Must-visit Ice Castle destinations
One cherished winter memory for our family was the trip to Minnesota to experience the enchanting Ice Castle. This winter wonderland felt like a fairytale offering a frozen maze, slides, tunnels, archways and caverns serving as a delightful winter playground.
Ice Castles are a winter wonder found in five different locations. Each castle showcases stunning archways made of ice crystals, an ice throne, tunnels, and frozen slides!
The caverns and tunnels create a mesmerizing winter wonderland to explore. Kids love crawling through tunnels to behold "ice rooms" with dazzling ice crystal "chandeliers" hanging from above.
During the day, the ice castles offer a frozen white backdrop for fun photos and exploration. As the sun sets, the castles glow with beautiful LED lighting offering a dazzling nighttime color show.
My girls especially loved the ice slide. Guests are provided with a mat, and they slide through the frozen tunnel.
Our Tips for a Visit to the Ice Castles:
It will be COLD! Dress in layers. Check out our Guide to Thermal Clothing for Cold Weather Adventures.
We recommend timing it to arrive during the day, 30-60 minutes prior to sunset so you experience both daytime and nighttime fun.
Take lots of pictures.
Drink hot cocoa and enjoy warm treats (sold on site).
Watch the Ice Castle Schedule for opening / closing dates and special events and entertainers.
Fast Facts for Visiting Ice Castles:
Ice Castles 2024-25 Locations
Season:
All Ice Castle locations typically open in January, but opening dates vary by location and differ year-to-year as Ice Castles operations are completely dependent on weather. Once the Castle is nearing completion, they will announce opening dates. Most locations remain open through late February or early March, depending on the weather.
Lodging near Ice Castles:
Which Ice Castle Destination is top on your bucket list?
Amazing! I didn't know there were real ice castles in North America! I'm going to make sure my family gets to one as soon as it opens! Thanks for the tips!
Wow, that looks so beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Oh my goodness this looks so magical!
This was such a cool post! I had no idea there were ice castles in the US.
This is wonderful, I had no idea these existed! thank you for this post.