FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — Minnesotans will once again be able to celebrate the icy beauty of winter, albeit in a new location.
Ice Castles, an event that has unfolded in locations from New Brighton to Excelsior, announced Monday that it will be setting up shop on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights for winter 2025. Last year's festival, which took place in Maple Grove, was plagued by an unusually warm weather and what Ice Castles CEO Kyle Standifird called "construction challenges."
Plans for the fairgrounds include a one-acre winter playground featuring tunnels, caves, fountains and slides built completely from ice and illuminated by colored LED lights embedded in the structures.
“Our team is eager to craft something truly unique in our new home this winter," said Standifird in a released statement. "The State Fairgrounds are centrally located, well-known, and have plenty of infrastructure to handle our construction and operational needs.”
Construction on the site is expected to begin in November, with a team of nearly two dozen artisans growing icicles and growing them into something much bigger. Ice Castles usually open for business in early January, and operate until late February or early March as weather allows.
The Utah-based company will have a total of 5 locations this year with other locations in Utah, New Hampshire, and both Eagle and Cripple Creek, Colorado.
Advanced tickets to Ice Castles will be available starting Nov. 26, 2024, and can be purchased here.