Everyone knows that winter can be long and cold, but embracing the chill offers the perfect opportunity to explore Minnesota and add new memories. By making the most of the winter season, you can turn chilly days into warm moments that will be cherished all year long.

Embrace the Chill: Top Winter Season Activities in Minnesota


Tour the Ice Castles Exhibit at the MN State Fairgrounds – Marvel at intricate, towering ice sculptures, slides, tunnels, caverns, and archways for a magical winter-walk experience.

Attend the Winter Market at the Mill City Farmers Market – Shop for locally produced winter goods, warm beverages, and seasonal treats at the indoor winter market housed at Mill City.

Fly Around the Metro in a Private Airplane – Book a discovery flight with Inflight Pilot Training in Eden Prairie and catch breathtaking views of Minnesota’s snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and picturesque towns from the comfort of a cozy cockpit.

Walk Around The Science Museum of St. Paul – Uncover fascinating discoveries around every corner and dive into science at Minnesota’s most popular museum in the heart of downtown St. Paul.

Snowmobile through the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes – For an adrenaline-packed winter season adventure, take a snowmobile ride through the frozen lakes of Minneapolis, exploring hidden spots along the way.

Hike the Frozen Minnehaha Falls – Visit Minnehaha Falls where the waterfall transforms into a stunning ice formation and explore the icy landscape on foot or snowshoes.

Visit the Walker Art Center’s Sculpture Garden – Experience the sculpture garden covered in snow, where iconic pieces like the “Spoonbridge and Cherry” take on a unique, wintery atmosphere.

Dine In at a Rooftop Nordic Cabin – Experience a blend of Minnesota charm and the Swiss Alps at this seasonal pop-up dining event, hosted at Riva Terrace, the Four Seasons’ rooftop restaurant.

Unforgettable Cold-Weather Adventures in the Twin Cities

Ice Fishing on Lake Minnetonka – Try your hand at ice fishing on the expansive Lake Minnetonka, where you can fish for walleye, perch, and northern pike from a cozy ice house.

Sledding at Powderhorn Park – One of the best places in Minneapolis for sledding, Powderhorn Park offers large hills perfect for thrilling rides.

Attend the Holidazzle Festival – Enjoy the annual Holidazzle Festival in downtown Minneapolis, featuring light displays, live music, and fun holiday-themed activities.

Cross-Country Skiing at Theodore Wirth Park – Ski through the park’s scenic trails, which wind through wooded areas and open fields, with great views of the city skyline.

Try Your Hand at Indoor Skydiving – Experience the sensation of skydiving in state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels at iFly in Minnetonka.

Winter Photography Workshop at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – Photograph the stunning snowy landscapes and frosty gardens in a winter season photography workshop.

Visit the Bell Museum’s Winter Exhibits – Visit the Bell Museum to explore winter-themed exhibits, featuring captivating planetarium shows and engaging wildlife displays that highlight winter ecosystems.

Minnesota’s winter season can be challenging, but it’s also a perfect time to create unforgettable memories with family and friends. So, get outside and enjoy the fun!