Ice Castles: Lake Tourist Destinations

• There are five ice castle locations in the United States:
  • Midway, Utah
  • Lake George, New York
  • New Brighten, Minnesota
  • Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
  • North Woodstock, New Hampshire

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What started as a fun neighborhood event has evolved into a national phenomenon. Ice Castles, founded by Brent Christensen, now features five locations across the United States and attracts thousands of visitors annually. These colossal wintry attractions feature intricate sculptures, dazzling lights, fun family activities, and more. Plus, many of them are situated near lakes, making for the perfect winter lake vacation!

The best time to visit is during late January, the peak of winter. And it’s best to go on a weekday so it won’t be too crowded. Make sure to dress warm, wear winter boots, bring a good camera, buy tickets early, and avoid bringing strollers or pets. And most importantly, make sure to soak in the sights because you don’t want to miss an inch of these five frozen masterpieces!

Midway, Utah

Travel to Utah and witness a fairy tale with your own eyes. Utah’s Ice Castle rests on an acre of land at the Solider Hollow Nordic Center in Midway and showcases 25 million pounds of ice. Showcasing cozy caves, intricate tunnels, a winter reindeer room, sleigh rides, and frozen waterfalls, this attraction is the perfect seasonal getaway. The ice castle typically opens in January, and you can purchase tickets on the website about a week before the opening date.

Ticket Prices:

• Monday-Thursday: Adult tickets are $18, and child (4–11) tickets are $12.
• Friday-Sunday: Adult tickets are $23, and child (4–11) tickets are $16.

Lake George, New York

New York’s Ice Castle is back for its second year at Lake George, so get ready for winter fun multiplied by two! In addition to the iconic ice slides, tunnels, and caverns, this year’s display will include a snow igloo village, a mystical light walk, and the polar pub—an ice bar featuring seasonal alcoholic beverages. The attraction will open around mid-late January, and tickets became available online on November 28. Free parking is available along Elizabeth Little Boulevard, and there is also $10 parking near the castle.

Ticket Prices:

• Monday-Thursday: Adult tickets are $22, and child (4–11) tickets are $15.
• Friday-Sunday: Adult tickets are $29, and child (4–11) tickets are $22.

New Brighten, Minnesota

Located in historic New Brighton, Minnesota’s Ice Castle will return for its 8th year. Construction began in November, so the castle will open to the public in early-mid January. The attraction will feature numerous ice slides, crawl tunnels, iconic sculptures, and frosty caverns. Plus, unlike other locations, it also will have a lantern passage—a winding hallway adorned with thousands of lights. And this year’s attraction will feature an ice bar for the first time. Tickets will be available online on January 4 at 6 p.m.

Ticket Prices:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: Adult tickets are $15, and child (4–11) tickets are $11.
• Friday-Sunday: Adult tickets are $22, and child (4–11) tickets are $15.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

For the fifth year in a row, Wisconsin’s Ice Castle will return to Lake Geneva and be located in the Geneva National Resort & Club on Lake Como for the fourth year. Construction began in November, so the castle will open around mid-late January and remain open for four weeks. The attraction showcases the tunnels, slides, and archways you will find at other locations but also includes an illumination grove—a magical forest of glowing trees between the castle and concessions. Additionally, this year Wisconsin’s Ice Castle will offer horse-drawn sleigh rides featuring “whimsical winter characters.” You can purchase tickets online.

Ticket Prices:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: Adult tickets are $25, and child (4–11) tickets are $17.
• Friday-Sunday: Adult tickets are $29, and child (4–11) tickets are $22.

North Woodstock, New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s Ice Castle undoubtedly features the most activities out of all five locations. Here, you will find the iconic ice slides, cozy caverns, and tricky crawl tunnels that first made Ice Castles famous. However, in addition to enjoying these activities, guests can walk through a mystical forest, go snow tubing, relax at the polar pub, enjoy a sleigh ride, and explore the winter fairy forest. So, if you want diverse options during your ice castle excursion, this is the location for you. The attraction will open in mid-January, and tickets are available online.

Ticket Prices:

• Tuesday–Thursday: Adult tickets are $20, and child (4–11) tickets are $15.
• Friday-Sunday: Adult tickets are $29, and child (4–11) tickets are $22.

You and your family will have an unforgettable winter season by taking a trip to one (or all) of these ice castles. And if, during your trip, you fall in love with a nearby lake, check out the many listings at Lake Homes!

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