Great winter festivals
Enjoy the chilly season with snow sculptures, ice castles, sleigh rides and lots of hot chocolate.
© Beth Gauper
A skier flies down the hill at the Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament in Westby, Wis.
True northerners don't let cold weather keep them indoors, not when they could be out on the ice playing broomball and bowling turkeys.
Many festivals in winter are held on frozen lakes, the best place for kite-flying, ice golf and hot-air balloon lift-offs. In northern Minnesota, an ice-house city goes up on Leech Lake for the goofy Eelpout Festival in February.
In parks, elaborate ice and snow sculptures entertain passersby. On rivers, buses take tourists to see bald eagles. Bonfires
and hot chocolate are offered everywhere.
Below are some of the fun festivals going on around the region in 2012. Always check before you go to verify dates and to make sure you catch the best parts of a festival, especially the parades.
For candlelight events, see Ski or snowshoe by
candlelight.
For more about eagle-watching events, see Where eagles land.
For events year-round, see the Events Calendar.
New Year's celebrations
Look for fireworks everywhere New Year's Eve, especially in La Crosse, where the Skyrockers are famous for their pyrotechnics from Grandad Bluff (midnight, with a kids' show at 6 p.m.).
For getaway ideas, see 10 great ways to celebrate New
Year's.
WinterFest in Milwaukee, WI An indoor festival with skating, rides, a slide, rock walls, snowball throw, sports activities and a giant snow globe at Frontier Airlines Center downtown. Admission is $5-$16. The last evening is Radio Disney's Family Fun New Year's Eve, $10-$15. Dec. 21–31.
Carp Fest in Prairie du Chien, WI Help build carp snow sculptures and a giant arts-and-crafts carp, take a whack at a carp pinata, go on a hot-air balloon ride and ski or hike by torchlight in LaRiviere Park. The festival culminates with a laser and pyrotechnics show and the Droppin' of the Carp, a large, frozen Mississippi River rough fish, on New Year's Eve. Dec. 31.
Cheese Drop in Plymouth, WI For the big Cheese Drop in this eastern Wisconsin town, an 80-pound lighted wedge of cheese is dropped 100 feet at midnight. Dec. 31.
U.S. Bank Eve in Madison, WI There's a kids' party at U.S. Bank Plaza and Rick Wilcox's Magic Show, kids' games and a balloon drop at Monona Terrace. There's also fun at the Madison Children's Museum and Olbrich Botanical Gardens. At 10:05 p.m., fireworks go off over Lake Monona. Tickets are $5 for adults, $7 at the door. Kids ages 5-15 pay $3 or $5, and family passes are $12 or $15. Dec. 31.
Cool Fool Kite Festival in Milwaukee, WI In addition to kite-flying, there will be ice sculptures and free hot chocolate, coffee and snacks in the lakefront Veterans Park. Jan. 1.
Frosty Fest in Egg Harbor, WI There's live music, snow sculptures, a fun run and a parade that starts at 1 p.m. Jan. 1.
First weekend of January
Ice Sculpting Competition in Holland, MI College students from around the Midwest will compete in this Collegiate Ice Sculpting Invitational, hosted by Downtown Holland and the National Ice Carving Association. Jan. 6–7.
Winter Trails Day in Across the region, MN This is the day adults as well as children can try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing for free. Check the website for sponsor stores and resorts near you. Jan. 7.
Winter Festival in La Farge, WI Visit the Kickapoo Valley Reserve for horse-drawn bobsled rides, guided snowshoe and ice-cave hikes, ice-luminary workshop, winter games and a sled-dog race and weight pull. In the evening, there's a candelight ski or hike at nearby Wildcat Mountain State Park. Jan. 7.
© Beth Gauper
A Snowflake princess congratulates a jumper at the Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament in Westby, Wis.
Second weekend of January
Winterfest in Mackinaw City, MI There's a snow-sculpting competition, sleigh rides, a poker run and outhouse races. Jan. 12–14.
Crashed Ice World Championship in St. Paul, MN Red Bull, which brought Flugtag to St. Paul in 2010, is returning with the extreme sport of ice cross downhill, or high-speed skating on a downhill course. Watching is free. Jan. 12–14.
Bald Eagle Watching Days in Prairie du Sac, WI This town along the Wisconsin River, next to a hydroelectric plant, offers guided bus tours, birds of prey programs and a radio-tracking demonstration. Jan. 13–14.
Hunter Ice Festival in Niles, MI This festival in the southwest tip of the state, named for a turn-of-the-century ice-harvesting business, features more than 150 ice sculptures and a competition. Jan. 13–15.
SISU Ski Fest in Ironwood, MI This Finnish fest includes a 10K Taste N Tour with five food stations showcasing Yooper cuisine, guided snowshoe walks and games, kids' races, a Friday concert and 21K and 42K races through historic mining areas, scenic bluffs and along the Montreal River. Jan. 13–14.
The Big Chill in Racine, WI Monument Square is the new location of Wisconsin's state snow-sculpting competition. There's ice-carving, too. Jan. 13–15.
Sleigh & Cutter Rally in Ashland, WI A gathering of antique sleighs and drivers in 19th-century costumes at Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Jan. 14.
Jack Frost Fest in Spooner, WI There's turkey bowling, minnow races, dog sled rides, watercolor snow painting and a 4K snowshoe race in this western Wisconsin town. Jan. 14.
Art Shanty Projects in Plymouth, MN Frozen Medicine Lake in this western Minneapolis suburb hosts two dozen artist-designed ice houses and lots of fun art antics. Jan. 14–15.
Ice Box Days in International Falls, MN In the "Ice Box of the Nation'' on the Canadian border, there will be turkey bowling, snow sculptures, a night snowshoe hike in Voyageurs National Park and the famous Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run. Jan. 18–22.
© Torsten Muller
Festival-goers have their faces painted in the markings of their favorite owls at the International Festival of Owls in southeast Minnesota.
Third weekend of January
Ice Box Days in International Falls, MN In the "Ice Box of the Nation'' on the Canadian border, there will be turkey bowling, snow sculptures, a night snowshoe hike in Voyageurs National Park and the famous Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run. Jan. 18–22.
Polar Daze in Bemidji, MN There's broomball, golf on ice, a polar plunge and a lighted ski. Jan. 20–21.
Janboree in Waukesha, WI The fest in this Milwaukee suburb includes Friday-night fireworks, a recyclable sled race, ice sculptures, trolley rides, dog-sled rides and tobogganing on the lighted run in Lowell Park. Jan. 20–22.
Art Shanty Projects in Plymouth, MN Frozen Medicine Lake in this western Minneapolis suburb hosts two dozen artist-designed ice houses and lots of fun art antics. Jan. 21–22.
Bald Eagle Watch in Dubuque, IA Live-eagle programs and free trolley rides from the Grand River Center downtown to the National Mississippi River Museum and Lock & Dam 11. Jan. 21.
Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest in Madison, WI A celebration of Wisconsin's greatest products at Alliant Energy Center, with plenty to sample. Jan. 21.
Fourth weekend of January
Winter Carnival in St. Paul, MN See ice sculptures in Rice Park (go early if it's warm), the Grande Day parade at 2 p.m. Jan. 28 and the Torchlight Parade at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 4, followed by fireworks, the overthrow of King Boreas and the Vulcan Victory Dance. Jan. 26–Feb. 5.
Snow Days in Chicago, IL There'll be a snow-sculpting tournament, sled-dog demonstrations and a snowboard rail jam at Gateway Park, just west of the entrance to Navy Pier. Jan. 27–29.
Winter Games in Lake Okoboji, IA This resort area in northwest Iowa will offer broomball, softball and flag football on ice, indoor golf, a Freeze Yer Fanny Bike Ride, ugliest snowsuit contest, a chili cookoff and fireworks at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Jan. 27–29.
Wintervergnuegen/Winter Festival in Waupaca, WI Just west of Appleton, this lakes area offers ice sculptures, ice bowling, a snowman-building contest, a beer tent and cross-country skiing. Jan. 27–28.
Winterfest in Amana Colonies, IA Go on a wine walk or scavenger hunt or compete in ham-throwing, log-sawing, the Amana Freezer Run/Walk, snowshoeing or for the best beard. There will be ice sculptures, storytelling and schnitzel-sampling, too. Jan. 28.
Bald Eagle Days in Cassville, WI This Mississippi River town in southwest Wisconsin will offer raptor programs and viewing with spotting scopes in Riverside Park. Jan. 28–29.
Celebration of the Lakes in Center City, MN This Chisago Lakes festival on North Center Lake includes hot-air balloon launches, dog-sled and, helicopter rides, a medallion hunt, a kiddie parade at noon Saturday and a snowmobile torchlight parade at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Jan. 28–29.
Art Shanty Projects in Plymouth, MN Frozen Medicine Lake in this western Minneapolis suburb hosts two dozen artist-designed ice houses and lots of fun art antics. Jan. 28–29.
Art Sled Rally in Minneapolis, MN Ride down a decorated hill at Powderhorn Park in your own wacky sled, which you can make at home or at free workshops Jan. 21-22 at Powderhorn Park Community Center. There's also live music and hot chocolate. Jan. 28.
Eagle Watch Weekend in Ottawa, IL This town in northern Illinois will feature family activities at the Starved Rock Lodge near Utica and the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center in Ottawa. Trolleys connect the two. Jan. 28–29.
Heikinpaiva in Hancock, MI The winter festival in this Finnish town on the Keweenaw Peninsula features wife-carrying, kicksled races, a polar bear dive and an 11 a.m. parade. Jan. 28.
Schnee Days in Elkhart Lake, WI The Snow Days festival in this town in east-central Wisconsin includes a hunt for colored ice cubes, snow sculpting and a chili cook-off. Jan. 29.
Groundhog Days in Woodstock, IL The 1993 movie "Groundhog Day'' was filmed in this town an hour northwest of Chicago, and it celebrates with storytelling, a bachelor auction and tours of movie sites, including the 1889 Opera House, where Bill Murray jumped from the belfry. At 7:07 a.m. Thursday, Woodstock Willie will look for his shadow. Feb. 1–5.
© Beth Gauper
Ice sculptures fill St. Paul's Rice Park during Winter Carnival.
First weekend of February
Winter Carnival in St. Paul, MN See ice sculptures in Rice Park (go early if it's warm), the Grande Day parade at 2 p.m. Jan. 28 and the Torchlight Parade at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 4, followed by fireworks, the overthrow of King Boreas and the Vulcan Victory Dance. Jan. 26–Feb. 5.
Groundhog Days in Woodstock, IL The 1993 movie "Groundhog Day'' was filmed in this town an hour northwest of Chicago, and it celebrates with storytelling, a bachelor auction and tours of movie sites, including the 1889 Opera House, where Bill Murray jumped from the belfry. At 7:07 a.m. Thursday, Woodstock Willie will look for his shadow. Feb. 1–5.
U.S. Snow Sculpting Championship and Winterfest in Lake Geneva, WI Watch artists shape snow into whimsical shapes or go on a helicopter ride. Feb. 2–5. U.S. Nationals site
Winter Festival in Ely, MN There's an International Snow Sculpting Symposium, arts and crafts fair, Mukluk Ball and dog-sled rides. On Feb. 11, Outward Bound is hosting a free guided trip to the Hegman Lake pictographs; to reserve your spot and snowshoes, if needed, call 218-365-5761, Ext. 4040. Feb. 2–12.
Michigan Ice Fest in Munising, MI Ice-climbing demos, slide shows and clinics for beginners at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Feb. 2–5.
Winter Dance Party in Clear Lake, IA The Surf Ballroom marks the 53rd anniversary of the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly with concerts, luncheons, dance lessons and crash-site tours. Tickets go on sale Oct. 11. Feb. 2–4.
Snowflake Ski-Jumping Tournament in Westby, WI At the top of a hill that's the equivalent of a 41-story skyscraper, watch jumpers fly by at 55 mph. It no longer attracts many international skiers, but it's still fun to watch because the jump is built onto the side of a coulee, and spectators can climb it and watch from the top. Feb. 3–4.
Hot Air Affair in Hudson, WI There will be winter sports Olympics, a craft fair, chili cookoff, Friday night parade and fireworks plus morning balloon launches and evening moon glows. Feb. 3–5.
Winterfest in Crosslake, MN This festival in the Brainerd Lakes area includes a medallion hunt, helicopter rides, ice car races, a Soupfest, Italian Olympics and a snowman-building contest. Feb. 3–4.
Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race in Bayfield, WI Watch four races over two days and get in some skiing and snowshoeing on the side. Feb. 3–5.
Winter Festival in Fish Creek, WI This Door County village lets loose with events that include bed racing, a toilet-seat throw, a bike toss and a snowshoe dance contest. There are also free trolley rides, ice carving, fireworks and a parade at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Feb. 3–5.
Winter Tracks Festival in North Shore, MN Enjoy guided snowshoe hikes and cross-country ski tours, sleigh rides and snowmobile runs from the Lutsen-Tofte area to the Gunflint Trail. There's a Family Fun Fest at Lutsen Mountains Feb. 3-5 (fireworks and torchlight parade Feb. 4), a candlelight ski from Cascade Lodge Feb. 10 and the Volks Ski 400 Feb. 11. Feb. 3–12.
Art Shanty Projects in Plymouth, MN Frozen Medicine Lake in this western Minneapolis suburb hosts two dozen artist-designed ice houses and lots of fun art antics. Feb. 4–5.
Winter Festival in Cedarburg, WI In its 38th year, this festival just north of Milwaukee features bed and barrel races, snow golf, an ice-carving contest, a dog weight pull competition, an arts show. The grand parade is at 1 p.m. Saturday. Feb. 4–5.
Ice Breaker in South Haven, MI There's an ice-carving competition in this Lake Michigan town, plus wagon rides, a chili cook-off and skating and curling lessons. Feb. 4–5.
City of Lakes Loppet in Minneapolis, MN For recreational skiers, the highlight of this big cross-country ski festival is the Saturday-night Luminary Loppet, with glowing ice pillars and "ruins.'' There's a tent party with music afterward. On Saturday, there are also ski games and races for children, a snow-sculpture contest and bicycle and skijoring races. On Sunday, there's a 10k tour, a 25k classical race and a 33k freestyle race, all in Wirth Park. Feb. 4–5.
Knickerbocker Ice Festival in Lake Mills, WI This darling town east of Madison holds a fish toss, Sno Ball-eating contest, dad-sled race, chili cook-off and Iceberg Open golf tournament. There's ice carving, too. Feb. 4.
© Beth Gauper
Bock Fest in New Ulm signals the end of winter.
Second weekend of February
Winter Festival in Ely, MN There's an International Snow Sculpting Symposium, arts and crafts fair, Mukluk Ball and dog-sled rides. On Feb. 11, Outward Bound is hosting a free guided trip to the Hegman Lake pictographs; to reserve your spot and snowshoes, if needed, call 218-365-5761, Ext. 4040. Feb. 2–12.
Winter Tracks Festival in North Shore, MN Enjoy guided snowshoe hikes and cross-country ski tours, sleigh rides and snowmobile runs from the Lutsen-Tofte area to the Gunflint Trail. There's a Family Fun Fest at Lutsen Mountains Feb. 3-5 (fireworks and torchlight parade Feb. 4), a candlelight ski from Cascade Lodge Feb. 10 and the Volks Ski 400 Feb. 11. Feb. 3–12.
Winter Carnival in Houghton, MI This snow fest at Michigan Tech University includes a human dog-sled race, snow volleyball and a tug of war and ends with a torchlight parade and fireworks at Mont Ripley ski hill. Feb. 9–12.
Auto Show in Chicago, IL It's the largest car show in the nation and third-largest in the world. Feb. 10–19.
Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes, MN There will be fireworks and all kinds of fun on the lake, including turkey bowling, ice golf, a polar plunge, snowmobile racing and a fishing derby. Feb. 10–20.
Magical Ice Carving Festival in St. Joseph, MI Watch the pros carve sculptures in this Lake Michigan town. There's also entertainment, a scavenger hunt and magic and crafts for kids. Feb. 10–12.
Pine Mountain Ski Jumping Tournament in Iron Mountain, MI This Upper Peninsula town on the Wisconsin border is where the international jumpers go; it's a stop on the Continental Cup circuit. Feb. 11–12.
Extreme Winter Festival in Storm Lake, IA The festival in this northwest Iowa town features snowshoe races, an extreme bike ride, balloon glow and snow-sculpture contest. Feb. 11–12.
© Beth Gauper
There are lots of goofy goings-on at the Art Shanties near Minneapolis.
Third weekend of February
Auto Show in Chicago, IL It's the largest car show in the nation and third-largest in the world. Feb. 10–19.
Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes, MN There will be fireworks and all kinds of fun on the lake, including turkey bowling, ice golf, a polar plunge, snowmobile racing and a fishing derby. Feb. 10–20.
International Eelpout Festival in Walker, MN It's fun just to wander (or drive) around Leech Lake during this goofy event. Be sure to have some 'pout nuggets, which are as tasty as the fish is ugly. Feb. 17–19.
Sax Zim Bog Festival of Birds in Meadowlands, MN Listen to programs and go on field trips to see such boreal species as evening grosbeak, northern hawk owl, gray jay and particularly snowy owls. Register early for this festival northwest of Duluth. Feb. 17–19.
Restaurant Week in Chicago, IL Time to pack on the calories: More than 160 restaurants offer three-course prix-fixe menus for $22 at lunch and $32 at dinner. Feb. 17–26.
Frostbite Olympics in Algona, IA The festival in this north-central Iowa town features snowmobile rides, ice races, snowball softball and a treasure mountain for kids. Feb. 17–18.
Madison Winter Festival in Madison, WI See Capitol Square turn into a sports venue, with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing plus music, family games and ice and snow sculptures. Feb. 18–19.
Book Across the Bay in Ashland/Washburn, WI Ski or snowshoe across Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay on a 10-kilometer route lined by ice luminaries. If you're not too fast, fireworks will fill the sky as you're approaching Washburn; a bonfire, chili feed and blues music follow. Feb. 18.
Voyageur Winter Festival in Thunder Bay, ON The fest at Fort William Historical Park includes a snow maze, sleigh and dog-sled rides and contests in snow-sculpting, log-sawing, snowman-making and pond hockey. Feb. 18–20.
Bock Fest in New Ulm, MN There's a parade of mythical Germanic characters, a hunt for stag heads on the Schell Brewery grounds and beyond and a big party afterward with beer, live music and a bonfire. Feb. 18.
Color the Wind Kite Festival in Clear Lake, IA This town in north-central Iowa draws kiters from eight states for its festival, the largest in the Midwest, and stunt fliers will perform routines choreographed to music. Feb. 18.
World Ice & Snow Sailing Championships in St. Ignace, MI Wind surfers duke it out in three classes on the Straits of Mackinac: sled, hand-held and kite. The last time this international competition was held in the United States was 1995 in Madison. Feb. 20–26.
Fourth weekend of February
Restaurant Week in Chicago, IL Time to pack on the calories: More than 160 restaurants offer three-course prix-fixe menus for $22 at lunch and $32 at dinner. Feb. 17–26.
World Ice & Snow Sailing Championships in St. Ignace, MI Wind surfers duke it out in three classes on the Straits of Mackinac: sled, hand-held and kite. The last time this international competition was held in the United States was 1995 in Madison. Feb. 20–26.
Grumpy Old Men Festival in Wabasha, MN There's always good eagle-viewing in this Mississippi River town, and during the festival, there will be an ice-fishing contest, a dog frisbee contest, a pet pageant and minnow races. Feb. 24–25.
Bald Eagle Appreciation Day in Prairie du Chien, WI Birding experts give programs and lead field trips. At the Wisconsin Travel Information Center, just off the bridge into town, volunteers man spotting scopes. Feb. 25.
Bockfest at Capital Brewery in Middleton, WI This Madison-area brewery celebrates with the Running of the Blondes, Kirby's Famous Fish Throw, music and, of course, beer. Tickets sell out, so buy early. Feb. 25. Event website
WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race in Ely, MN There's a dog weight pull competition and mushers lasagna feed Saturday and the race to Tower and back on Sunday. Feb. 25–27.
Perkinstown Outhouse Race in Medford, WI Bring your own throne to this race at the nearby Perkinstown Winter Sports Area. Teams of four pushers and one squatter compete for the titles "hardest pushers'' and "prettiest potty.'' Feb. 25.
© Kay Day
Show kites are displayed at Clear Lake's Color the Wind festival.
First weekend of March
International Festival of Owls in Houston, MN This southeast Minnesota town offers owl prowls, hooting contests, pellet dissection, live-owl programs and children's activities. March 2–4.
Winter Carnival in Bayfield, WI The Lake Superior festival features the Run on Water to Madeline Island and back, human-pulled dog-sled races, sledding down Manypenny Avenue and a Polar Bear Plunge with prizes Saturday. March 2–4.
Klondike Days in Eagle River, WI There's a lot to see: a fur-trade encampment, powwow, dog weight pull, lumberjack show and chainsaw-carving contest, plus snowshoe races and sleigh rides. March 3–4.
Sock Monkey Madness Festival in Rockford, IL This town in northern Illinois made the red-heeled socks from which the famous stuffed toys were created during the Depression; make your own sock money or elephant and watch the Miss Sockford pageant and film fest. March 3–4.
Sleeping Giant Loppet in Thunder Bay, ON Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is the setting for this tour and race, which includes live entertainment, food and a choice of four distances, 10, 20, 35 and 50 kilometers. March 3.
International Festival in Madison, WI Dancers, musicians, storytellers and puppeteers representing traditions from around the world converge on the Overture Center for the Arts on State Street for this free festival. There's also food and a global bazaar. March 3.
World's Longest Weenie Roast in Cable, WI Lakewoods Resorts hosts this benefit on Lake Namekagon, which includes snowmobile speed runs, ice bowling and a frozen weenie polar plunge. March 3.
© Torsten Muller
A team explodes from the starting line in Duluth's John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.
Second weekend in March
Canoecopia in Madison, WI It's the world's largest paddlesports expo, according to host Rutabaga, with dozens of demonstrations, workshops and presentations plus discounts on boats and gear. Bike-O-Rama, with discounts on bicycles and gear, is next door. At Alliant Energy Center. March 9–11.
Mush for a Cure in Gunflint Trail, MN This event on Gunflint Lake begins with a "sourdough start'' -- mushers wait inside sleeping bags for a shotgun blast, then race to put on boots and hook up teams for a 24-mile fun run. Everyone wears pink, including the dogs, and a party follows. March 9–11.
Artigras in Green Bay, WI This fine arts festival in Shopko Hall includes artist demonstrations, children's activities, dance, jazz and classical music. March 10–11.
St. Patrick's Day parade in Milwaukee, WI The big parade starts at noon, starting at Third and Wisconsin downtown and followed by music, dancing and pipes and drums at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center. March 10.
Winter Powwow in West Allis, WI This traditional powwow with drumming, singing and food is the winter version of Indian Summer Festival. At Wisconsin State Fair Park. Grand entries are 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. March 10–11.
Soar With Eagles in Wabasha, MN The National Eagle Center holds live-bird programs, nature presentations and tours each weekend in March, when bald eagles migrate northward along the Mississippi. March 10–11.
St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Fest in New London, WI This town west of Appleton becomes "New Dublin'' for the week, with festivities that include a big Grand Parade at 1 p.m. Saturday, followed with Irish music, food and marketplace under a heated big-top tent. March 12–17.
For the best events in spring, see Great spring festivals.
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