Get Outside This Winter
Take in an event at the Fairgrounds, experience all that is the Great Northern Festival, participate in Winter Carnival and more!
A favorite Minnesota pass time is debating how long winter, in fact, really is.
Whether you measure it from the official start of winter (December 21,) the first snowfall (all bets are off after September here,) or your own personal measuring stick, the fact remains that it can easily be jacket and boots weather in Minnesota from late October clear through April— see the April, 2019 snowstorm that delivered as much as 20 inches of snow to certain parts of the state.
Which means that January and February are no time to hunker and hygge. Increased daylight (two minutes per day from the solstice!) means opportunities to suit up and get moving.
Get outside and get active!
Winter Sports
Skiing
Cross Country Ski at Battle Creek Recreation Center, Highland National Golf Course, Como Park Ski Center or Tamarack Nature Center. No gear? No problem! Seek equipment rentals are available at select locations.
Downhill ski and Snowboard at Como Park Ski Center (Mount Como) which features two rope tows, a 150-foot vertical drop on 15 skiable acres, over 5K of cross-country trails, lessons, and equipment rentals.
Skating
Ice skate outdoors at one of many parks and recreation centers across the city.
Downhill Sledding
Glide down a sledding hill at a collection of thrilling locations in the Capital City.
Cruising the Capital City
Coast on a Fat Tire Bike Trail in Highland Park through the bluffs lining the Aquatic Center, Highland 9 Golf Course and the Highland Disc Golf Course.
Outdoor Activities
Unlock It!
Have you ever stood around in a park and wondered if there was more to explore but didn’t know exactly how to go about it? YMCA of The North wants you to probe every corner of the park system, with Unlock It!.
Map-based challenges allow you to walk the park, identifying scrambled letters, scavenger hunt style, that when completed form a keyword. Once you’ve completed the keyword, collect swag and prizes. Free and open to the public.
Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Our Minnesota State Fair is renowned for being the largest in the nation, and the 10-day festival of food and fun is a near-religious annual ritual for many Minnesotans.
But the 322-acre grounds stay activated all year round with a rotating calendar of events. Get outside for the Vulcan Snow Stomp (January 18 & 19), The Winter Carnival Fire & Ice Run/ Walk (January 26), The Annual Winter Beer Dabbler (February 22), and more.
Seasonal Festivities
Saint Paul Winter Carnival | January 23-February 1
The Coolest Celebration on Earth: the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, 139 years and going strong. The 10-day festival attracts over 100,000 visitors for celebrations, events, and parades celebrating winter in Minnesota. This year’s outdoor activity highlights include an Ice Fishing Tournament, Annual Snow Stomp, Ice Carving Competition, Scavenger Hunts, Snow Maze and the crowning glory of the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks in Rice Park.
The Great Northern Ice Bar | January 24-February 1
The Great Northern Ice Bar, a part of The Great Northern Festival, is a free 50-foot bespoke ice bar at Union Depot. Venture to this go-to winter spot for gathering, mingling, and unique cocktails curated by Steady Pour.
The Winter Beer Dabbler | February 23
The Winter Beer Dabbler is back! The Midwest's biggest and best beer festival is making its return to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Head over to the Mighty Midway to sample great beer from breweries all over the United States while enjoying music, food trucks, and other thrilling attractions.
Explore More
Guide to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Fun Winter Activities & Events
Guide to the Holidays in Saint Paul
The Ultimate Winter Destination
