Embracing Winter in the Twin Cities: Your UItimate Cold-Weather Activity Guide

Art Bickford • January 15, 2026

Winter in Minneapolis transforms the city into a true wonderland. Snow blankets the Spoon and Cherry Bridge, twinkling lights glow along Hennepin Avenue, and the season brings a festive energy that’s impossible to miss.


Whether you’re new to the city or a lifelong Minnesotan, we’ve put together the ultimate winter activity guide to keep you inspired all season long. From ice skating on some of the state’s most beloved lakes to unwinding with a cozy indoor spa day, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace and enjoy Minneapolis and Saint Paul in winter.

Outdoor Activities:

Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls, the iconic 53-foot waterfall, transforms into a shimmering cascade of ice during the winter months. Visiting this beloved landmark feels like stepping into a winter wonderland, as dramatic, icy formations create a breathtaking natural backdrop. Stroll along the park’s scenic trails or explore the area on snowshoes for a peaceful and picturesque winter outing.


Cold Plunge

For the brave, head to Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, or Cedar Lake for a wintertime cold plunge through holes cut in the thick ice. Expect to meet fellow cold-hardy locals, and be sure to follow safety protocols to keep yourself and others protected.


While backyard dunk tanks, ice baths, and cold therapy ponds are trendy in wellness and fitness circles today, Minnesotans have been enjoying the invigorating benefits of cold-water immersion long before it became a global phenomenon.


Ice Skating

Gliding across the frozen surface of Lake of the Isles is a quintessential Minneapolis winter tradition. Each year, the lake transforms into a lively community skating rink, framed by snow-covered trees and charming historic homes. Bring your own skates or borrow a free pair from the on-site warming house, then enjoy skating in the heart of the city. Afterward, warm up with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at Isles Bun & Coffee!


Snow Tubing 

Theodore Wirth Regional Park delivers one of the best snow tubing experiences in the metro area. With dedicated tubing lanes and a convenient tow rope, it’s an easy, exhilarating activity for both kids and adults. Beyond tubing, the park offers miles of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking trails - making it a winter playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.


Luminary Loppet

The candlelit Luminary Loppet is one of the Twin Cities’ most magical winter events. On February 7th, guests enjoy a glowing evening walk around Lake of the Isles, guided by more than 1,200 luminaries and surrounded by dazzling ice features, including the iconic ice pyramid and enchanted forest. Along the route, warm up with hot cocoa and s’mores, spot giant ice sculptures, and enjoy captivating fire dancers.


The night wraps up at the Luminary Party with food trucks, Utepils Brewing beer, and live music. Perfect for all ages, the Luminary Loppet is a must-attend winter tradition - and the Loppet Foundation’s largest fundraiser, supporting outdoor programs that build community.

Indoor Activities:

Luminescence

Having amazed more than one million visitors around the globe, Luminescence makes its Minneapolis debut with a special engagement at the Basilica of Saint Mary. This one-of-a-kind experience weaves together storytelling, music, and immersive 360° projections to showcase this historic landmark in an entirely new way.


Brilliant light displays illuminate the Basilica’s intricate architecture and rich past, creating a captivating atmosphere that highlights the beauty and significance of one of Minnesota’s most iconic spaces.


Winter Warmup

Winter Warm-Up returns to U.S. Bank Stadium this winter, offering a fun way to stay active indoors during the colder months. This recreational program features inline skating and indoor running on the stadium’s main and upper concourses.

Thirteen sessions will be held this season, running from Tuesday, December 2, through Thursday, January 22. Open to all ages, Winter Warm-Up takes place from 5–9 pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights.


Salt Caves

Escape the winter chill at Minnesota’s first therapeutic Himalayan salt cave. Enjoy private halotherapy sessions, group sessions, or yoga classes in a serene room lined with Himalayan salt blocks.


Beyond its health benefits, the cave offers a warm, calming retreat with soft lighting and a peaceful atmosphere. All sessions are private (except guided classes like meditations), and the Salt Cave also features Minnesota’s largest selection of Himalayan salt lamps and products, making it the ultimate Minneapolis wellness destination.


Get Crafty

The Textile Center in Minneapolis offers a hands-on way to explore fabric arts, from stitching, felting, and dyeing to weaving, rug hooking, and surface design. Classes range from beginner-friendly options like Sewing for the Terrified to advanced projects such as Coiled Fabric Bowls.


Meanwhile, the Northern Clay Center provides both in-person and virtual clay classes, covering hand-building and wheel-throwing for beginners, as well as workshops designed for couples and families. Both centers are perfect for exploring creativity and learning new skills during the winter months.


Como Park Conservatory

Visit St. Paul’s beloved Como Park and step into a vibrant garden oasis. The 2-acre, Victorian-style Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a colorful escape, showcasing tropical and semi-tropical plants while serving as a winter haven for greenery from the park’s outdoor gardens.

It’s also a welcome retreat for Minnesotans and visitors alike, offering year-round warmth and lush surroundings filled with palms, ferns, orchids, and bromeliads. Be sure to explore the Japanese Garden as well, home to the largest public bonsai collection in the Upper Midwest.



Final Thoughts:

At Hornig Companies, we believe in making the most of every season, not just in our community but in how we approach our work as well - bringing energy, creativity, and dedication to every project. Stay warm, stay active, and remember that even in the coldest months, there’s always something exciting waiting around the corner.

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