Baby its cold outside! So make it a new year’s resolution this year to spice up the usual winter routine by exploring these unique winter activities.
Visit the lake during winter at the local Pond Hockey North American Championship Tournament on Excelsior Bay of Lake Minnetonka. It’s hockey the way nature intended, outside in the elements with ten ice rinks between Bayside Event Center and Maynards. This tournament takes place January 25th-27th. Each day offers a different division competing to win.
The 127th Winter Carnival in St. Paul will take place January 24 – February 3. This long standing annual event embraces and pokes fun at the cold climate. Jam packed with numerous family fun events including the Ice Carving Competition, Medallion Hunt, Sled Dog Race, Winter Run, parades, music and much more!
The Red Bull Crashed Ice is a must-attend event. It will challenge the best ice crash downhill racers through a 400m icy trail with a 48 foot drop featuring many jumps and turns to maneuver to the finish line. This suspenseful event will take place January 24-26 in Saint Paul against the backdrop of the Cathedral.
When the ice freezes and the temperature drops, the winter golf season begins. In Wayzata, golfers challenge each other to a round on Lake Minnetonka, This event called the Chilly Open takes place February 9th. There are two nine-hole golf courses and golfers use a tennis ball instead of the traditional golf ball. Local businesses sponsor holes and decorate their tents as they choose. Local food and drinks are available along with music at the 19th hole tent. Golfers are encouraged to strut their 80’s style with the theme “The 80’s Are Back.” Long Lake also hosts an 18 hole Snow Ball Open on January 26th.
See how four million gallons of water can be transformed to create a castle made entirely out of icicles. The new one-of-a-kind ice castle at the Mall of America features a 40 foot tall tower with many arches, tunnels, and caves to stroll through. At night the Ice Castle is illuminated with LED multicolor lights making it especially fun to visit. This castle will only be standing until February 3rd, so hurry and make a journey to the MOA to see this magical creation.
Is your New Year’s resolution to shed some unwanted pounds? Visit the The City of the Lakes Loppet festival. Activities include a variety of races from cross country skiing, running, biking on ice, two-dog skijoring. Additional events include a snow sculpting contest, Swedish Kubb tournament, cross country ski tour along with wonderful food and beverages. This event’s main goal is to truly celebrate Minnesota winter.
These fun winter events allow individuals to beat the winter blahs by embracing Minnesota winter. Whether it’s biking, skating, racing, or golfing on one of the frozen great Minnesota lakes, winter is filled with cool events.
Tori Palm is a Staff Reporter for The Spartan Speaks.