11 Photos that Capture the Magic of Winter in Minneapolis
Winter in Minneapolis is hard to explain - yes, it's cold, but the season offers up some of the most beautiful scenes and exhilarating experiences. In many cases, words don't do it justice, so we've pulled 11 of our favorite winter photos that capture the essence of the season in Minneapolis.
1. Stone Arch Bridge
The Stone Arch Bridge offers incredible views of the skyline and the Mississippi river all year long, but during the winter months this iconic landmark is the perfect place to soak in the beauty of the season.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/melanie.biertzer-Instagram-1702-ig-18100101856215098.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=bb146e9e2717e4332b42b50063d92f0e 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/melanie.biertzer-Instagram-1702-ig-18100101856215098.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=53d7c5e2ecbb81acd0981c5f8fb1c02e 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/melanie.biertzer-Instagram-1702-ig-18100101856215098.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f75b8e16693a706cc6ea3350decde0f9 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/melanie.biertzer-Instagram-1702-ig-18100101856215098.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=466296cb3a5b205f64893337436b6e1b 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/melanie.biertzer-Instagram-1702-ig-18100101856215098.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=f549d7d02ddeaa41c71b88715ce08d5d 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/melanie.biertzer-Instagram-1702-ig-18100101856215098.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=02a375c35dd96f6c092a2d40a4c81bab 1440w)
2. Minnehaha Falls
In many places, enjoying the ethereal wonder of a frozen waterfall requires a day trip to the countryside—but here in Minneapolis, the stunning sight of the blue and teal snowbanks and icicles of Minnehaha Falls is a short trip from Downtown Minneapolis.
3. Loring Park
Head to Loring Park in the winter months to check out a winter festival, lace up a pair of skates at the ice rink, or snowshoe through the park - all in the heart of the city.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/WinterSkyline2023Vertical_DJI_0124_CREDIT_NathanKlok_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis_resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=544ac36abef7c31eb4ce626917caeea3 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/WinterSkyline2023Vertical_DJI_0124_CREDIT_NathanKlok_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis_resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=3f95e65f55b9ec6eff5a0d4ac57b7544 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/WinterSkyline2023Vertical_DJI_0124_CREDIT_NathanKlok_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis_resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=c1646bc5c55333d6661ad097436a8fbb 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/WinterSkyline2023Vertical_DJI_0124_CREDIT_NathanKlok_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis_resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=f31b879990e04035352fc8e632a232e4 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/WinterSkyline2023Vertical_DJI_0124_CREDIT_NathanKlok_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis_resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=736b62a14a5acc2b18080b304dfc98ac 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/WinterSkyline2023Vertical_DJI_0124_CREDIT_NathanKlok_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis_resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=0d04ed16cab64869afaae55e0c3fe342 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/WinterSkyline2023Vertical_DJI_0124_CREDIT_NathanKlok_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis_resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=a1b1e3b82f92b855ec0e56328ed97e7d 1920w)
4. Spoonbridge and Cherry
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a must-see destination in Minneapolis, especially with its location right next to Loring Park. Visit the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry among more than 40 other works from the Walker’s collection.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/millicentwalsh-Instagram-1702-ig-17946250768319280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e4e21715b899fa2bb314f9d7733c60b9 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/millicentwalsh-Instagram-1702-ig-17946250768319280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=49b14727e1b1c47f0fa46a65872facc2 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/millicentwalsh-Instagram-1702-ig-17946250768319280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=7bed77a9595ceb86f7ad5447ca8a0fd9 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/millicentwalsh-Instagram-1702-ig-17946250768319280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=50c349b0b37bdea8650cbfff0315398d 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/millicentwalsh-Instagram-1702-ig-17946250768319280.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=ed68d6338dc869778f5eecfc81af5a18 1080w)
5. Ice skating at Lake of the Isles
It wouldn’t be winter in Minneapolis without a trip to one of our (many!) outdoor ice skating rinks. One of our favorites spots to lace up your ice skates when the ice is thick enough is at Lake of the Isles Park. There is no charge to skate at Lake of the Isles and there are free rentals available in the warming house.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/minneapolisparks-Instagram-1702-ig-17900012669420988.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=da5b23e23ab26e9b3bed21a6ac5bc664 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/minneapolisparks-Instagram-1702-ig-17900012669420988.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=0db2a2b9f1cdb88e2ac8ff872bd08249 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/minneapolisparks-Instagram-1702-ig-17900012669420988.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=47e57343a8bb3ec3c346d0b5ff498058 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/minneapolisparks-Instagram-1702-ig-17900012669420988.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=1e4f5f0cdeed502373d53be8153499ac 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/minneapolisparks-Instagram-1702-ig-17900012669420988.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=2e84f1690bfde05311bb0c302ceae042 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/minneapolisparks-Instagram-1702-ig-17900012669420988.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=23d83f991c463cef25c4cf6ac5f155df 1440w)
6. Luminary Loppet
Prepare yourself for some true Midwest winter magic at the Luminary Loppet. One Saturday in February (February 3 in 2024), 1,200 candle-like luminaries line a trail across Lake of the Isles, as well as tents pouring hot chocolate, food trucks, local beer, and live music.
7. Cold Plunging
Head to Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, or Cedar Lake for a wintertime cold plunge via holes cut in the thick ice. Be prepared to make friends with other cold-hardy locals, and be sure to follow the local protocols to keep you and everyone else safe as you take the plunge.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/LakeHarrietRunAndPlunge_23_7406978_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a982ad612e43d9fbdd56a0509c43d359 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/LakeHarrietRunAndPlunge_23_7406978_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=de13a9eb8ef962fe17cc138b16a9e2b4 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/LakeHarrietRunAndPlunge_23_7406978_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=865c2a24b6501f9efaa6ae1dfca4ce5c 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/LakeHarrietRunAndPlunge_23_7406978_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=5ab2499b5d832524447d78514a9d7f9e 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/LakeHarrietRunAndPlunge_23_7406978_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5ede63cc0d26edc57ef361f50a8b6330 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/LakeHarrietRunAndPlunge_23_7406978_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=250d99ca9faa74f761db3eed6fc49832 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/LakeHarrietRunAndPlunge_23_7406978_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=a8c88ee89e78938da683df6d7301dcd2 1920w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/LakeHarrietRunAndPlunge_23_7406978_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=dd2356c8f073f37e094d7113cc229bd3 2000w)
8. The Great Northern Sauna Village
Warm up at one of the many saunas in Minneapolis. As part of The Great Northern festival, The Great Northern Sauna Village is a social and therapeutic experience hosted at Malcolm Yards (Jan. 19 - Feb. 4, 2024). Visitors can immerse themselves in sauna culture by interacting with various Thermaculture traditions and connecting with the community.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TGN23_SaunaVillage_MUSTCREDIT_TGN_JaymeHalbritter.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=bc61dd69eecbf4f1ecb499b48ee7fb88 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TGN23_SaunaVillage_MUSTCREDIT_TGN_JaymeHalbritter.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9fbe9282fcaa9e2644a1aba0d0093f81 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TGN23_SaunaVillage_MUSTCREDIT_TGN_JaymeHalbritter.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=dbfdf18d13380b0bf2a19d6dcf5a98c3 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TGN23_SaunaVillage_MUSTCREDIT_TGN_JaymeHalbritter.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=2f9cce066178e5f5968936f18ac318de 1024w)
9. U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
Minneapolis is home to the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, where hundreds of teams compete for the Golden Shovel on Lake Nokomis every January.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2022PondHockey_Couch_NickLeiferman.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=db118397fc03dad5bec3523387708dd8 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2022PondHockey_Couch_NickLeiferman.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6f5e013272865a2c284786885641db22 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2022PondHockey_Couch_NickLeiferman.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f2338d8fc1113f6c1ae939ee8219cfcd 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2022PondHockey_Couch_NickLeiferman.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=fe29de0f5df503d4bcfaf71677099ff0 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2022PondHockey_Couch_NickLeiferman.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=fec65cc74fe16fb4e01949dd2ad1a78d 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2022PondHockey_Couch_NickLeiferman.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=2b2702e127919355ce879a0bb07fa834 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2022PondHockey_Couch_NickLeiferman.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=12306f439b8e7784fdf0015397948e26 1920w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2022PondHockey_Couch_NickLeiferman.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=0066ec92921e3dc707e14eb9fdaf61d1 2560w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2022PondHockey_Couch_NickLeiferman.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=a4f6bd1265d7aaf4d1b6618ece6e6e70 3840w)
10. Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival
The Lake Harriet 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.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2020-Lake-Harriet-Kite-Festival-5430.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=dae2752b61a869c24d629deda0d4ee1f 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2020-Lake-Harriet-Kite-Festival-5430.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=4a3d9314fca735fb2e3dfb429bbc5e8b 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2020-Lake-Harriet-Kite-Festival-5430.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=a1cfc6410eda83778c166e7d24500aad 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2020-Lake-Harriet-Kite-Festival-5430.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=643362471ae44b6ca59aaa47ea0e7239 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2020-Lake-Harriet-Kite-Festival-5430.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=eff994bd5129782d252db8ea43ce5c60 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2020-Lake-Harriet-Kite-Festival-5430.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=2b4677ff44bdde32487fa204dacb384c 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2020-Lake-Harriet-Kite-Festival-5430.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=de383585d57ed7db227b0836af85b56b 1920w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/2020-Lake-Harriet-Kite-Festival-5430.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=a11fbdc4897bd084f65edbb0bc968878 2000w)
11. Theodore Wirth Regional Park
As the snow begins to fall, the fun really picks up at Theodore Wirth. The walking trails can be used as cross-country ski trails, so strap on your cross-country gear and conquer more than 20 miles of well-kept ski trails varying from open sections with views of Downtown Minneapolis to wooded trails filled with the sights of scenic lakes. Want to bring your furry friend along? Try skijoring—a growing winter sport in which your dog assists you while you cross-country ski. Or bring your sled, snow tube, toboggan or snowboard and hit the slopes.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TheodoreWirthTrailhead_Winter_7401163_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=9585040fcdf6ceb28b580407bb263549 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TheodoreWirthTrailhead_Winter_7401163_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=54bc35e2c322156afc1ad4b8616a2442 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TheodoreWirthTrailhead_Winter_7401163_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=783e6c92a2a722a1f070c61c254d6d1b 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TheodoreWirthTrailhead_Winter_7401163_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=b01cf8ca2b8f88a91a74b585a0917380 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TheodoreWirthTrailhead_Winter_7401163_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=b5fc20c58e52cae9ea7fbf443e165be0 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TheodoreWirthTrailhead_Winter_7401163_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=cee95f7eb978eb9b1bcd17d57c4c3eff 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TheodoreWirthTrailhead_Winter_7401163_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=c599702b6aee7c6725be0eff97d0aa81 1920w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TheodoreWirthTrailhead_Winter_7401163_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=2984029da43452dc304b6da8679423e5 2560w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/TheodoreWirthTrailhead_Winter_7401163_CREDIT_MikeMadison@BumpOpera_CourtesyOfMeetMinneapolis-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=43be5fedd2a1c97d7dc7dde2aae71f02 3840w)