Where to Try Igloo Dining in Minnesota
Where to Try Igloo Dining in Minnesota
By Sara Lynch
Minnesotans know how to embrace winter, so it’s no surprise that some local restaurants have gotten in on the fun by creating igloo dining experiences. I have now visited several igloos, most recently one of the three at Duke’s on 7, so read on to learn what you can expect from the experience. In short, it can be a great way to celebrate winter in Minnesota with a partner, friends or family.
Duke’s on 7 offers a variety of American fare, and when I booked our reservation, I was able to preorder food and drinks from a special igloo menu. I chose a colorful crudité board with watermelon radishes, peppers, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers and a dessert board, which included Key lime bars, almond blondies, pretzels, strawberries, chocolates and other sweet treats. Warm options, such as fondue and crock pot pulled pork, are also available to preorder, while while the regular menu – including burgers, sandwiches, walleye fish and chips and noodle bowls – is available to order from during the meal.
On the night of our reservation, we were ushered to the backyard patio to our very own igloo under sparkling string lights. Inside the igloo, which can hold up to six people, our preordered items were waiting on the table in the middle of the welcoming seats. The temperature outside on the January night when we visited was in the single digits, but the igloo had a heater, fireplace and cozy blankets to keep us warm, but we still kept our coats and hats on.
It was a magical two-hour experience that quickly flew by, but we captured memories by taking photos not only on our phones, but also on a Polaroid camera provided by Duke’s (for an extra charge). Another fun idea would be to bring cards or a game to enjoy.
MORE IGLOOS
For more fun igloo dining options, check out these eight additional igloo locations around Minnesota. Note that most igloo dining options have a minimum food and beverage requirement and/or a rental fee (confirm when booking) and require an advance reservation with a deposit. For locations with minimum spend requirements, you might expect to see $150 to $200 with some locations up to $425+.
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Crave
Crave
Crave offers igloo dining in at its St. Louis Park location, with 90-minute reservations available for up to six people.
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Grand View Lodge
Grand View Lodge
Grand View Lodge in Nisswa offers igloo dining in front of its iconic Northwoods Pub. Two-hour reservations are available for up to six people.
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Ninetwentyfive
Ninetwentyfive
Ninetwentyfive in Wayzata at Hotel Landing has four themed igloos, each of which holds up to four people.
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Broken Clock Brewery
Broken Clock Brewery
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative in Minneapolis has three themed igloos in which you can enjoy drinks. Food can either be brought in or ordered to the taproom. Reserve for either one or two hours.
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Mineral Springs Brewery
Mineral Springs Brewery
Mineral Springs Brewery in Owatonna takes reservations for 90 minutes in igloos that seat up to eight people.
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Next Chapter Winery
Next Chapter Winery
Next Chapter Winery in New Prague offers wine globe experience packages for up to six people. Food can also be brought in or ordered for delivery to the winery from a local restaurant.
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Lock and Dam Eatery
Lock and Dam Eatery
Lock and Dam Eatery in downtown Hastings offers igloo dining for up to eight people. The experience lasts an hour and 45 minutes.