There are plenty of fun, silly, and not-so-silly winter traditions in Indiana, and many of them involve celebrating the winter chill in some way or another. Take, for example, this incredible ice tree in Indiana that is typically built up in January, once there are five consecutive days of temperatures hitting no more than 30 degrees. It’s the annual (and truly amazing) Veal’s Ice Tree, and you’ve never seen anything like it in Indianapolis – we promise. Well, unless you saw it last year, but if you ask us, it gets better each year, so it’s worth seeing it again!

It all started in the winter of 1961 when Vierl G . Veal noticed some overnight water spray from a nearby pond had frozen onto a group of honeysuckle plants.
Ice Tree
Veal's Ice Tree/Facebook
It was then that he had an idea: what if he were to simply keep doing what nature had started? So he did. And so did his kids. And so will theirs.
It's the awe-inspiring Veal's Ice Tree in Indianapolis, and it's a sight.
Veal's Ice Tree/Facebook
How is this monolith created? A frame is created using twine and scrap lumber, and then tree limbs and bush cuttings are added to it.
Several hoses are trained on the structure, and they continually spray a light layer of water on the surface of the tree.
Veal's Ice Tree/Facebook
Upon first thought, it doesn't sound like it should be all that interesting. It's just a pile of sticks and things covered in ice, right? What could be so interesting about THAT?

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But it is. It really is, and Hoosiers come from all over the state just to get photos with it.
Ice Tree
Roxanna Mason/Google
Sometimes color is added. It certainly spices things up, though the tree is in no need of assistance from bells or whistles to be impressive.
The hoses remain on for the entire season, always adding more to the ever-changing, icy art installation.
Veal's Ice Tree/Facebook
So far, the record height it's reached was in 2014, when the tree grew to about 80 feet in height. The height of the thing depends on several factors, including - but not limited to - just how many freezes we receive in a season.
From a distance, it's a bizarre and almost intimidating piece of work.
Veal's Ice Tree/Facebook
Up close, it's a spellbindingly fascinating display of the beauty of nature, and all the potential winter has to be wonderful.

Wanna know more secrets of the Veal’s Ice Tree? Watch this YouTube video by Matt’s Big Dream as he unfolds the magic behind this winter work of art.

For more information about Veal’s Ice Tree, including updates about this year’s spectacle, follow the Veal’s Ice Tree Facebook page.

Feeling good about winter? How about an amazing escape to one of these gorgeous winter getaways in Indiana?

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Winter In Indiana

Melanie J. | December 15, 2023

What are some more unique winter attractions in Indiana?

If you never let the cold weather spoil your fun, check out these winter attractions in Indiana that are pure magic. 

  • Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter
  • Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run, Angola
  • Perfect North Slopes, Lawrenceburg
  • Visit a Charming Christmas Town
  • The Barns at Nappanee, Nappanee
  • Snow Tubing at Paoli Peaks, Paoli
  • Ice Skating at Central Park Plaza, Valparaiso
  • Whitewater Valley Railroad, Connersville
  • Dream Coach Carriages, New Carlisle
  • Nickel Plate Express, Noblesville

 

Be sure to read our previous article which tells you more about the best winter attractions in Indiana. 

Are there frozen waterfalls in Indiana that are worth visiting?

The short answer is yes. And here are some of the best frozen waterfalls in Indiana that are worthy of your bucket list. 

  • Big Clifty Falls, Madison
  • Williamsport Falls, Williamsport
  • Acres Land Trust Waterfalls, Huntertown
  • Anderson Falls, Hartsville
  • McCormick Creek State Park Waterfall, Spencer
  • Hominy Ridge, Lagro
  • Cataract Falls, Cataract
  • Muscatatuck Park Waterfalls, North Vernon
  • France Park Falls, Logansport
  • Hathaway Nature Preserve, Wabash

 

Want more? Read our previous article highlighting some of the best frozen waterfalls in Indiana. 

What are the best winter hikes in Indiana?

If you love exploring the great outdoors during the colder months, here are the best winter hikes in Indiana that we recommend: 

  • Brown County State Park, Nashville
  • Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Martinsville
  • Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis
  • Turkey Run State Park, Marshall
  • Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, Goshen
  • Natural Valley Ranch, Brownsburg
  • Shades State Park, Brown Township
  • Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail, English
  • People's Pathway Putnam Nature Trailhead, Greencastle
  • Ed Dailey Nature Trail, Spencer

 

Don’t forget to read our previous article to find out more about the best winter hikes in Indiana.

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