Embrace the Cold

A lot of people think I’m nuts when I tell them I live in Minnesota. Yeah, it’s cold here. However, the difference between Minnesotans and most other folks is that we embrace the cold. We ski, ice fish, skate and sled. We even still cook outdoors. We pack our weekends with loads of outdoor events all winter long. And yes, people go even when it’s below zero. The cold brings us together. Here are some of our favorite winter festivals.

Article originally published in exploreminnesota.com.  

Icebox Days, International Falls, January 15 – 18

Photo by Jackie Briggs

Ever wanted to bowl with a frozen turkey? Win a can-crushing contest? Dominate in a toilet seat toss? Me neither, until I heard about Icebox Days in International Falls. I think people in that way, way, waaaay northern part of the state are either the craziest people in Minnesota, or perhaps just the most creative.  ifallschamber.com/icebox-days

U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, Minneapolis, January 15 – 18

This is hockey the way it’s meant to be played: outside on a lake in the dead of winter. Every January, hockey enthusiasts flock to Minneapolis’ Lake Nokomis for a weekend-long tourney. More of a benchwarmer than a player? No problem—spectating might be just as fun. Drink beers on the sidelines while trying to spot the perfect hockey mullet. uspondhockey.com

Winter Carnival, St. Paul, January 22 – February 1

The crème de la crème of Minnesota festivals, east siders are evangelical about this annual event. I like to think of it as winter’s answer to the Minnesota State Fair. Must-see events have to be the ginormous snow sculptures, Torchlight Parade, Beer Dabbler, Red Bull’s Crashed Ice (that would be ice cross downhill skating… it’s insane) and the Vulcan Victory Dance. Oh, and if you’re really crazy, try hunting for the medallion—whoever finds it wins up to $10,000. wintercarnival.com

WinterFest, Rochester, January 29 – February 15

Home to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester dedicates the first two weeks of February to outdoor fun in the name of fundraising for local charities. Ski by candlelight, do a polar plunge (aka jump into a subzero lake) and warm up at one of their seven outdoor ice bars downtown. rochesterwinterfest.com

City of Lakes Loppet, Minneapolis, January 30 – February 1

PHOTO: Steve Kotvis, f/go

Americans never quite attached to Nordic skiing like our European and Scandinavian pals did, but experiencing the Loppet will leave you searching cross-country skis on Craigslist. Cheer on spandexed skiers as they sail into town, and do not miss skijoring, where dogs are supposed to pull their ski-clad people behind them. In reality, the exact opposite often happens. If you do have your own skis, sign up for the luminary loppet—a leisurely 5k cross country ski lit entirely by candles. Well-deserved drinks and party await participants at the finish line. loppet.org

Bock Fest, New Ulm, February 14

This German-inspired hamlet knows how to throw a party, no matter the temperature. Hosted at the historic Schell’s brewery, there’s beer, brats, live music, bonfires, and if you’re so inclined, post-festival barhopping in downtown New Ulm. schellsbrewery.com

International Eelpout Fest, Walker, February 19 – 22

Named after a fish that makes Marla Hooch, the Eelpout festival draws loads people for subzero debauchery. Ice fishing? Check. Beer pong tourney? Yup. Eelpout fishy fry? You bet your bippy. Chicks in bikinis on frozen lakes? I can’t believe it either, but I guess so! Figure out your accommodations now—it’s an insanely popular event. eelpoutfestival.com

Grumpy Old Men Festival, Wabasha, February 28

Which is the more stereotypical Minnesota movie: Grumpy Old Men or Fargo? Trick question, they’re both awesome. But since a Wood Chipping Festival would be, hmmm, off-putting, we Minnesotans stick to celebrating the Walter Mathau and Jack Lemon classic. There’s the obligatory ice-fishing contest, polar plunge and minnow races. wabashamn.org

Mush for a Cure, Gunflint Trail, March 6 – 7

This race for a good cause (that would be breast cancer) begins with a “sourdough start,” meaning mushers wait in sleeping bags until hearing the shotgun start. You can’t make this stuff up. Post-race, there’s a big ol’ party, where everyone dons pink. mushforacure.com