For those of you who love an adventure and have a love for the outdoors despite the winter weather, or if you love the season but hate the cold. There is something for everyone and here is a list of some things to do in the Twin Cities. (Check back because I will continue to add events)
St. Paul Winter Carnival Events:
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Snow Park (Minnesota State Fair Grounds)
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What: Daily attractions include viewing snow sculptures (both Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition entries and exhibition pieces) and zooming down the giant snow slide.
St. Paul Winter Carnival Events:
Website
Snow Park (Minnesota State Fair Grounds)
Website:
What: Daily attractions include viewing snow sculptures (both Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition entries and exhibition pieces) and zooming down the giant snow slide.
Cost: Thanks to generous sponsors , admission to the Snow Park is free. Free Fairgrounds street parking is also available. (You may need to park further away and walk a bit depending on the number of visitors when you get there.)
Fairground facilities will not be open, but a warming tent will be available during snow slide operating hours and there are plenty of port-a-potties on site (including several extra-large ones for ease of changing out of snow gear). On-site food concessions include kettle corn, booya, hot and soft beverages, and more.
Where: Kidway at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
When: Now until February 1st, 2015
Cost: Free
What to do at Snow Park:
*Thursday, January 29 is Zombie Day! Dreadwood zombies will take over the snow slide. Come to the Snow Park between 5 and 9 pm dressed (warmly!) as a zombie and get one free ride down the snow slide!
Where: Kidway at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
When: Now until February 1st, 2015
Cost: Free
What to do at Snow Park:
- Snow Sculpture Viewing: Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition sculptures and a giant exhibition sculpture take shape January 23-25. Visitors are encouraged to come often to watch as competing teams of sculptors transform giant blocks of snow into amazing works of art. Finished sculptures are individually lit after dark and can be viewed through Sunday, February 1. Sculptures are knocked down if they’re growing dangerously unstable, or may collapse on their own, so plan to visit them earlier in the week!
- Giant Snow Slide: The giant snow slide was re-introduced to the Snow Park in 2014 after a seven-year hiatus. It’s so fun and popular that we’re doing it again! The 2014 slide measured approximately 15′ high and 110′. This year’s slide is planned to be even longer. Weather permitting, the slide will be open daily throughout the Saint Paul Winter Carnival (the slide will close if weather conditions are dangerous). Watch here for specific hours of operation and closure announcements.
*Thursday, January 29 is Zombie Day! Dreadwood zombies will take over the snow slide. Come to the Snow Park between 5 and 9 pm dressed (warmly!) as a zombie and get one free ride down the snow slide!
Family Tubing:
Website
Website
Location: Three Rivers Park District
A great place to take your family tubing. Go down a lighted hill and ride the lift back up to go down again. Along with the tubing hill there is a beginner skiing hill and cross country trail. Warm up in the chalet where you can warm up and have a hot cocoa. The season typically starts in December and runs through mid-march so it is best to check their site or call if you are wondering if they are open yet.
The chalet also provides equipment rental, a fireplace and places to sit, and concessions.
Cost: You can purchase activity passes at the Elm Creek Chalet from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Cross country ski passes may be purchased online.
Loppet – The Urban Cross Country Ski Festival
Website
Location: City of the Lakes, Loppet, 1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55422
There are many vendors available including the new Surly Brewing Co. Fireworks are from 8-9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30th along with many other fun events.
Loppet – The Urban Cross Country Ski Festival
Website
Location: City of the Lakes, Loppet, 1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55422
Date: January 30th – February 1st 2015
Register to be a participant or come to cheer others on and enjoy the beauty of being outdoors in Minnesota in the winter.There are many vendors available including the new Surly Brewing Co. Fireworks are from 8-9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30th along with many other fun events.
Ice Castle in Eden Prairie:
Website
Website
When: Open December 26th if weather permits through March
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Cost: (Monday – Thursday) $7.95 for children 4 -11 and $9.95 for general admission and (Friday-Sunday) $9.95 for children and $11.95 for general admission.
What: This amazing attraction is brought to Minnesota from a company from Utah and will be open to the public on December 26th if weather permits. Tickets start to go on sale in November. 5,000 icicles are grown per day on “ice farms” which get “harvested” and thousands of LED lights illuminate the many icicles.
Cost: (Monday – Thursday) $7.95 for children 4 -11 and $9.95 for general admission and (Friday-Sunday) $9.95 for children and $11.95 for general admission.
What: This amazing attraction is brought to Minnesota from a company from Utah and will be open to the public on December 26th if weather permits. Tickets start to go on sale in November. 5,000 icicles are grown per day on “ice farms” which get “harvested” and thousands of LED lights illuminate the many icicles.
Wells Fargo Winter Skate in Rice Park, St. Paul
Website
Website
Location: Downtown St. Paul
When: November 29 - February 1
St. Paul's outdoor ice rink every winter. The Winterskate rink is next to the Landmark Center and Rice Park, so it's surrounded by holiday lights and the city lights of downtown St. Paul. The rink is open every day, and open until late evening at the weekend.
When: November 29 - February 1
St. Paul's outdoor ice rink every winter. The Winterskate rink is next to the Landmark Center and Rice Park, so it's surrounded by holiday lights and the city lights of downtown St. Paul. The rink is open every day, and open until late evening at the weekend.
It's free to skate if you have your own ice skates, or you can rent skates for a couple of dollars.
