26 Jan My Visit to the Ice Castles in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
During a recent Twitter chat, someone posted a picture of their family at the Ice Castles. I did a google search and saw that there was an Ice Castle two hours away in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
The Founder, Brent Christensen, started building ice caves in his front yard in Utah to keep his six kids entertained. Everyone in the neighborhood loved them, and the idea grew. Now there are six locations in North America: Dillion, Co; Edmonton, AB; Excelsior, MN; Lake Geneva, Wi, New Hampshire; and Midway, UT.
Ice Castles
The Ice Castles Lake Geneva Location wasn’t open to the public yet. We’ve been having unusually warm weather in the Midwest. So when a picture popped up from the Ice Castles Instagram page that it was opening day was the next day. I immediately looked at the schedule and mapped the route on GPS.
It was two hours each way, and snowing in the morning. I checked the hourly forecast, and it said the snow was stopping by 2 pm. I’ve I left at 2:30 pm. I would miss the snow and get there by 4:30 pm, just in time to see the sunset.
There was so much to see. There are two slides: a small one for younger kids, and big kids. I didn’t go on the slide this time; the lines were too long. It was fun to see everyone of all ages going down the slide. Being there brings out the kid in all of us.
If you don’t meet the height requirement for the taller slide, there is a smaller slide you have to crawl inside to get to the slide.
If you start to get cold, there are two warming stations with fire located in the castle.
I can’t forget about the two fountains. One of the crew members told me about the wishing well, and the money goes to communities to build wells. I threw in a couple of coins and made a wish.
The ice lights up and changes colors as the night goes on, presenting a glow. Since I had a long drive home, I didn’t stay longer than an hour. I was also not as prepared as I should have been for the weather. My new gloves worked great, allowing me to use my phone with them on but they failed at keeping me warm. Otherwise, I would have stayed longer.
If you live close to one of the Ice Castle locations, definately check it out before the ice melts. The tentative date is until February 16, as weather permits.
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Mia Ransom Parnell
Posted at 21:18h, 26 JanuaryOK, so I will never experience that in the South!!
But that looks really interesting and a wonderful opportunity to try out your Killi clothing. Was there food? Hot chocolate? Souvenirs?
And your sunset shot was beautiful!
View Commentmylestotravel
Posted at 11:41h, 28 JanuaryI was not prepared as I should have been for the cold. lol. No food or drinks are allowed in the ice structure. There are restaurants close by. It looked like there was an indoor vending area but it was under construction. The ice castles are on the lake with a “beach”. It’s probably open in the summertime.
View CommentChrysa
Posted at 10:09h, 28 JanuaryThat looks amazingly beautiful. I have been to the Minnesota location and it’s so impressive.
View Commentmylestotravel
Posted at 11:38h, 28 JanuaryIt really is beautiful. I wish I could visit all of the locations. They all seem to have something unique about it.
View CommentCheryl Eugenio
Posted at 14:26h, 30 JanuaryAmazing! We’ll be there this weekend.
View CommentKathy@DavesTravelCorner
Posted at 04:36h, 28 MarchI had never heard of ice castles before. Brrr but ‘cool’ experience!
View Commentmylestotravel
Posted at 05:41h, 28 MarchI had heard of the ice hotels. I was excited to find the ice castles were so close to where I lived. It was cold but a lot of fun.
View Comment