When you live in the most northern reaches of Wisconsin, along the shores of Lake Michigan, you know what winter is. There’s nothing for it but to embrace the cold, snow and ice and celebrate the many long months of a Wisconsin winter. It’s a bit like “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” and the folks up here have learned to embrace all the very best things that come during the coldest part of the year. One of the best ways to celebrate all things Lake Superior winter is at the Lake Superior Ice Festival, which this year takes place January 25-27. This fabulous festival takes all the best parts of winter and celebrates them. You have to check out the literal coolest winter festival in all of Wisconsin.
The Lake Superior Ice Festival is three days of fun. It mostly takes place on Barker's Island, which is a strip of barrier island in Superior Bay. You access it basically where Hwy 2/Belknap Street meets 2nd Street. You can also take the SBID trolley to get there.
One of the big draws is the pond hockey tournament, which takes place right on the bay. The highlight is a charity game between local police and firefighters. The pond hockey tournament is considered the best in the area and will feature the top amateur talent in the region.
This is the ice festival, so you'll find all kinds of amazing ice sculptures all around the area, including the ice throne, which is perfect for photo ops!
This festival features a whole area of fun for the kids and really is an awesome way to get out and explore Superior. Local businesses, the Whaleback Ship Museum, the Estuarium and more.
Have you ever watched cars and motorbikes race on ice? It sounds a bit crazy, but it's also a whole lot of fun. Both the Lake Superior Ice Racing Association stock cars and the Midwest Ice-Racing Association racing motorcycles and ATVs will show off their skills.
Your family will love getting to check out the epic half-pipe snow slide that's created just for this event. This giant sledding hill is just another way to take advantage of the cold, snowy fun in Superior.
Whenever you need a break, head to one of the many bonfire and s'more stations to warm up and fuel up before heading back out into the cold and fun. Bring your skates and enjoy open skating on the bay, hang out and listen to some music and bring your appetite. This festival is really one of the best ways to embrace and fall in love with winter in Wisconsin.
What better way to end the night than to watch an amazing light and fireworks show? The giant ice sculpture changes colors and the fireworks cap off a fabulously fun time.
Get the full schedule and all the details about the Lake Superior Ice Festival on their website. Or check out their Facebook page for even more information.
