Once the excitement of the holiday season ends, it’s easy to find ourselves staring out the window at the piles of snow, wondering why we continue to live in Minnesota. Here’s a good reason to celebrate winter in our home state: The number of amazing outdoor events and activities that occur during the winter months.
Below we offer you a guide to several Twin Cities winter activities that take place during January, February, and March. So, the next time you feel like hiding under your blankets, why not embrace the cold, bundle up, and celebrate winter with other Minnesotans.
6 Winter Activities in the Twin Cities You Don’t Want to Miss
1. Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Dates: Jan. 23 – Feb. 2, 2020
Locations: Downtown Saint Paul and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Why Go: Part of The Great Northern tradition in Minnesota, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is 11 days of fun in the snow and ice, with events such as outdoor musical concerts, parades, and ice sculpture contests. New in 2020 are the Carnival Global Market, Drag Queen Bingo, and the Hops & Hounds outdoor celebration of pups and craft beer.
Website: Saint Paul Winter Carnival
2. United States Pond Hockey Championship
Dates: Jan. 23-26, 2020
Location: Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis
Why Go: For the last 15 years, the United States Pond Hockey Championship has celebrated hockey in the way nature intended: Outdoors, on the pond, and with child-like enthusiasm. The schedule features multiple divisions of competitive play and some not-so-competitive.
For attendees, there is an open rink designated for family skating, so you can show off your own skills—whatever they be. Even if you’re not a life-long hockey fan (shh, not so loud), bundle up and head down to South Minneapolis to check out this awesome event. You’ll be glad you did.
Website: United States Pond Hockey Championship
3. Ice Castles in Minnesota
Dates: Weather dependent. Typically opens late January and runs through the end of winter.
Location: Long Lake Regional Park in New Brighton
Why Go: Since 2011, the Ice Castles company has been creating icy experiences that leave visitors awestruck. As you walk through the caverns, slide down icy slopes, and watch the shifting colors of the ice sculptures, you can’t help but be filled with a sense of wonder. Also, if you know a child who is a fan of the Frozen movies, here’s your chance to introduce them to a castle that looks even better than the one that Elsa made.
There are only six special cities throughout the U.S. that are graced with one of these creations. Lucky for us, Minnesota makes the list. The spectacle is open six days a week and can be visited both during the day or at night.
Website: Ice Castles
4. Winter Lights at the Arboretum
Dates: Nov. 22, 2019 – Jan. 5, 2020
Location: The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska
Why Go: Another breathtaking experience is the Winter Lights display at the Arboretum. While the indoor displays are gorgeous, the 14 outdoor vignettes are absolutely joy-inducing. There are so many colors and lights that you’ll feel like you’re witness to Willy Wonka’s side gig as a lighting virtuoso. Plus, many of these scenes are staged to provide a perfect setting for your most memorable winter photos.
This activity is a stellar option for families and dates. The Arboretum cafe is open during Winter Lights, offering grab-and-go snacks and warm beverages. Tickets and event information can be found at the Arboretum’s website.
Website: Winter Lights at the Arboretum
5. 5Ks and Other Races
Why Go: Do you really need to ask? After the inevitable excess of the holiday season, it’s time to do something nice for your body. Get a head start on summer by participating in one of the many local races. Need more incentive? Many races align with non-profit groups to help raise funds and awareness.
January Races
- Jan. 4: Polar Dash at Harriet Island Park in Saint Paul
- Jan. 25: Securian Financial Winter Run in downtown Saint Paul
February Races
- Feb. 8: Valentine’s Day TC 5K at Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis
- Feb. 8: Fight for Air Stair Climb at the US Bank Plaza in Minneapolis
- Feb. 15: Half Fast Half Marathon in Vadnais Heights
- Feb. 16: Hypothermic ½ Marathon in Eden Prairie
- Feb. 29: Polar Plunge 5k at Lake Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis
March Races
- Mar. 14: Luck O’ The Lake in Excelsior
- Mar. 17: St. Patrick’s Day 5K/10K/13.1 Medal Dash in Saint Paul
- Mar. 21: Hot Dash in Saint Paul
6. City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival
Dates: Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, 2020
Location: Minneapolis
Why Go: The pinnacle of an urban ski festival, this event celebrates skiing in its various forms and then some. Fun for both participants and spectators, there are skiing events for cross country, downhill, relays, and sprints—both competitive and non-competitive, with and without dogs.
And, if you prefer your outdoor activities ski-free, there are fat tire races, a broomball tournament, snowshoeing, and games of Kubb. Check out the site to check the enormous amount of scheduled outdoor activities and start making your plans!
Website: Urban Ski Festival
Get Out and Enjoy Winter in the Twin Cities
We hope you stay warm and active this winter—and far away from the winter blues. If you make it to any of these events, please share a photo with us on Facebook or Twitter.
And, of course, if you need any furnace repair help, we’re here for you. Get in touch with us today.
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