Events to Spice It up This Winter

Caroline Sandkamp Wintertime is often dreaded in Minnesota. Make this season a little better by enjoying one or all of these events and activities around the Twin Cities!

Located in Chaska, Minnesota, about 30 minutes from campus, is the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Each year the Arboretum puts on a winter light walking tour that includes over 16 outdoor lighting displays and ice sculptures that incorporate nature. The walking tour is open now through Jan. 2, 2022, with live music provided on select nights! A unique amenity on campus that many students do not take advantage of is the Les Bolstad Golf Course. During the winter months, the course is converted into a Nordic ski trail. The trail consists of 2 loops, both about 2.5 to 3 kilometers long. Students are able to access the trails for just $5 and can rent ski equipment through the recreation center. Looking for something fun to do near campus? Head on over to Van Cleve Park for ice skating! Located on 15th and Como Avenue, the park is easily accessible from campus. The rink is free to use and will be open weather permitting. The park includes a warming house and has select skates available for public use.

The St. Paul Winter Carnival has been a long-standing St. Paul tradition since 1886. This season, the Carnival runs from Jan. 28 to Feb. 6. The carnival is packed full of free events for all ages, including an ice fishing tournament, scavenger hunt, the Fire & Ice Run (or walk), ice palaces and much more! Most events will take place in Downtown St. Paul and around the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, easily accessible for students. Bummed about the cold weather closing the farmers markets? No need to worry! The Mill City Farmers Market is offering an indoor winter market throughout the winter season. The market is located inside the Mill City Museum Lobby and is free to the public. With over 30 vendors, the winter market is a great spot to find fresh produce and even unique gift ideas this winter! The market will be open through April on select Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Are you a fan of corn mazes? Try out an ice maze! From Jan. 15 to Feb. 18, Stillwater’s Zephyr Theatre is hosting its annual ice maze. Standing at 8 feet tall, the ice maze is handmade, consisting of over 1,500 ice blocks and an ice slide. Admission is $15 and the maze is open daily from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. However you feel about the winter season, get out and enjoy what our campus and the Twin Cities have to offer!