Winter fun near you

Inside and out

By Tim Spitzack | Editor | February 2025

One cool thing about our city is that there’s always something fun to do – inside and out – even in the heart of winter. We’re a hardy bunch and event organizers know a little snow and cold won’t keep us from having a good time. Here’s what’s on tap in the coming weeks.

Minnesota Ice Festival

The Minnesota Ice Festival runs through Feb. 16 at TCO Stadium, Viking Lakes, 2645 Vikings Circle, Eagan. It features a massive 18,000-square-foot ice maze (recently named the world’s largest by Guinness World Records), a 44-by-80-foot skating rink, multi-lane ice slide, ice bar, food trucks, outdoor firepits and warming house. The event also features the Carver Cup ice sculpting competition Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Ice sculpting teams from across the country compete to create spectacular works of art and the chance to win a cash prize and the Carver Cup trophy. Festival hours are 4-10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $24.99 for ages 15 and older and $12.99 for ages 5-14. For more information, visit minnesotaicefestival.com.

Mendota Heights Frozen Fun Fest

The Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its annual Frozen Fun Fest February 3-9. Here’s the line-up. Some events require registration. For more information or to register, visit mendotaheightsmn.gov/500/Frozen-Fun-Fest.

The medallion hunt begins Monday, Feb. 3 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 9, or until the medallion is found. The winner receives a Minnesota-themed gift basket valued at $200. The medallion will be in a city park and daily clues will be posted at 9 a.m. beginning Feb. 3 on the City’s website and at facebook.com/MHParksandRec.

Ice Block Party, 5-8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7 at Friendly Hills Park, 2360 Pueblo Ln. An evening of live music, snowshoeing among luminaries (snowshoes available to use for free), ice skating, hot chocolate, food trucks and more. Music takes place in an enclosed, heated tent. The Teddy Bear Band will perform 5-5:45 p.m. and the Beatnik Brothers 6:30-8 p.m.

Puzzle competition, 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Feb. 8, at Somerset Elementary School, 1355 Dodd Rd. Teams and individuals will race to finish a 500-piece puzzle. Kids ages 8-14 will compete to complete a 100-piece puzzle, beginning at 10:45 a.m. Each member of the winning team will receive a puzzle to take home. Free. Registration required.

Learn to Ice Fish, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8 at Roger’s Lake Park, 1000 Wagon Wheel Trail. Discover why ice fishing is so popular in Minnesota and learn how to be successful at it. Equipment provided. Free.

Coffee with the Council, 9-10 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 9 at Par 3 Golf Course, 1695 Dodd Rd. Join city council members for a cup of java and conversation.

Coloring contest, Feb. 3-9. Color a wintery masterpiece for a chance to win prizes. There will be two categories: ages 5 and under, and 6-12. Coloring sheets can be picked up at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, or found online. Drop off completed coloring sheets at City Hall during normal business hours or after hours in the outdoor utility bill drop box at City Hall.

WSP Winter Fun Fest

The annual Winter Fun Fest in West St. Paul returns 2-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, at Dodge Nature Center, 1701 Charlton St. Activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, snowshoeing, boot hockey, ice golf, otter sliding, kicksledding and more. Visitors can also join a medallion hunt for the chance to win a prize package, enjoy music and a toasty bonfire, and more. All activities are free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information, visit dodgenaturecenter.org/event/winter-fun-fest or call 651-455-4531.

Snowshoe by candlelight

South St. Paul Parks and Recreation is hosting a candlelight snowshoe hike at Kaposia Park at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5. The trails will be illuminated by candlelight for a serene walk through the woods. Snowshoe rentals will be available for kids and adults, although they are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you don’t have snowshoes, you can still hike the trails. The event is free. Food trucks will offer hot food and beverages for purchase.

South St. Paul Parks and Recreation is offering cross-country ski lessons 3:30-5 p.m., on Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 3-12 at Como Park and Battle Creek Regional Park. Designed for beginners, instruction focuses on fundamental techniques like gliding, balancing and the proper use of ski poles. Skis are provided for kids. $20.
For more information, visit southstpaul.org or call 651-366-6200.

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