The One Staggering Ice Castle In Indiana You Need To See To Believe
By Courtney Johnston|Published January 30, 2018
×
Courtney Johnston
Author
Courtney's originally from the East Coast, but has found a charming new home in Indiana. She loves checking out local music, reading, and trying new food. She's also a little too addicted to coffee and has a Maine Coon cat she answers to.
Indiana has been suffering from some pretty frigid temperatures this past month, with lows below zero and ice and snow blanketing our humble state. While the cold weather has been quite extreme, it also allows for winter activities that can only be enjoyed in the extreme cold. One activity is visiting Indiana’s own little known ice castle that is beautiful beyond all belief.
Tucked away in the backyard of the Veal family is a magical ice castle known affectionately as "Veal's Ice Tree." This incredible icy structure comes around but once a year, and is the product of days, weeks, and months of hard work.
Veal's Ice Tree started by pure accident in 1961, when the family was attempting to create an ice slide to play on. Water began freezing on their honeysuckle bushes, creating an incredible structure of icicles that served as the first base for the incredible ice tree.
Every since this historic and enchanting accident, the Veal family has been building this tree every winter (weather permitting) for Hoosiers to experience and enjoy. This now massive tree has come a long way since its original humble beginnings on a honeysuckle bush, though.
Now, this enchanting tree is created using scrap lumber and twine to construct a frame for the ice to attach to. Like any good tree, it's watered often, but in this case, the water serves to help build the magical ice castle-like structure.
Some of the water sprayed onto the ice tree is mixed with food coloring and dye to help create the magical, whimsical colors the tree is famous for. On average, the tree grows as tall as 40 feet in one season, but in 2014, it reached a record-breaking 80 feet!
If you want to experience this delightful ice castle in Indiana, you'll find it at 11333 Southeastern Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46259. Be sure to also check the ice tree's Facebook page where they post when the tree will be closed to visitors.
Want to learn more about how this unique ice tree is made? Check out this amazing Science Channel YouTube video offering a behind the scenes look.
Have you ever experienced this magical ice castle in the Hoosier state? For more epic winter ideas to enjoy in Indiana while the temperatures are still cold, check out these 11 awesome attractions that are great for cold weather adventures.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.