While Minnesota is absolutely magical in the warmer months due to all of the wonderful lakes, it can be a great place to live during the winter as well. Just because it can get quite cold and get its fair share of snow doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in your home until after the cold season.
Here are three great ways to spend your free time during the winter season.
Go Ice Fishing
If you have never been ice fishing, you need to give it a try. It’s much different than what you probably picture when you think about fishing.
Unlike what you’d experience in the warmer months where you’d be standing by a lake or in a boat casting a line out and reeling in over and over again, ice fishing is even more relaxed.
You basically sit in a small shelter on an iced over lake, like Lake Mille Lacs, and drop your line into a hole cut into the ice. That’s about it. But, you’d be surprised how active the fish can be under the ice.
This is a great solo activity but it’s even more fun with friends. And, it’s a great way to get out of your house.
Visit the St. Paul Winter Carnival
When you need to kick the winter blues with a little fun, the St. Paul Winter Carnival is the perfect medicine. It’s been a popular annual event for over a century with over 250,000 visitors each year. And, it won’t break the bank either.
The carnival typically runs for about ten days starting in late January and running into early February.
There are plenty of free activities for both children and adults, like parades and snow sculpting contents, and snow sculpture viewing, along with other low-cost activities as well.
It’s a family friendly event great for all ages. Just be sure to dress warm!
Catch a Ride with Some Dogs
When most people picture dog sledding, they think about it as something they may experience if they take a trip to Alaska or Norway. But, you don’t have to go that far to experience the thrill of dog sledding.
The Wintergreen Dog Sled Lodge in Ely, MN is a lodge that is exclusively dedicated to the providing an authentic dog sledding experience. They have packages for groups of all sizes and ages.
The folks at Wintergreen and super accommodating and will go out of their way to show you a great time and make the trip unforgettable. Best of all, you don’t need any prior experience with dogs, sleds, or even snow, to have fun.
In Summary
You don’t need to let the cold and the snow of a typical Minnesota winter keep you locked up inside and stuck in front of the television all season long. From large events like carnivals to relaxed natural activities like ice fishing, there’s something for everyone.
The Minnesota winter has a lot to offer. It just takes a little research to find something you, your friends, and your family will all enjoy.
