Enjoy a Cold One at a Minnesota Ice Bar
Enjoy a Cold One at a Minnesota Ice Bar
By Caitlin Hannah
Minnesota is known for its winters, and there are plenty of unique ways to enjoy the season. These bars and restaurants have embraced the season with intricate ice carvings, themed bars, festive cocktails, bonfire pits and more.
As always, please celebrate responsibly.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival ice bar
Saint Paul Winter Carnival, St. Paul
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival always has an array of activities for visitors: music, a parade, ice carvings and snow sculptures, to name a few. But perhaps the best ice-related feature is the ice bar, allowing visitors to refresh themselves and stay cool throughout the festivities. In addition to Minnesota-made wine and beer, the ice bar also serves hot spiced wine. Find it in the heart of downtown at the newly renovated Rice Park.
A couple miles down the road, you'll also find an ice bar on the patio of Bad Weather Brewing on West Seventh Street.
Cardamom at Walker Art Center, Minneapolis
This floral-inspired ice bar has a tasty twist with Mediterranean-inspired hot and cold cocktails, non-alcoholic options, beer and wine. If you need to warm up, blanket rentals and firepits are nearby to enjoy. The ice bar will run through February.
Social ICE festival in Rochester / Chelsea Rostad
Social ICE, Rochester
Downtown Rochester’s Social ICE is more than your average ice bar experience—it's a full-blown winter extravaganza. Held annually in Peace Plaza, Social ICE boasts a wide assortment of themed ice bars, including showstoppers like Half Barrel’s Minnesota Wild bar and a “Ghostbusters” bar by Kathy’s Pub. You'll also find DJs and ice sculptures at this free, three-night event. Grab a signature drink from any of the seven participating bars throughout the weekend.
(This year’s event will be slightly altered due to COVID-19.)
The Igloo Bar on Lake of the Woods
Igloo Bar at Zippel Bay Resort, Lake of the Woods
Ice bar, ice igloo, place to ice fish; it’s a little bit of everything. A perennial staple of winter on Lake of the Woods, this wooden structure covered with foam insulation is dragged out onto the ice for anglers and anyone else who wants to visit. Pull open trap doors to go fishing from the comfort of your bar stool, or simply grab a drink, kick back and soak up the unique charms of the heated igloo bar.
Caitlin Hannah is Explore Minnesota's senior digital social strategist. When traveling around the state, she likes spending time near the water, hiking, antique shopping, trying new restaurants, and watching hockey.