Ice castles are a must see this winter
If you're looking for great winter fun for your family, check out the giant ice castles. Made up of over 20 million pounds of ice, these amazing structures provide an unforgettable experience for both adults and children. There are ice castles in New Hampshire, Minnesota, New York and Utah, as well as the famous Lake Geneva Ice Castle in Wisconsin—there may be one near your home or a few hours' drive away.
Ice castles are built by professional ice artists using hundreds of thousands of icicles. These are truly extraordinary places to walk, climb and slide through. Ice castles feature LED-lit sculptures, arches, rooms, bridges, slides for kids and adults, and more. There are also color light shows featuring fairy-tale characters. In addition, most castles have ice labyrinths where the whole family can wander and play hide and seek. When visiting ice castles, the most important thing is to dress warmly. Hats, gloves and boots with good traction are key as you will be walking on snow and ice. Most castles have level, snow-covered paths that can accommodate strollers and pushchairs, but you'll likely have to park them in designated areas while little ones navigate the tunnels or slide down the slides. Food and drink are available for purchase at the castles, although menus and selections vary by location.
Tickets for all ice castles for the 2023 season will go on sale on November 28 this year. These can be purchased locally, but it is best to purchase them online in advance.
New Hampshire Ice Castles —North Woodstock
After touring the castles, families can go snow tubing, tobogganing, or walk the stunning “Winter Fairy Forest” trail. The only negative is that there is no ice labyrinth.
New York Ice Castles —Lake George
The ice castles are located in Charles R. Wood Park. It includes magnificent caves covered with icicles. Guests can also walk through the snow igloo village.
Wisconsin Ice Castles —Lake Geneva
The winter fairy and the snow queen greet guests at the ice castles on Lake Geneva. After visiting the castles, families can take a winter sleigh ride along the scenic illuminated trail.
Minnesota Ice Castles — New Brighton
Families can explore the arches and caves with sparkling icicles overhead, find dozens of ice sculptures hidden throughout the castle, and see thousands of lights along the Illumination Trail. Adults can enjoy warming alcoholic drinks at the Ice Bar.
Utah Ice Castles —Midway
In this ice castle you can meet real reindeer and ride on an illuminated sleigh along a forest winter trail.
