The Great Northern

Chilly days find Minnesotans rosy cheeked, bundled up and eager to enjoy the outdoors. Couch dwellers we are not. With a full line-up of winter events and some serious FOMO (fear of missing out), we make sure to get out there and experience the winter wonderland that encapsulates us for a few months out of the year. We can’t wait for the third year of The Great Northern festival which celebrates the beauty of the North and the excitement of winter. Built around three long-standing seasonal events, the festival features unique outdoor dining experiences, art installations, outdoor beer fests, ski races, ice carving and more.

Three big events (among many other smaller events!) bundled up in the Great Northern Festival include: 

Saint Paul Winter Carnival (January 24th-February 3rd, 2019)

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is a 17-day celebration that attracts more than 250,000 visitors a year. It features over ten signature events from ice carving displays in Rice Park to the 10th Annual Beer Dabbler, hosting 150+ breweries and live music. Enjoy a number of parades, run a 5k, head to the snow park or enjoy a beverage at the ice bar. 

U.S. Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nokomis (January 25th-26th, 2019)

Playing hockey the way it's meant to be played, the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships claims the title of the nation's premier outdoor hockey tournament. The tournament has grown in size and national notoriety. ESPN.com has listed it as one of the "101 things sports fans must experience before they die." Check out the highlight reel from last year's competition: 

City of Lakes Loppet on Lake Calhoun (January 31st-February 3rd, 2019)

A cross-country ski festival for the whole family! Ski races for all ages, skill-levels and abilities. Be sure to experience other fun events like the Minne-Loppet, skijoring, dog sledding, and don't miss out on the popular Luminary Loppet on Saturday, February 2, 2019. The evening will feature luminaries perfectly spaced around Lake of the Isles, the Ice Pyramid, Fire Dancers, the Enchanted Forest, Ice-Cropolis, Ice-Henge, and Ice-ster Island. Cheerleaders and participants can enjoy a free Surly brew at the Loppet’s REI Luminary Party. You can also grab a bite from a variety of food trucks located in Loppet Village during the festival.