Luminary Loppet: A Celebration of Winter in Minnesota

Luminary Loppet: A Celebration of Winter in Minnesota

by | Feb 7, 2025 | events/locations, evergreen

Enjoy a fun-filled, candlelit night at Lake of the Isles

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Come out to Lake of the Isles and enjoy the Luminary Loppet and enjoy a candlelit trail. Experience 1,200 luminaries lining the trail with unique ice features and much more – all in the heart of Uptown. The Luminary Loppet is also the Loppet Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year – supporting our year-round programs as we live out of mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community.

The candlelit Luminary Loppet is the Twin Cities’ most magical event of the season. Come out to Lake of the Isles and enjoy the Luminary Loppet where you can walk, snowshoe, or ski on the candlelit trail winding across the lake. Experience 1,200 luminaries lining the trail with unique ice features and much more – all in the heart of Uptown. Refreshments such as hot chocolate will be offered at tents across the lake. Food trucks, beer, and music are located at the Luminary Party

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The Luminary Loppet is the Loppet Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year – supporting our year-round programs as we live out our mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community. Learn more about the Loppet’s mission here.

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2025 Map

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Photo by Todd Bauer at TMBimages.com
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Event

Luminary Loppet: A Celebration of Winter in Minnesota

February 8th
6pm – 10pm
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Location

Lake of the Isles

Minneapolis, MN

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The Great Northern in Minnesota: The Foundations of an Empire

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Winter Family Weekend – Sandstone, MN

Winter Family Weekend – Sandstone, MN

by | Feb 2, 2025 | events/locations

Winter Family Weekend

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Spend quality time with your family in the North Woods this winter, making memories that last a lifetime!

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Embrace winter over the long Presidents’ day weekend! Treat your family to three nights/four days of discovery, learning and fun. This exciting family program offers age-specific and all-family program options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for snow activities, skiing/snowshoeing, nature learning or quality family time, we have something for the whole family.

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Winter Family Activities

Indoor climbing wall

High ropes course

Cross-country skiing

Snowshoeing

Quinzee-Building & survivor skills

Ice Fishing

Kicksledding

Arts & crafts

Orienteering

Campfire, and more!

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Weekend Accommodations

You’ll find our accommodations are perfect for a weekend of adventure, relaxation and retreat. Each spacious room in Crosby or Lowry Lodge has bunk style beds and sleeps up to 6 or 8 people (each family has their own room). Delicious, healthy, scratch-made meals are served in our large dining room with beautiful stone fireplace and wonderful views of the woods and lake.

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View map of location

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The Sandstone Architecture of the Lake Superior Region (Great Lakes Books) Hardcover

Annual Ely Winter Festival Begins – Ely, MN

Annual Ely Winter Festival Begins – Ely, MN

by | Jan 26, 2025 | events/locations, evergreen

Ely Winter Festival

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Discover the Magic of Ely Winter Festival!

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Join us for the Ely Winter Festival, a spectacular 10-day celebration that captures the essence of winter in the Northwoods. This beloved annual event is packed with activities and attractions that showcase the unique charm and creativity of Ely, MN.

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Highlights

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Snow Sculpting Symposium: Marvel at the incredible artistry on display as talented sculptors transform blocks of snow into breathtaking works of art. This symposium is a highlight of the festival, drawing participants and spectators from near and far.

Nordic Beard Festival: Celebrate Nordic heritage with the quirky and fun Nordic Beard Festival. From epic beard competitions to themed activities, this event is a nod to Ely’s rich cultural roots and a great time for all ages.

ArtWalk: Explore Ely’s vibrant arts scene through the ArtWalk, where local galleries, shops, and cafes showcase the works of talented artists. Stroll through town and enjoy the diverse displays of paintings, sculptures, and crafts.

Activities in the Park: The festival hub is Whiteside Park, where you’ll find a variety of activities to enjoy. From ice skating and sledding to cozy bonfires and hot cocoa, there’s something for everyone to relish in the winter wonderland atmosphere.

Live Music and Entertainment: Enjoy live music performances and entertainment throughout the festival. From local bands to cultural performances, the festive sounds and sights add to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

Cultural and Historical Exhibits: Learn more about Ely’s history and culture through exhibits and presentations that take place during the festival. Discover the stories and traditions that make Ely a special place.

Family-Friendly Fun: The Ely Winter Festival is perfect for families, with plenty of activities and events that kids will love. From craft workshops to children’s games, it’s a great way to create lasting memories together.

Food and Drink: Warm up with delicious food and drink options available throughout the festival. Savor local specialties, indulge in sweet treats, and enjoy hot beverages that keep the winter chill at bay.

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Support the Coolest Event in the Area

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By attending the Ely Winter Festival, you’re not only experiencing a magical winter celebration, but you’re also supporting the local community and its traditions. Your participation helps keep this cherished event alive and thriving for future generations to enjoy.

Join us for the coolest event in the area and make the most of winter in Ely. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Ely Winter Festival offers a unique and unforgettable experience that celebrates the beauty and creativity of the season.

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Mark your calendars and get ready for 10 days of winter wonder at the Ely Winter Festival.

 

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Event

Ely Winter Festival

Sunday, February 2nd through Sunday, February 16th

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Location

Whiteside Park

721 East Sheridan Street

Ely, MN

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View map of location

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Ely Minnesota, Map Long Sleeve T-Shirt

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The Great Northern Legacy Events Begin – Minneapolis, MN

The Great Northern Legacy Events Begin – Minneapolis, MN

by | Jan 19, 2025 | events/locations, evergreen

The Great Northern

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Embrace winter at its wintry finest!

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At The Great Northern, a celebration across Minneapolis and Saint Paul, visitors and locals alike will find amazing winter sports to spectate like pond hockey, skijoring, and fat-tire bike racing along with ice and snow sculpture competitions. Not to mention food-focused events featuring our thriving culinary community, outdoor concerts, and more.

This annual celebration brings together legacy festivals, including the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival, where cross-country skiing competitions excite and ice luminaries delight, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, where kings and snow queens add to the magic of the season, and the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships where locals and players around the world show off their skills on Lake Nokomis.

These legacy events along with original, uniquely North programming are largely free to attend. So bundle up, get outside, and leave the hibernating to the bears!

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Festival highlights:

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Event

The Great Northern

Thursday, January 23rd through Sunday, February 2nd

Explore Events & Get Tickets

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2025 Festival Supporter Pass ($350)

Includes:

Full festival access, including all general admission and individually ticketed events

2 sauna village sessions of your choice

Specialty merch, designed by Minnesota Artist Alyssa Baguss

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Location

Various link here

Minneapolis, MN

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View map of location

Get Directions

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Minneapolis Art Print Poster, Starry Night

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World Snow Sculpting Championship – Stillwater, MN

World Snow Sculpting Championship – Stillwater, MN

by | Jan 12, 2025 | events/locations, evergreen

World Snow Sculpting Championship

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Stillwater is honored to host the 2025 World Snow Sculpting Championship competition sanctioned by the Association Internationale de Sculpture sur Neige et Glace based in Finland. Teams from around the world will travel to Stillwater, Minnesota to create amazing snow sculptures while competing for prize money and the title of the World Champion. This will be a judged event and will include social events, activities, ceremonies, the people’s choice award, and will be fun for the whole family. Stay tuned for more information – keep checking back for updates and additional details.
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Event

World Snow Sculpting Championship

Wednesday, January 15th through Tuesday, January 21st

Free

Note: This event is weather dependent, watch the website and social media for updates. Sculpting team appearances are subject to change or cancel at any time due to the unpredictable nature of the COVID pandemic. We are confident that despite any unexpected changes, this event will be successful and provide a quality family experience for the City of Stillwater and all that attend.

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Location

Downtown Stillwater

201 Water Street North

Stillwater, MN

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View map of location

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Stillwater, Minnesota: A photographic history : 1843-1993

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Minnesota Ice Festival Opens – Eagan, MN

Minnesota Ice Festival Opens – Eagan, MN

by | Jan 5, 2025 | events/locations

Minnesota Ice Festival

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Winter fun For everyone!

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Navigate through the enchanting twists of The Minnesota Ice Maze, join QB on a quest to find his friends through his scavenger hunt, experience the thrill of a multi-lane ice slide with friends, twirl gracefully upon a nearby ice skating rink, indulge in cocktails at two ice bars, escape the cold with hot drinks and yummy treats in the Warming Haus, order delicious eats from a row of local food trucks, leave your mark on the popular ice signature wall, and become captivated by pro carvers at an ice carving competition.

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Ice Festival Updates

Ice maze construction is in full swing! The photo below shows about one-third of the finished maze, with work on the remaining two-thirds beginning next week. In the second image, you’ll see our snow maker in action, insulating the maze walls. This snow coating protects the ice from the sun’s rays and occasional above-freezing temperatures, ensuring a longer-lasting maze for everyone to enjoy!

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Event

Minnesota Ice Festival

Opens Friday, January 10th and on-view through Sunday, February 16th

Your ticket gives you access to the festival throughtout the entire day of your reservation date. Arrive when doors open and stay until doors close.
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 Tickets

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