Visiting the Ice Castles: Everything You Need to Know
Visiting the Ice Castles should be one everyone’s winter bucket list. It’s a great activity for date night or family fun. And if you or your kids are a fan of the movie Frozen, then this is your chance to explore Elsa’s home!
I’m going to share everything you need to know about visiting the Ice Castles.
What do the Ice Castles Look Like?
The cool thing about the Ice Castles is that they all look different from each other. The attraction is built one hand-placed icicle at a time, and over time the ice structures grow larger and larger. Each Ice Castle also has its own unique design and formation because Mother Nature can either help or hinder the building process. Weather plays a big part in the design and appearance of each castle every season, so no two castles are the same. Each castle changes from year to year due to the weather.
Plus, they add tunnels, ice caves, ice slides, fountains, and even narrow slot canyons similar to ones I’ve seen in the American Southwest. These are all added to make the experience more immersive and entertaining for guests.
During the day, the Ice Castles appear pale blue or white, depending on the thickness of the ice and if there’s any sunshine hitting it. But at night, the Ice Castles are illuminated with color-changing LED lights, adding yet another magical layer to this winter wonderland.
Where are the Ice Castles?
The very first Ice Castle was constructed in Midway, Utah. Now, there are currently 5 Ice Castles in the United States. Those location are:
- New Brighton, Minnesota
- North Woodstock, New Hampshire
- Lake George, New York
- Midway, Utah
- Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
In previous seasons, there have been 6 Ice Castles locations. The company had locations in Dillon, Colorado and in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, but it is in unclear if these will return again in the future or if they will open up new locations.
When Do The Ice Castles Open?
Again, this is weather dependent. Most locations try to open in late December or early January. Since the opening dates vary every year, check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Sadly, the Ice Castles don’t stay open very long. The closing date is also determined by the weather, but most locations are closed by the first weekend in March.
When Is The Best Time to Visit the Ice Castles?
This will depend on the weather and which Ice Castle you are planning to visit, but overall late January is a safe bet to visit the Ice Castles because the weather is the most consistent and there is less risk of them being closed.
I also recommend visiting on a weekday so it’s less crowded. This gives you a better opportunity for taking photos.
How Much Time To Spend at the Ice Castles?
Give yourself at least an hour to an hour and a half to tour the attraction and take photos. It’s over an acre in size, so you’ll need at least an hour to truly take it all in and explore whatever unique elements that particular Ice Castle has. Some of the attractions, like ice slides, often have lines.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit The Ice Castles?
Prices vary by location, and the price for weekday admission is cheaper than weekend admission. Children’s tickets are also cheaper than adult tickets. Plan to spend between $15-30 per person.
How Do You Buy Tickets to the Ice Castles?
The Ice Castles are a very popular attraction. Since they are only open for a few weeks, there is limited space and availability. I recommend buying your tickets online in advance. You can buy them on their website a few weeks before they officially open to the public.
Tips for Visiting the Ice Castles
- Dress warm in several layers. You’re walking through a giant castle made entirely of ice, so you can except that it will be pretty cold. Wear gloves and a hat, and bundle up even a little more if you plan to go at night.
- Wear winter boots. The ground is entirely covered in ice, too, and it can be thick, slushy, and oftentimes a little slippery. It’s a little hard to walk in if you don’t have sturdy winter boots with good traction. The first time I visited, I didn’t have winter boots, so I put removable cleats on the bottom of my shoes.
- Skip the stroller! You’ll see lots of families pulling their kiddos along in sleds. It’s more fun for them anyways!
- Buy tickets online in advance. The attraction often sells out, especially on weekends, so book your time slot in advance.
- Plan your visit shortly before sunset to see the Ice Castles. This way you can experience them during the day when it’s easier to take photos and also at night when they’re illuminated.
Which Ice Castle Should I visit?
Most people will visit whichever Ice Castle is in driving distance for them or whichever is nearby when they go on a winter getaway. You can’t go wrong with any of the Ice Castles since they’re all crafted to be incredibly magical and unique.
If you visit the Ice Castles in Utah, check out some of my other posts for awesome things to do in the Utah.
Both the Ice Castles in Minnesota and New York have an ice bar.
New Hampshire may be one of the most unique Ice Castles locations to visit and my personal favorite so far. It’s located in the small town of North Woodstock, just outside of Lincoln. The castle is partially built in the woods, so there is an illuminated magical forest walk that will lead you to an ice bar and a place to buy warm cookies. Whereas most Ice Castles are about an acre in size, the New Hampshire Ice Castle seems much larger with all its extra activities, such as sleigh rides, a tubing hill, and a sculpture garden.
When I visited, Dunkin Donuts was doing a fun promotional event, so you could slide down the hill on an inflatable donut. There was also a small curling game to win DD themed prizes, and of course they were handing out coffee, hot chocolate and donut samples.
I have only visited the New York and New Hampshire Ice Castles so far, but I’m hoping to make it a yearly tradition until I’m able to see all the Ice Castles and experience these frozen fantasy worlds all across the U.S.
