The cold and ice doesn’t have to be the reason to keep away from the outdoors.
By Rachel Hutton
From The Minnesota Star Tribune
MINNEAPOLIS—Last year’s mild weather meant cancellations and early closings for many of Minnesota’s ice-dependent events and attractions. But cold temps in the forecast portend plenty of frozen fun in 2025. Check out these cool happenings around the state.
Ice Maze
If you manage to find your way through the 18,000-square-foot ice maze, billed as the world’s largest, the annual Minnesota Ice Festival (produced by the eponymous specialty ice company) also has three ice slides, an ice-skating rink, and themed ice bars inside TCO Stadium, along with an ice-sculpting competition. (Thu.–Sun. Jan. 10-Feb. 16 and Jan. 20, $13-$25, Viking Lakes, 2645 Vikings Circle, Eagan,
MinnesotaIceFestival.com)
Ice Castles
Ice castles have been part of the St. Paul Winter Carnival tradition since 1886 and this year’s cool construction brings more than 20 million pounds of ice to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. It’s packed with ice slides, caverns, tunnels, sculptures, bars, baths and thrones, plus there’s a pyrotechnic show. (Thu.-Mon. Jan. 10-Feb.17, $12-24, Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 3818 Randall Av., Falcon Heights,
IceCastles.com)
