For those of you new to cold climates, here's a quick primer. Certain people (the bravest of them all) get genuinely excited to spend a day sitting on a frozen body of water, with a fishing line dangling into a hole in the ice that they just created with a giant corkscrew thing called an “auger.”

The fanciest of these ice fishing enthusiasts will drag a purpose-made shanty out on the ice, to provide comfort and protect themselves from the chilly winter air that they've (willingly) exposed themselves to. In some cases, these shanties can resemble a small house, with reclining chairs, beds, stoves, power, running water, kitchenettes, sonar, entertainment centers and more!

The Art Shanty Projects has taken this unusual medium in a new direction. Each winter, they now host an exhibit of artist-designed shanties, “exploring the ways in which relatively unregulated public spaces can be used as new and challenging artistic environments.” It all takes place on Lake Harriet/Bde Unma in Minneapolis. The event is free! And super cool.

Once you’ve broadened your mind in this field, here are a few more things to do around the neighborhood.

Check out the Winter Kite Festival

When: January 24, 2026

Where: Lake Harriet

The Winter Kite Festival is a beautiful festival that fills the sky with colorful kites, offers winter activities for all, delicious local food trucks and FREE s’mores by the fire to warm up throughout the day.

Grab something to eat nearby

On the south side of the lake, Broders’ Pasta Bar is a neighborhood favorite, serving incredibly fresh pasta plates with local and imported ingredients since 1994. Tables in this small space are hard to get at peak dinner hours. Or, get comfort food at Coalition Restaurant, including walleye, scallops, lamb chops and roasted chicken.

Lake Harriet’s west side has the much-awarded Tilia, serving creative twists on New American cuisine like chicken liver mousse, bass tartare and hanger steak. Unless you arrive just as the doors open, there is often a line for tables. Nearby, The Harriet Brasserie is also whipping up seasonal, New American plates like clam and bison sausage, duck tacos, Norwegian salmon and the tantalizing lobster and pork belly entrée. Martina’s Argentinean menu by award-winning Chef Daniel Del Prado has a dazzling array of meat and seafood, like mackerel, tiger prawns, swordfish, octopus (with bone marrow!), pork chops and an 80-day aged bone-in NY steak. If you just want a treat, Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream Shop has been a Twin Cities staple for homemade ice cream for decades. Rosalia has excellent Sicilian and wood fired style pizzas, along with Mediterranean fare also from Chef Daniel del Prado. Find traditional Thai recipes and tons of flavor at Naviya's Thai Kitchen.

On the east side, Tenant Restaurant has strict seating times, so plan ahead. The hype here is strong for its $100, six-course, seasonal tasting menu (no substitutions, though they can accommodate allergies). The menu is far too variable to call out any one dish, though scrolling through their Instagram feed will give you an idea of what to expect. A wine paring is available. Neighborhood mainstay Café Ena serves Pan-Latin dishes, with a lot of seafood and meat at casual night out prices. Get an incredible meal at Brasa — their menu is inspired by flavors of the southern U.S., Caribbean and Mexico. Warm up at Patisserie 46, where you can find some of the finest baked goods in the city. Khaluna is a Laotian restaurant by celebrated Chef Ann Ahmed and features incredible food and an all around atmosphere that will have you beating the winter blues.

Do some shopping

Shopping options in the area are also generous. Southwest of the lake is the 50th and France shopping hub, with upscale chains and boutiques like, Athleta (chain women's sportswear), Nani Nalu (swimwear), Coccinella Mediterranean Heritage (home goods and specialty items) and Bluebird Boutique (women’s clothing).

To the west of the lake is Wild Rumpus (children's bookstore), Heartfelt (toys, gifts, crafts), Queenie and Pearl (vintage women's clothing), Hunt & Gather (antique and vintage goods), Comma, a bookshop, France 44 (extensive selection of wine, beer, spirits, and gourmet food.) and Heart of Tibet (cultural gifts, clothing, jewelry, textiles and more).