Things to Do in MN in January: The List
Ice sculptures in Rice Park are an anticipated part of the St. Paul Winter Carnival which kicks off on Jan 26.
The world’s largest charitable ice fishing contest: The Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza.
The Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championships come to St. Paul, MN Jan 12-14.
Photo Credit: Andreas Schaad / Red Bull Crashed Ice
The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, the longest sled dog race in the lower 48, starts in Duluth, MN.
For the heartiest among us, International Falls Icebox Days returns Jan. 18-21. Participate in frozen turkey bowling, see snow sculptures, ski by candlelight in Voyageurs National Park and race in the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run 10K and 5K races. Other events include curling, ice carving, bonfires and fireworks.
Theatre & Arts: The Lion King returns to the Orpheum Theatre Jan. 11 through Feb. 12. Debuted at the Orpheum in 1997, the show was critically acclaimed and went on to win the Tony award for Best Musical. Don’t miss the return of this visually stunning musical.
Recreation: Try your hand at ice fishing and have the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes at the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza. The event is the world’s largest chartable ice fishing competition and takes place Jan. 21 on Gull Lake. At least 10,000 anglers are expected.
The 28th Annual Pepsi Challenge Cross Country Ski Race takes place Jan. 21 at Giant’s Ridge Golf & Ski Resort in Biwabik, MN. Featuring four competitive races for skiers of all levels, the race is a qualifier for the American Birkebeiner (Berkie), the largest and longest ski race in North America held annually in Wisconsin.
Jan. 12-14, the first round of the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship comes to St. Paul. A combination of hockey, downhill skiing and boardercross on a bobsled-like track, the event that has attracted crowds as large as 50,000 in Canada and Europe now comes to the United States.
Family Fun: On Jan. 29, head to Duluth for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, the longest and most challenging sled dog race in the lower 48 states. The weekend of events includes the Cutest Puppy Contest, Opening Ceremonies and dinner, and “Meet the Mushers” event prior to the race.
Hundreds of teams are expected to compete for the “golden shovel” at the annual U.S. Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, Jan. 20-22. Players from around the world have come to join the tournament, billed as “the way nature intended.” The tournament is open to any interested team of four to six players.
For Adults: The Beer Dabbler Winter Carnival takes place Jan. 28 at the St. Paul Farmer’s Market. The outdoor craft beer festival features tastings of more than 200 craft and micro-brews from more than 60 breweries, live music and special brew releases. Popular St. Paul food trucks, like Fork in the Road, Gastro Truck, Simply Steve’s and Potter Pasties will be on hand, and ticket proceeds will benefit local charities.
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