Our Backyard
Genuine hometown hospitality, rolling wooded countryside, an abundance of clear lakes and rustling rivers; all are waiting for you in Kanabec County in east central Minnesota.
The City of Mora, located in Kanabec County, Minnesota is home to Lake Mora, Spring Lake and a portion of the Snake River. More than 15 bodies of water are just a short drive from the city limits and offer water enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a variety of aquatic sporting activities. The Kanabec area also offers great hiking and hunting in the Mille Lacs Wildlife Refuge. With a multitude of outdoor activities available, there is literally a plethora of activity for every outdoor enthusiast. Beautiful state and city parks are scattered throughout the county providing picturesque settings for family gatherings, picnics and sporting events.
An International Destination
Mora Vasaloppet Cross Country Ski Race
Cross country skiers from around the world are offered challenges on 58km, 42km classic, and 35km trails. All three races begin north of Warman, split onto separate trails, and then join again just before the finish in Mora. The Vasaloppet is held on the second Sunday in February and is the second largest cross country ski race in the United States.
Outdoor Recreation
Swimming Pools
Open June through Labor Day, the newly constructed outdoor Aquatic Center in Mora offers a lap pool, diving pool, three water slides and a wading pool. Located 10 miles from Mora, the Ogilvie High School offers year round swimming at its indoor swimming pool.
Spring Brook Golf Course
Looking for a championship 18-hole golf course that will test the skill and challenge even the most elite golfer? If so, visit Spring Brook Golf Course and Country Club located two miles east of Mora. This public course offers memberships as well as nonmember green fees. The back nine holes were added in the 1990’s and make it one of the most challenging 18- hole courses in the state. The inviting clubhouse and bar are available for meetings and events.
Snake River Canoe Race
This annual river race is held on the first Saturday in May and sponsored by the Snake River Canoe Club. The Snake River water race touts a mean gradient throughout the course of five feet per mile with rapids that are generally a Class 1.
Mora Bike Tour
With options of 25 and 50 miles along the picturesque countryside, this bicycle tour is a long held tradition in the community. Hosted on the third Saturday in September, the tour starts and finishes at the Vasaloppet Nordic Center in Mora
Mora Half Marathon
Mark your calendar for the third Saturday in August and plan to join fellow runners for this invigorating 13.1 run through the rolling hills of the Kanabec County countryside.
Wildlife Refuge
While the Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, recognized as the smallest refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System, is comprised of two small islands, the wildlife calling the area home are abundant. With only .57 acres over a mile away from shore on Lake Mille Lacs, the islands are boulder and gravel outcrops for colonial nesting birds. Nesting birds such as the common tern, ring-billed and herring gulls as well as double-crested cormorants are regularly seen.