With tundra-like winter weather, sometimes finding activities to do in the winter is a struggle. With the countless negative degree days we experienced this winter, now that weather is good, people want to finish off the winter strong. Listed below are the top must dos to cross off your winter bucket list.
The ice castles in Excelsior are a huge attraction during the depths of winter. The location alternates from Excelsior to Stillwater, every other year. There, you can grab a mat and slide down the ice slide, walk through the 10-15 feet tall ice towers, and watch fire shows. There are also numerous fires to keep warm and a little shack to purchase hot chocolate. To learn more information read Zach Adams review, linked at bottom of article.
“The best part is just spending time with whoever you go with. One part that I really enjoyed was watching the fire show that was put on. But, it was really cold so we were only there for about 25 minutes,” senior Sam Antonenko said.
Hitting the slopes is another activity many people participate in during the winter. There are countless places around Minnesota to ski and snowboard. A few places include Hyland, Powder Ridge, Welch, Wild Mountain, Afton Alps, Buck Hill, and Lutsen. If you’re a beginner or an advanced skier there are plenty of places that can satisfy all levels. Day passes or morning/afternoon passes can be purchased.
Minnesota is the state of hockey. The professional Wild hockey team usually plays twice a week, and when at home at the Xcel energy center. The regular season games go until early April. Prices range from $31 to around $200. Be a true Minnesotan and attend a hockey game.
Living in the state with over 10,000 lakes it’s not hard to find a lake to participate in ice fishing. Driving around, ice shacks can be seen on lakes all over the state. There are also festivals that occur with ice fishing contests and tournaments. The most common festival according to Explore Minnesota is held on February 16th and 17th on Lake Nisswa. There are wood splitting contests, snow sculptures, and a medallion hunt as well as the main attraction: the ice fishing contest.
The Maple Grove Loop is an ice skating path that curves around into a continuous circle. This free attraction offers the rental of skates for 6$, a concession stand and a warming building. Skating around the loop, there is the presence of holiday lights and music. It is 20 feet wide and 810 feet long for one full loop.
Another attraction for winter activities is dog sledding. This adventurous activity is not your everyday activity. With only a few locations including Duluth, Ely, Hastings, and Grand Marais it is a once in a lifetime experience. The authentic rides occur through the woods or along the great lake, Lake Superior.
Snow tubing is a common winter experience, but the new addition is laser lights. Powder Ridge in Kimball, offers this new addition where guests get glow sticks and get to tube down lighted paths with strobe lights, and colorful flashing lights. This event is only offered on Fridays and Saturdays. Friday times are seven to nine, and Saturday times are eight to ten. The last days to experience the laser light tubing is March 1st and 2nd.
“It was cool with all of the bright lights and they gave us glow sticks to wear while we tubed. They also had fun music playing with a dj,” senior Maddy Willander said.
A polar plunge jump is a common way to end off the winter with a bang and raise money for organizations. Orono Unified club is participating in a jump this spring, which they have been doing since 2013. There are countless locations and dates through March where one can participate with friends and family. Visit the Polar Plunge 2019 Home page to view all locations and dates.