2.5 hr; Duluth (DLH) ~1.5 hr
Typical weather
Cold Northwoods winter — often 10s–20s °F; serious cold-weather gear is essential.
Official website
Location
Hayward, WI
Where to stay
Hayward lodges
Northwoods lodges near the finish (book far ahead).
Cable-area inns
Near the start line.
Lakeside cabins
Rentals around the Northwoods lakes.
Where to eat & drink
The Steakhouse & Lodge
Hearty Northwoods dining in Hayward.
Angry Minnow
Popular Hayward brewpub.
Race-week fare
Carbo-loading spots around town.
Nearby attractions
National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame
Home of the giant walk-in muskie.
Northwoods trails & lakes
World-class Nordic and snowshoe terrain.
Historic Main Street Hayward
The race finish and its festive crowds.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + expo
- •Drive up from MSP or DLH
- •Afternoon: Birkie expo + packet pickup
- •Dinner: carbo-load
2Race day
- •Morning: the Birkie start in Cable
- •Afternoon: the Main Street finish in Hayward
- •Evening: celebrate
3Northwoods + depart
- •Morning: snowshoe or explore the lakes
- •Head out
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Dress for serious Northwoods cold if you're spectating.
- Cheer at the Main Street finish in Hayward — it's the best atmosphere.
- Book lodging a year ahead for Birkie week.
Frequently asked questions
When is the American Birkebeiner?
The last full week of February in the Cable-to-Hayward area of northern Wisconsin.
Do you have to ski to enjoy it?
No — the Main Street finish and Birkie-week events make it a fun winter spectacle, though it's built around the race.
How big is it?
It's the largest cross-country ski race in North America, with over ten thousand skiers.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by American Birkebeiner or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.