The holidays may be over, but it’s not the end of all the winter festivities in the Twin Cities. Just because it’s “cold like Minnesota” doesn’t mean that you have to spend the rest of this season hiding away from the dropping temperatures. Here are seven ways to enjoy the frozen tundra that is the Twin Cities!
Go ice skating.
With the freezing temperatures means all those 10,000 lakes freezing over into the perfect place for hockey games and ice skating trips! There are plenty of rinks such as Lake of the Isles, Augsburg College, and various other parks throughout the Twin Cities. Saint Paul’s Wells Fargo WinterSkate is going on through February 11th, with free skating lessons on select days and skate rental for $4. Find more information about WinterSkate here.
Take a ski trip.
There’s no better time than winter to learn how to ski! We’re very fortunate to have some of the best areas for skiing not too far away. Grab a group of friends and take a day trip to one of the many slopes near campus.
Explore the magnificent Ice Castles in Stillwater.
Opening January 5th, experience the beauty of these ice castles in one of America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns. Walk around for as long as you like, take cute pictures, and enjoy entertainment from the Enchanted Frozen Sisters as well as Fire Performances. Check out Ice Castles’ website for hours and ticket information.
Attend a Winter Festival.
The Twin Cities never fail to embrace the beauty of winter, hosting numerous festivals and events in the spirit of the season each year. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is going on from January 25th to February 10th with tons of special events and fun activities going on through the city. On top of that, be sure to check out the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival, Red Bull Crashed Ice, and even the MidWinter Light event going on this season!
Embrace the indoors with a museum day.
Take a nice break from the cold weather for a relaxing, cultural trip to one of the many museums the Twin Cities have to offer. The Weisman Art Museum is right here on campus, and admission is free! There’s museums that cover all types of fields of interest, and offer discounted admission to college students including the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Minnesota History Center, and the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Cheer on your favorite Minnesota sports team.
Show off your pride for Minnesota while continuing to avoid the cold and snowy weather! Whether it’s cheering on our own Gopher Athletics right here on campus, or going downtown for a Timberwolves game or a Vikings game, exercise your right to get loud and get rowdy all winter long.
Experience the beauty of the frozen cities.
No matter how many times you hear people criticize your decision to live in Minnesota, remember how lucky you are to be surrounded by such amazing feats of nature. Walk the winter trail at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum with all its dramatic winter landscapes and wildlife. Experience the jaw dropping frozen Minnehaha Falls. Take time to let the snow flurry down on your face. Although we all may be hoping for warm weather soon, nothing beats the beauty of winter in the Twin Cities.
Stay warm, Gophers!