Winter Activities in MN: Luminary Loppet

10 Things to do in MN this winter

From: https://www.exploreminnesota.com/list/things-to-do-minnesota-this-winter

Minnesota is a winter haven for outdoor activities, theater, food and drink, seasonal festivals and more. Get out and win at winter with these unique #OnlyinMN activities.

EXPLORE THE TRAILS

Whether you lace up your boots for a winter walk or prefer exploring powdery paths on snowshoes, snowmobile, fat bike or cross-country skis, you'll find plenty of room to roam on Minnesota's thousands of miles of winter trails. More than two dozen Minnesota state parks offer groomed trails for skiing.

In the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, some popular cross-country spots are Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington and Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Minneapolis, which hosts the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup on Feb. 17-19. Snowshoe rentals are common in state and local park systems but call ahead to confirm availability before heading out.

Since nature centers are often surrounded by trails, they make a great starting point for snowshoeing, winter hiking, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. Options include the River Bend Nature Center in Faribault (skiing and snowmobiling), Maplewood Nature Center (snowshoeing) and Hartley Nature Center in Duluth (skiing).

For the ultimate winter outing, check out a popular luminary event where trails are illuminated by cozy candlelight. These events are suitable for all ages and ability levels.

ATTEND A WINTER FESTIVAL

Minnesotans love to embrace winter weather, and nothing brings out our rosy-cheeked enthusiasm like a winter festival!

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is the oldest winter festival in the United States. Since 1886, downtown St. Paul has been transformed into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures, parades and live music in Rice Park. These days it's also an integral component of The Great Northern festival, which unites some of the Twin Cities' premier winter events under one, snowy banner from late January through early February.

Head north to International Falls for Icebox Days, where “Only the Bold Run the Cold,” during this famous border town’s Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run. The festival includes other wacky events, such as frozen turkey bowling, smoosh races, frozen golf and boot hockey. Find incredible ice castles, ice mazes, ice bars and more at these popular events or see incredible snow sculptures at the World Snow Sculpting Championship in downtown Stillwater in January 2024.

If you're in northwest Minnesota, Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes features a polar plunge, fireworks and an illuminated ice castle. Head to the frozen waters of Lake Harriet to explore the popular Art Shanty Projects where artists create temporary structures and interactive, engaging art experiences and performances for four weekends in January. Look to the skies to see kites of all shapes, sizes and color at the Kites on Ice Kite Festival on Buffalo Lake in downtown Buffalo in February.

TRY A NEW WINTER SPORT

Did you know the U.S. Men’s 2015 curling team (who won the 2015 championship) is from Duluth? Minnesota has the most curling clubs in the nation. With more than 30 clubs across the state, you are bound to find one near you.

Dubbed one of “16 Unexpected Adventures You Need to Experience” by Expedia, dogsledding is a winter must-do. Ely-area dogsled outfitters offer a wide variety of options; there are day trips and overnight trips. Best of all, no experience is required. The Boundary Waters has over a million of acres of pristine, snowy environment to explore. There are also opportunities to see or try dogsledding along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Duluth or Two Harbors, Monticello, Hastings and Lake Minnetonka.

You probably have gone sledding in Minnesota, but have you tried cosmic snow tubing? At dusk, the cosmic lights light up the night at Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls, Mount Kato in Mankato, Powder Ridge in Kimball or Buck Hill in Burnsville for a thrilling winter night.

PLAN A COZY GETAWAY

If you’re looking for a cozy lodge to curl up by a fireplace or a hip boutique hotel with

great cocktails, you’re bound to find what’s right for you this winter. Warm up in the rooftop hot tub at Hotel Crosby in Stillwater, sip handcrafted cocktails from the on-site distillery at Cantilever just outside Voyageurs National Park, or dine in an igloo at Hotel Landing in Wayzata. Get your hygge on at Elliot Park Hotel’s Scandinavian inspired rooms just minutes from the excitement at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis.

If cozy resorts and roaring fires are more your style, stay at Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids, Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge in Bemidji or warm up from a day on the snow filled trails at the Lakes Inn in Pelican Rapids.

If you seek the charm of a bed and breakfast, head to Lanesboro — Minnesota’s “bed and breakfast capital” — or explore Wabasha, which has been compared to one of pop culture’s favorite small towns, Stars Hollow, thanks to picturesque properties like Turning Waters Bed and Breakfast. No matter where you stay, exploring a new destination and treating yourself to a relaxing getaway will break your cabin fever.

GO DOWNHILL SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING

Minnesota features some of the highest hills in the Midwest, and Minnesota downhill ski areas offer thrills for any level of skills. From Spirit Mountain in Duluth to Detroit Mountain Recreation Area in Detroit Lakes, there are opportunities across the state to cruise the runs. Find 18 of the most popular places to ski or snowboard in Minnesota.

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

During the holiday season, support local makers marts, European-inspired holiday markets or find festive decorations and celebrations at Mall of America. Stroll through charming downtowns, shop Minnesota made goods or shop without your coat at one of our many indoor malls. Best of all, there is no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota so go ahead and treat yourself this season.

TRY A NEW RESTAURANT

In winter, we love to indulge with our favorite comfort food and try new and unique dishes. Discover some of the best spots to eat in Minneapolis or St. Paul.

If you’re looking to expand your culinary skills at home, try a cooking class, support local shops that specialize in international foods, oils, spices or visit these local butchers for new and fresh ingredients.

VISIT A MUSEUM OR TAKE IN A SHOW

At the Science Museum of Minnesota's vibrant, open space in downtown St. Paul, explore four floors of engaging exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to the human body, the Mississippi River, race, questionable medical devices and Legos. More of a moviegoer? Kids love the Science Museum’s 90-foot, giant dome screen Omnitheater. While you’re downtown, be sure to stop by Rice Park to see the ice sculptures and live entertainment as part of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

Other museums worth a winter visit include the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, the SPAM Museum in Austin and the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.

The Twin Cities is home to dozens of local theaters that produce local or host traveling productions. See what’s playing this winter and get your tickets.

WARM UP INSIDE

Waterslides, lazy rivers, and splash pads aren’t just for the summer months. Several Minnesota water parks can be found indoors, offering a tropical escape no matter the weather.

Your favorite outdoor activities don’t need to stop with a little snow. Find rock climbing, golf, playgrounds, farmers markets and more inside at these spots.

GET OUT ON THE ICE

Lace up your skates and glide onto the Riverbend Skate Path, one of the longest ice-skating trails in the United States. It connects to Doc's Harbor Inn’s public skating rink as well as several private rinks to provide 5 miles of open skating for all to enjoy in Warroad.

You can skate North America’s largest outdoor refrigerated rink in Roseville, or head to Maple Grove to carve your way across one of the country’s only refrigerated ice skating trails. If frozen lakes are more your style, head to Edina, Buffalo, or one of three lakes in Minneapolis - Lake of the Isles, Nokomis and Powderhorn. Lace up at the Infinity Loop on Lake Minnetonka’s Wayzata Bay during the Wayzata Chilly Open in February and you can even watch a movie on a jumbo screen as you skate.

Ice fishing is an iconic Minnesota winter activity. Visit Lake of the Woods, the "Walleye Capital of the World," to experience excellent ice fishing. This fishing destination features more than 50 resorts, sleeper services and hotels. Lodging options include a cozy cabin, condo, hotel, motel or a sleeper fish house on a frozen lake.

No matter what you do this winter, get out and explore Minnesota.

The candlelit Luminary Loppet on Saturday, February 5, is the Twin Cities’ most magical event of the season.

Come out to Lake of the Isles and enjoy the Luminary Loppet where you can walk, snowshoe, or ski on the candlelit trail winding across the lake. Experience 1,200 luminaries lining the trail with unique ice features such as Ice Henge, The Spires, Ice Cropolis, as well as Ice Music, Fire Dancers, and much more – all in the heart of Uptown. The Luminary Loppet is also the Loppet Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year – supporting our year-round programs promoting outdoor adventure for all in the Minneapolis area.

Refreshments such as hot chocolate, cookies, and s’mores will be offered at tents across the lake. Food trucks, Surly beer, and music are located at the REI Co-op Luminary Party.

Participants must have their official Luminary Loppet glow sticks showing at all times while on the lake as proof of registration.

The Luminary Loppet is part of the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival, which includes cross-country ski, fat-tire bike, snowshoe, and skijor races and tours, youth events, and more. The Luminary Loppet is NOT a race.

Register

To avoid congestion, there are six start wave times for the Luminary Loppet:

- 6:00pm

- 6:30pm

- 7:00pm

- 7:30pm

- 8:00pm

- 8:30pm.

Each start wave is capped, so remember to register early to get your preferred start time before the waves sell out. Participants may start at or after their registered start time (NOT before), and they may stay on the lake as long as they like.

All registered participants will receive an official Luminary Loppet glow stick, which must be displayed at all times during the event to gain access to the lake and the Luminary Party, and take advantage of the many Luminary Loppet activities.

REI Luminary Party

Join us for the “coolest” party in town. The REI Co-op Luminary Party kicks off and heats up with an outdoor concert and dancing. With famed local acts Dan Israel starting it off and then continuing with “ That Cover Band “ – it will be a night of great local music and rockin’ to the beat. The party also features Surly beer (for attendees ages 21+), photo booths, fire pits, food trucks, Loppet merchandise for sale, and prize giveaways/sweepstakes.

The REI Co-op Luminary Party is free for registered Luminary Loppet participants. For those not registered, tickets exclusively to the REI Luminary Party go on sale for $10 at the door at 7pm.

One can of Surly Brewing Co. beer is included for all registered Luminary Loppet participants who are 21+ years old (with a valid ID). Additional Surly beer is available for purchase for $5/can. Party-only guests may purchase beer for $5/can. Please note: The REI Co-op Luminary Party last call is at 9:45pm, with music and Surly beer service ending at 10pm.

Glow Stick Logistics

Please see below for glow stick pickup options. To ensure the quickest pickup experience, please have your check-in pass with the QR code (emailed to you when you registered) displayed on your phone/device or printed out for our staff to scan. Picking up your glow stick ahead of time allows you to skip the registration tent lines on the lake. 

Glow Stick Pick Up

- The Trailhead (Wirth Park, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy) Friday, February 4, 4pm – 8pm Saturday, February 5, 7am – 3pm (best if already at the Trailhead for Festival races, otherwise parking will be very difficult)

- Lunds & Byerly’s Uptown 1450 West Lake Street – Upstairs Balcony Saturday, February 5, 10am – 4pm

- Lagoon Tent (between Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska) Saturday, February 5, 2pm – 8:30pm 

On Lake of the Isles (Registration tents) Saturday, February 5, 6pm – 8:30pm

Important Information

- Dogs (and other animals) are not allowed at the Luminary Loppet. Please respect the experience of other Luminary Loppet participants.

- Flashlights and personal lights are not allowed (this includes strobe lights, blinking lights, and light-up toys, jewelry/clothing, sleds, etc.). The trail will be plenty bright for you to comfortably see where you are going.

- Rentals: Limited ski and snowshoe rentals are available from The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park, Hoigaard’s, and REI Co-op at their Bloomington location.

- Transportation: We are working with Metro Transit to provide complimentary bus rides to the Luminary Loppet for registered participants. If this becomes available, we will email participants prior to the Luminary on how to use this amazing resource. Visit metrotransit.org for information on bus service to the Uptown area.

- You must have a valid ID to receive your free Surly Brewing Co. beer (1 per attendee).

- There is no official start or finish location. Participants that have already picked up their glow stick prior to their start may begin their evening from anywhere around Lake of the Isles.

Accessibility:  Please acknowledge that the Luminary course is on ice and snow and conditions are not favorable for wheelchairs. However, sleds are an option. For accessibility questions and further information, please contact luminary.info@loppet.org.

10 Things to do in MN this winter

10 Things to do in MN this winter

Winter Activities in MN: Luminary Loppet

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