Warm/fair weather people don’t always understand how much fun can be had in the long, cold Minnesota winter months.  We take use the weather to our advantage to hold events and festivals that you cannot find anywhere else. Here are some of the best free activities you can enjoy during the winter this year.

Bentleyville – 700 Railroad Street, Duluth

Bentleyville hosts America’s largest free display of lights.  It is along Minnesota’s impressive Lake Superior.  It is worth the drive to view the bursting light show completely surrounding you. This event will be ongoing until December 27^th.

Saint Paul Winter Carnival – 75 West 5th Street, St. Paul

From January 22^nd until February 1^st, families can enjoy plenty of fun at this carnival. St Paul downtown comes to life every year this time since 1886 with this Winter Carnival.  Ice Sculptures and Lights transform Rice Park into a magical place to be.  The charming Torchlight Parade originates back to the Miracle on 34^th Street time.

U.S. Pond Hockey Championships –Lake Nokomis, 2401 East Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis

The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships is a very popular event and will run from January 15^th until the 18^th. Minnesota is the State of Hockey and should be watched outdoors while grilling as it originated versus in a stadium with expensive concession stands.  Come watch the 10^th annual Championships the old fashioned way.

Wells Fargo Winter Skate –75 5th Street, St. Paul

If you have your own skates you can skate for free.  If you need to rent skates it is a mere $2 to do so. You can enjoy an afternoon on the ice with family and friends in downtown St. Paul without spending much if you need to rent skates.

These are just a few of the many free activities you can enjoy as a family this winter throughout Minnesota.