We had an amazing time visiting the Ice Castles at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds!
It’s such a unique experience, and it’s open now, so you can check it out. Plus, I have an exclusive 15% ticket DISCOUNT to make it even better.
Use code frugalmn25 to save 15%!
There’s so much to do at the Ice Castles, making it fun for all ages.
Here’s our review and a closer look at some of the activities:
Ride down an ice slide:
You’ll slide through a beautifully lit tunnel of lights, making it an enchanting experience for both kids and adults. They do provide blue, lightweight sleds you can ride down on.
Explore the caves and tunnels:
Each corner is filled with intricate designs and vibrant, glowing lights that make for an unforgettable adventure.
Try delicious treats:
They have food vendors offering mini donuts, brownies, and more, perfect for warming up between activities.
Warm up by a fire:
There are cozy fire pits scattered around, giving you a chance to relax and thaw out in the cold weather.
Take fun pictures:
The Ice Castles are a photographer’s dream. You’ll find stunning, colorful backgrounds for photos, and there’s even an ice throne where you can sit and pose for a royal snapshot!
Keep in mind that it’s not the cheapest outing, with tickets priced at $24 during peak times like weekends. (Be sure to save 15% with my code frugalmn25.) However, the unique experience is worth it, especially if you prepare for the cold weather. Speaking of which, it’s been pretty cold recently, so dressing appropriately is crucial. Wear warm layers, including snowpants if you plan to use the slides, and bring good boots as the ground is made of crushed ice and can be a little tricky to walk on.
It’s important to note that the Ice Castles aren’t handicapped accessible due to the uneven, icy terrain, which isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. However, I’ve seen families using sleds to pull young kids, and that works really well for getting around!
If you’re bringing kids, they’ll love the dedicated kids’ area. It features smaller tunnels and an ice slide designed just for them, giving little ones their own magical space to explore.
Parking is convenient and free, located right next to the entrance, so there’s no need to worry about a long walk in the cold.
We timed our visit perfectly by going at sunset. This gave us the chance to take photos during the daylight, capturing the icy details, and then again at night when the colorful lights transformed the castles into an entirely different spectacle.
The Ice Castles are open now through mid-February, depending on the weather. Make sure to plan your visit soon so you don’t miss out on this unforgettable winter experience!
A Background of Ice Castles in Minnesota
We’ve loved Ice Castles since they first came to Minnesota in 2015.
They were in Eden Prairie, then Stillwater, then New Brighton, Maple Grove, and now they’re in St. Paul!
New this season is an ice river, snow caverns and nightly fire shows that will add a clash of fire and ice as flames dance amidst the Ice Castles backdrop. You can enjoy a Minnesota State Fair signature Pronto Pup, along
with hand crafted cocktails at their Polar Pub Ice Bar.
“We are thrilled to open the icy gates for Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts and make up for last year’s lack of winter. This year, we’re bringing the enchanting magic of Ice Castles to life, infused with the excitement and flair of Minnesota State Fair cuisine,” said Kyle Standifird, CEO of Ice Castles, “The natural beauty of the fairgrounds’ tree-lined landscapes combines perfectly with the wonder of our frozen creations, creating a truly magical destination to experience.”
And you can save 15% with my code frugalmn25.
Read about our experiences at Ice Castles here.
MORE INFORMATION!
Visit the Ice Castles website for more information!
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