Plan a February Visit to Minnesota’s Winter Festival

After the holidays, we Minnesotans find ourselves deep in the heart of the beast that is winter, and with all the things to do in our state at this time of year, I know it can be a busy few months. Even so, I'm still going to put one more thing on your radar, and if you haven't attended already, February is your last chance to do so. I'm talking about Winter Skolstice, taking place now and running through February 22, 2026. It's another fun way to get and enjoy the winter, especially if you live in the Twin Cities.

Hosted by the Minnesota Vikings at their headquarters and practice facility in Eagan, Winter Skolstice brings together much of what we love doing in the wintertime in one, easily-accessible spot. You'll find a couple of ice rinks that are perfect for beginners more experienced skaters, alike. Skate rentals and skating lessons are available, as well.

There's also some wilder ice on the Mauer Chevrolet Ponds - located between TCO Stadium and the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel - that is open for hockey, curling, and open skating. You can even grab a group of friends and rent out one of the rinks.

With all the abundant winter fun, you'll need somewhere to warm up, and you'll find plenty of places to do so. Bonfires, igloos, and warm beverages are available on the Xfinity Terrasse. Or head inside the Warming Haus tent for drinks, snacks, and heat. Play bingo or toss a game of corn hole - or just sit back and enjoy whatever is on one of the Warming Haus' big-screen televisions. Look for live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Attending Winter Skolstice is free, although there are charges for things like skate and ice rental, and of course, drinks and snacks. Check the Winter Skolstice page on the Viking Lakes website for more information - and be sure to bundle up when you go.

Winter Skolstice isn't the only event going on here, though. Inside TCO Stadium, itself, you'll find the Minnesota Ice Festival. This year, the festival is home to the Guinness Book-certified largest ice maze in the world. In addition to getting lost in the frosty labyrinth, you can zip down ice slides, skate, grab drinks at an ice bar and warm up in a separate warming house. There is an admission charge of $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids to attend the festival. Visit the Minnesota Ice Festival website for details.

What are some of your favorite things to do in winter in Minnesota? We'd love to hear all about them! Then use our new Travel Planner to discover some of our own favorite spots!