Best Winter Festivals In Minnesota
Minnesotans look forward to winter and then wish the spring would come a little sooner once winter actually arrives. True, it is often a long and cold time for residents of the Great North, but it can also be a fun time if you know what to do. Believe it or not, Minnesota has just as many festivals and outdoor events in the winter as it does in the summer. So there's no excuse for locking yourself indoors this winter -- get out and enjoy the weather. Like they say, "if you can't beat it, join it!"
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Rice Park
109 4th St. W.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 0223-7400
www.wintercarnival.com
Date: January 28, 2016 to February 7, 2016
Probably the most popular winter event in Minnesota, the Winter Carnival will be celebrating its 130th year this January. Located in historic and beautiful downtown St. Paul, the Winter Carnival brings the community together to celebrate the trademark winter climate of Minnesota. Enjoy three parades during the carnival, a craft beer festival and a cat show among other events. One of the favorite attractions of the carnival is the ice sculpture competition, with beautiful and creative ice sculptures featured. Make it to the "coolest celebration on Earth" this year.
Winterfest XIV
Citywide
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 285-5272
www.rochesterwinterfest.com
Date: January 28 - February 14, 2016
Southern Minnesota welcomes a fun indoor/outdoor event every winter that runs for the first two weeks in February. Winterfest is a fantastic citywide event that promotes local businesses, attracts tourism and raises money for charitable organizations. Enjoy outdoor activities like skiing, sledding and ice skating with the kids, or step inside the community center for an art fair and expo. Dozens of events are scheduled for this year's Winterfest, so be sure to check it out.
Ice Box Days
International Falls
301 2nd Ave.
International Falls, MN 566649
(800) 325-5766
www.ifallschamber.com
Date: January 13-17, 2016
Many only know International Falls as the town in northern Minnesota that breaks records with its low temperatures every winter. However, International Falls is also known for the community gathering "Ice Box Days" held every January. This year, Ice Box Days will host five days of events to help get the neighborhood outside to embrace the cold. The Freeze Your Gizzard Blizzard Run is held every year, along with hockey tournaments, a chili cook-off and the famously fun toilet seat toss. Events are held all around town and local businesses often participate and host their own events as well. Head out and check out the fun this year in International Falls.
Breezy Point Ice Fest
Breezy Point Resort
9252 Breezy Point Drive
Breezy Point, MN 56472
(800) 432-3777
www.breezypointresort.com
Date: January 8, 9, and 10, 2016
Up in the Brainerd Lakes area, Breezy Point Resort hosts a fun festival to encourage year-round tourism to the lakes and provide fun winter activities for the community. Businesses around Breezy Point participate in the Ice Fest by offering specials and live entertainment during the three days of fun. Outdoor activities on Pelican Lake include ice slides, skating, ice fishing, pond hockey and snowmobiling. Hot air balloon rides are offered during the festival, along with concessions, fireworks and many other activities for the entire family. Stay at the resort or in town, the fun is worth the trip.
Winterfest
Citywide
Spicer, MN 56288
(320) 796-8066
www.spicermn.com
Date: Mid-January to mid-February, 2016
Spicer, Minnesota gets spicy for an entire month each winter during their Winterfest. The entire city participates in events and activities that involve local businesses and promote outdoor activity during the winter. Enjoy snowmobile runs, ice fishing tournaments and ice sculptures around town. A polar plunge and hot tub party are scheduled to help raise money for the community as well. Kids always enjoy the giant ice slide and those that attend typically make it an annual tradition.
Related: Best Free Winter Activities For Families In Minnesota
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.