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Minnesota Ice Maze Joins Winter SKOLstice

By Katie Griess, 01/13/23, 11:30AM CST

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45 consecutive days of activation on campus

Viking Lakes has announced the return of “Winter SKOLstice,” more than 45 consecutive days of activation on the Eagan campus. Designed to give Minnesotans opportunities to get outside and enjoy the winter weather, activities for all ages and skill levels will occur daily beginning January 6, 2023, through February 19, 2023. All activities are weather-dependent, and registration is required. For more information and to register, participants can visit explorevikinglakes.com/winterskolstice.

Minnesota Ice Maze

New this year, Viking Lakes is excited to welcome the Minnesota Ice Maze to campus. Minnesota Ice, the leading producer of sculpture-grade ice in the United States, is partnering with Viking Lakes to bring the Twin Cities its largest ice maze to date. Minnesota Ice is on a mission to transform how people experience ice. “We are thrilled to create this unforgettable experience for families across the metro with Viking Lakes,” said Minnesota Ice Founder & CEO Robbie Harrell. Eight-foot-high perimeter walls constructed with over one million pounds of ice will create nearly half a mile of twisty passages. The fully-lit maze is perfect for families and kids of all ages. Ice thrones, weekend theme nights, scavenger hunts, fire pits, and inflatables, along with hot chocolate, smores, and more will be available. Visit www.minnesotaicemaze.com to purchase tickets and for more information on the event.

Warming Haus Powered by Xfinity

For the duration of Winter SKOLstice, the Warming Haus is a 40x100 foot enclosed, fully-heated tent located next to the Minnesota Ice Maze and outside the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, offering food and beverage for all attendees of the nightly activities. In partnership with Xfinity, the Warming Haus will be equipped with televisions and WiFi in an upscale Nordic environment. Featuring food and beverage from Kyndred Hearth and Ember and Ice, the Warming Haus Powered by Xfinity will have live music on weekends and will be available for corporate and group party rentals.

Skate the Omni

Every day Minnesotans can Skate the Omni at no cost on a 30x60 foot ice rink located on the Omni’s front lawn. The rink is available for private event rentals, and all participants must bring their own skates and register in advance. Stay-and-play packages with Omni Viking Lakes Hotel are also available throughout all events while booking through their official website.

USA Curling Experience

USA Curling will offer free curling on the Viking Lakes north pond beginning Friday, January 13. Multiple sheets of ice will be available with USA Curling providing equipment and staff. Curling sheets are available to be rented for private events, and participants must register in advance.  

Pond Hockey

Beginning Friday, January 13, multiple hockey rinks will be available for use on the Viking Lakes north pond. Nightly open hockey/skate, youth leagues/practices and weekend events will be programmed in partnership with local hockey organizations. Participants must register for pond hockey in advance.

“We are excited to welcome The Minnesota Ice Maze to campus in 2023 as we further establish Winter SKOLstice as an annual community tradition at Viking Lakes. We continue to create opportunities for Minnesotans to come together and offer fun opportunities for all ages and skill levels,” said Viking Lakes General Manager Kyle Chank. “We encourage people to join us and experience life in fresh air at Viking Lakes all winter long.”