Are you searching for fun things to do in winter in Minnesota? If the answer is yes, then keep reading on!
Minnesota, one of the best places to visit in the Midwest, offers a magical winter experience to tourists and locals alike.
With fun winter festivals, snow-covered state parks, and adventurous snow activities like snowshoeing, skiing, etc., the state is a fun place to enjoy winters in the Midwest.
Minnesota winters can be a little harsh but if you are dressed well and prepared with the proper gear, you can easily make the most of it.
From the Ice Castles in New Brighton to the frozen Lake Nokomis, Minnesota has no shortage of cool places to visit during MN winters.
Are you still unsure of what to do in winter? Then, check out our list of the 10 best things to do in winter in Minnesota.
10 Best Things To Do in Winter in Minnesota
Enjoy Downhill Skiing in Minnesota
One of the best ways to enjoy Minnesota winters is by indulging in downhill skiing.
There are lots of winter resorts in Minnesota that offer the best skiing experience. Out of these, Lutsen Mountains is home to the largest ski resort in the Midwest.
Tourists can enjoy the Lake Superior views from here and have a variety of skiing packages and accommodations to choose from.
Another great place to enjoy one of the top activities in Minnesota in winter is the Afton Alps.
Here, you can find both easy and difficult trails for not just skiing but snowboarding as well. Plus, it is just a 40-minute drive from Minneapolis.
Trust me, if you are looking for fun things to do with friends in winter in Minnesota, then downhill skiing is a great choice.
Recommended Lodge for Ski Goers: Caribou Highlands Lodge
Check Prices: Booking.com
Attend the Winter Carnival in St. Paul
Are you looking for fun events in Minnesota in winter?
If yes, then one of the fun things to do in St. Paul in winter is attending the famous Winter Carnival.
St. Paul Winter Carnival takes place every year in the months of January and February. This year, it will occur from January 25th, 2024 to February 3rd, 2024.
This is one of the best things to do in the winter with family.
The events take place throughout this charming town and most of them are free for the public.
A few top activities to enjoy are scavenger hunts, ice fishing, puzzle contests, and more.
One of the coolest things to enjoy in winter in Minnesota is the snow sculpture contest at Winter Carnival.
You will find lots of snow sculptures in this winter carnival that are absolutely gorgeous to look at.
Apart from that, there is a parade as well in which you can admire decorated floats moving down the street.
If you are looking for winter getaways in Minnesota for your family, then St. Paul is definitely a top choice.
Recommended Hotel in St. Paul: SpringHill Suites St. Paul Downtown
Check Prices: Booking.com
Play Pond Hockey on Lake Nokomis
Well, it is no secret that Minnesota is proudly known as ‘The State of Hockey’.
As a result, it is no surprise that one of the most popular outdoor winter activities to enjoy in MN is pond hockey!
Every year, hockey is played on the frozen lakes throughout the state, lending it the name ‘Pond Hockey’.
One of the best places for enjoying hockey in Minnesota winters is Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis. And guess what?
Every January, the U.S. Pond Hockey Championship is held here. Multiple rinks are set up on the lake and the players compete against each other.
Participating in this winter activity is one of the best things to do in Minneapolis in winter.
The aim of this winter event is to promote hockey in its natural setting, i.e. on a frozen pond/lake.
So, if you are looking for epic things to do with friends in winter in MN, then do try pond hockey.
Recommended Hotel for Staying: Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
Check Prices: Booking.com
Explore the Magical Ice Castles in Minnesota
One of the most unique attractions in Minnesota in winter to enjoy is the famed Ice Castles.
After all, what could be more fun than playing inside an Ice Castle in winter in Minnesota?
Every year, you can find interactive ice castles created at different locations in Minnesota by the locals.
These ice castles are built by growing icicles in the Minnesota winter season.
Once it is ready, the icicles are harvested and shaped into a huge ice castle. Tunnels, slides, and LED lights are added to give it a more magical feel.
Since each year, the location of the Ice Castles is different, make sure to check it before planning your trip.
Trust me, this is one of the top things to do in Minnesota that you cannot miss during the winter season.
Note: Currently, the Ice Castles for January 2024 are scheduled to be moved to a new location – Maple Grove, MN.
Recommended Hotel near Ice Castles: Waterwalk Minneapolis Plymouth
Check Prices: Booking.com
Winter Hiking or Camping In A Minnesota State Park
For those who love outdoor winter activities, one of the best winter getaways in Minnesota is the state parks.
There are many Minnesota state parks that are open during the winter for camping and hiking adventures.
If you wish to see some amazing frozen falls, then visit the Gooseberry Falls State Park or Tettegouche State Park.
There are plenty of great trails to enjoy both inside and outside the state parks.
Plus, winter camping in Minnesota is a lot of fun. You can enjoy the snow-covered parks and mountains and have an exciting adventure.
A few of the best trails for hiking are the Quaking Bog Loop in Theodore Wirth Park, the Theodore Wirth Wildflower Trail, and so on.
So, if you are looking for fun activities in Minnesota in winter, do check out camping and hiking in MN state parks.
Recommended Stay near Gooseberry Falls State Park: North Shore Luxury Cabin By Gooseberry Falls Check Prices: Booking.com
Take a Drive to Watch the Kiwanis Holiday Lights
One of the best attractions in Minnesota in winter is the Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato.
It is a 1.5-hour drive from Minneapolis and one of the top places to visit in Minnesota in winter.
The Kiwanis Holiday Lights Show began in 2012 and is the perfect event to enjoy with your family and friends in the Minnesota winters.
The event is free and run by volunteers at the Sibley Park in Mankato.
The light show begins after Thanksgiving with a fun, holiday-themed parade.
At the parade, Santa flips the switch and illuminates the 2 million holiday lights.
Visitors can enjoy a walk or a drive through the lights display and hum along to the merry tunes synced to the lights.
If you are in a holiday mood and planning a short family getaway in winter in Minnesota, then do visit Kiwanis Holiday Lights!
Recommended Hotel in Mankato: AmericInn by Wyndham Mankato Event Center near MSU
Check Prices: Booking.com
Spend A Day At The Frozen Minnehaha Falls (Or Other Frozen Falls!)
Another one of the great places to visit in Minnesota in winter is the Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis.
The waterfall flows 53 feet down from the Minnehaha Creek and is located in the center of the city.
In the wintertime, the fall freezes and forms an ice cavern that you can admire from the Falls Viewing Area.
If you are looking for a slight adventure, you can also hike closer to this frozen fall and take some amazing photographs of it.
Apart from Minnehaha, there are many other beautiful frozen falls that you can visit in Minnesota.
Gooseberry Falls, Devil’s Kettle Falls, Winnewissa Falls, and Temperance River Falls are a few of the best places to visit in winter in MN.
So, if you are looking for the best things to do in the winter in MN, then don’t forget to add a visit to one of these mesmerizing frozen falls.
Recommended Hotel near Minnehaha Falls: SpringHill Suites St. Paul Downtown
Check Prices: Booking.com
Chasing The Northern Lights Is One Of The Best Things To Do During Winter In Minnesota
Did you know that you can witness the Northern Lights in Minnesota in winter?
Yes, you heard me right!
You don’t need to travel to Iceland or Sweden, you can watch this beauty in Northern Minnesota every year.
Since the Aurora Borealis is easily visible during the darker months, it is one of the best things to do in the winter in Minnesota.
One of the best places to watch this amazing phenomenon in Minnesota is the Voyageurs National Park.
You can also enjoy winter camping in Minnesota in this park to stay away from the lodge lights and increase your chances of viewing the Northern lights.
However, be prepared as it will get cold at night.
But if you bear the cold, then one of the top things to do in Minnesota in winter is to watch the Northern Lights.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cobblestone Hotel & Suites International Falls
Check Prices: Booking.com
Shop and Play Inside the Mall of America
If you are bored of the cliched suggestions for fun things to do in winter in Minnesota, then here is something unique – visit the Mall of America.
It is the largest mall in the United States and hosts a bunch of events in Minnesota in winter.
During Christmas time, the mall is beautifully decorated and offers fun activities for visitors to indulge in.
And let’s not forget the Black Friday deals during the month of November. With over 520 stores, shopping in Minnesota winters can be fun and cozy at this grand mall.
Trust me, if you are tired of playing out in the cold, then one of the best indoor things to do with friends in winter is to visit the Mall of America.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Radisson Blu Mall of America
Check Prices: Booking.com
Catch the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Tour Event During Winter In Minnesota
Last, but not the least, if you are still asking yourself what to do in winter in Minnesota, then we got you.
One of the most epic things to do in Minnesota in winter is to attend the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Event!
The train shows are free to attend but visitors are requested to bring cash or non-perishable food items to donate.
The donations will be used to fill up the local food bank to help the community.
Apart from the goodwill, you get to enjoy lots of amazing musical performances at each stop.
The train is 1000 feet long and features 14 that are decorated with thousands of LED lights.
While you don’t get to ride the train, it is a great pop-up concert and an amazing way to celebrate the holiday.
The train would be making 24 stops in various towns of Minnesota including Glenwood, Eden Valley, Alexandria, and more.
So, if you love concerts and holiday festivities, then do check out the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train!
Recommended Hotel: Best Western Alexandria Inn
Check Prices: Booking.com
Packing List When Visiting Minnesota In Winter
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Minnesota, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when spending winter in Minnesota.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during your London activities.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc…. No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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