Ideas for new winter traditions to start this year
BY ANDREW MEULENERS
Managing Editor
The joy persists outdoors in Minnesota , where winter sets in early , and the trees stand bare . Instead of retreating indoors , we either slip into snow pants or , in some cases , boldly don swimsuits – it ’ s time for the polar plunge !
Amidst a plethora of outdoor activities , ranging from cross-country and downhill skiing to snowshoeing and ice fishing , Minnesota plays host to various festivals and events that not only celebrate our northern climate but also foster a sense of community in the face of the cold . So , gear up and venture into the Minnesota winter ; you ’ re on the brink of a lifetime experience . The Great Northern , Minneapolis and St . Paul Embracing the chill , three iconic winter events — the U . S . Pond Hockey Championships ( Jan . 18 to 28 ), City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival ( Feb . 3 and 4 ), and Saint Paul Winter Carnival ( Jan . 18 to Jan . 28 )— now unite under the banner of The Great Northern . Beyond the classics , the festival introduces new elements , including outdoor public art displays and diverse programs in arts , sports , and culinary realms . Kites on Ice Festival , Buffalo Witness the spectacle at the Kites on Ice Festival on Feb . 10 , as kites of various shapes , colors , and sizes adorn the sky above Buffalo Lake . Watch seasoned professionals soar , try your hand at building your own kite , engage in a game of cornhole , or savor some food and drink on the frozen lake . Arrowhead 135 , International Falls The Arrowhead 135 , a winter ultramarathon pushing athletes to their limits , unfolds in northern Minnesota from Jan . 29 to 31 . Covering 135 grueling miles through subzero temperatures , hard snow patches , and fresh fluff , participants can choose to conquer this challenge on foot , bike , or skis . Only a handful of the approximately 150 entrants typically reach the finish line . The Winter Beer Dabbler , St . Paul As an annual celebration that mirrors the growth of the state ’ s brewing scene , The Winter Beer Dabbler boasts samples from over 150 breweries . Taking place at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Feb . 24 , this outdoor extravaganza transcends beer , embracing the spirit of cold weather and camaraderie . Heated Coliseum corners offer respite with meat and cheese samples , while outdoor fire pits and live music create an atmosphere akin to August . Polar Fest , Detroit Lakes Nestled in the heart of Minnesota ’ s winter wonderland , Little Detroit Lake hosts the Polar Fest from Feb . 9 to Feb . 25 . This community festival features a range of activities for both
Cooking in the Looking for some tasty baked items ? kids and adults , spanning arts , sports , and even a hotdish challenge . With events like the Freeze Your Buns 5K , curling , and hockey , the frozen lake transforms into a vibrant winter playground . Winterama , Glenwood Taking place on Lake Minnewaska in central Minnesota on Feb . 10 , Winterama is a city festival that encapsulates the essence of lake culture and winter marvels . The day kicks off with the Sweati Yeti obstacle run and progresses through kids ’ ice games , a chili cook-off , a polar plunge , culminating in a spectacular fireworks display . Sponsored by Glenwood and supported by businesses from Starbucks , Alexandria , and beyond , Winterama is a collective celebration of the season . Grumpy Old Men Festival , Wabasha In Wabasha , the influence of “ The Odd Couple ” persists , where Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon filmed the “ Grumpy Old Men ” movies . On Feb . 24 and 25 , the Grumpy Old Men Festival takes the festivities onto the ice , river , and into costume . With a whimsical costume contest , lively minnow races , and classic activities like ice fishing , cribbage , and Texas Hold ‘ em tournaments , the festival honors the enduring spirit of the films .
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