1. Free Winter Festivals

Minneapolis hosts free outdoor events all season long.

Annual free winter events include:

• U.S. Pond Hockey Championships (Lake Nokomis)
• Art Shanty Projects (on a frozen lake)
• Lake Harriet Kite Festival (bright kites over the lake)
• Powderhorn Art Sled Rally (family-centric, free sledding festival)

Check the winter events calendar for updated dates and additional community happenings.

2. Skate at a Free Outdoor Ice Rink

Minneapolis maintains dozens of outdoor neighborhood rinks across the city - all free to use. Bring your own skates or grab free rentals at select locations, then glide under the lights, warm up in a warming house, or join a pick-up hockey game.

Try these rinks that have free rentals and warming houses:

• Lake of the Isles Ice Rink (skyline views)
• Pearl Park Rink (family friendly spot with a playground and lots of room to play in the snow)
• Lyndale Farmstead Park

Get the full list of our favorite places to ice skate in Minneapolis

3. Walk the Winter Trails Around the Lakes

The city’s 22 lakes turn into peaceful snow-covered escapes in winter. Stroll along the shoreline with a cup of cocoa or catch the sunset over the frozen lake.

Great free lake loops:

• Lake Harriet (stop at the Bandshell overlook)
• Bde Maka Ska (beautiful sunrise views)
• Cedar Lake (woodsy, quiet, and close to the trails at Wirth)

Want more ice time? Check out more ways to enjoy our lakes all winter long.

4. Explore Theodore Wirth Park’s Free Hiking Trails

While skiing requires a pass, the park’s winter hiking paths, overlooks, and wooded trails are always free.

Recommended trails & spots:

• Bassett Creek Trail (easy winter walk)
• Quaking Bog Loop (a short boardwalk hike)
• The Overlook at Wirth Lake (snowy photo stop)

Discover more in our Guide to Theodore Wirth Park.

5. Wander the Minneapolis Skyway System

Warm up while exploring nine miles of climate-controlled downtown corridors - all free to access. Find public art, grab a bite to eat, peek into the IDS Crystal Court, and people watch from above the streets.

Get everything you need in our Skyway Guide.

6. Visit Free Museums

Many Minneapolis museums and galleries offer free admission year-round or on select days - perfect for a warm, budget-friendly indoor break.

Don’t Miss:

• Mia (Minneapolis Institute of Art)
• Weisman Art Museum
• Walker Art Center – Free First Saturdays; Free Thursdays 5–9pm
• Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery

In Minneapolis, there’s a museum for everyone. Check out our guide Minneapolis Museums for Every Interest to keep exploring.

7. Take a Self-Guided Public Art Tour

Public art pops in winter - murals, sculptures, and riverfront installations take on new life against the snow.

Top free public art stops:

• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (home of Spoonbridge & Cherry)
• Public art throughout the Cultural Districts
• North Loop warehouse murals

Explore more in our Minneapolis Public Art Guide.

8. Play in the Parks with the Kids

Sledding hills, snowman fields, playgrounds, and warming houses make parks perfect for free winter fun.

Kid-approved spots:

• Lyndale Farmstead Park
• Minnehaha Creek Parkway (gentle hills + wide open spaces)
• William Berry Playground (wide open spaces to play in the snow, great playground)

9. See Frozen Minnehaha Falls

A true winter bucket-list moment. Walk the path to the overlook at Minnehaha Regional Park to see the 53-foot waterfall freeze into blue, green, and white layers of ice. It’s free, spectacular, and different every week.

10. Explore the Mississippi Riverfront in the Snow

Wander the riverfront for some of the best winter views in the city.

Free riverfront highlights:

• Stone Arch Bridge (iconic & photogenic)
• Mill Ruins Park (snowy ruins + river views)
• Father Hennepin Bluff Park (peaceful winter trails)

Get our guide to exploring the Mississippi riverfront.

As you plan your winter getaway, remember that some of the best Minneapolis moments are the simple, snow-dusted ones - and often completely free. From frozen lakes to lively festivals, the city is full of ways to explore, unwind, and make the season your own. Start building your budget-friendly adventure and experience winter the Minneapolis way.