Sometimes, winter’s fleeting beauty can appear in unexpected places. In the heart of a Burlington city park, massive blocks of shimmering ice are transformed into hearts and swans, and spires that reach toward the heavens - the most impressive ice sculptures in Wisconsin. The sculptors in this little park chip and flake these blocks in hopes that they will be named the best ice sculptors in Wisconsin, but their creations transcend any trophy or title. It’s ice, it’s art, it’s magic, and it’s something you have to see in person this winter. Here’s why.
Burlington is a charming city of 10,000 people in Racine and Walworth County. It was settled by New Englanders in the 1800s, and it was named after the city in Vermont.
Every winter, the city holds a wonderful little event called the Burlington Ice Festival. It takes place in Wehmhoff Square Park. In warmer months, it’s the site of a farmers market.
Something else grows here in December. Giant 300-pound blocks of ice are delivered to the park for the ice festival, which is also the Wisconsin State Ice Carving Championship.
The ice blocks sparkle as the sculptors chip and saw and cut the ice with hand tools. The ice is frozen using a special process that makes it incredibly clear.
The event features more than just ice sculpting - there are dancers and a choir, a holiday market, and a bonfire with s’mores.
The ice carving is mesmerizing, but if you’re running late and miss the carving, you should still visit the sculptures – they are lit from beneath and they are magical!
Learn more about the Burlington Ice Festival, including this year’s dates and hours, on the city’s website. Wisconsin has some wonderful winter festivals – here are 16 Wisconsin winter events that are simply unforgettable.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
