ice climber scales a rock and ice wall

WINONA ICE PARK

Now OPEN for the 2024 season: The Winona Ice Park features approximately 100 climbing routes and is officially the second biggest ice park in the country!

Situated against Winona’s towering bluffs is the Midwest’s most exciting new destination – an ice climbing park that is free and open to the public. Even better, it’s right inside the city limits of Winona – the only ice climbing park in the United States that can boast that kind of convenience for climbers.

The ice flow cascades some 200 feet down the bluff face, offering multiple routes for climbers of all ability levels. A parking area and a trail to the base of the flow make for easy access to the spectacular wall. The ice park is created through collaboration between The Recreation Alliance of Winona and the City of Winona.

For updated ice conditions and more information, visit the City of Winona Ice Park page here.

Individual climbers with gear can have at it. Climbers wanting guiding services and groups who want to visit can contact Big River Climbing Guides or the Winona Ice Park Facebook Page for more information.

 

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Sugar Loaf Trailhead is the only access point. Please do not park at the top of the bluff, that area is private property.
  • Check the City website and/or Facebook to be sure the Ice Park is open. We will periodically close for maintenance or to farm more ice. For your safety, do not enter the park if it is closed as we could be clearing loose ice or debris.
  • We install fixed anchors for your convenience and to save our trees.
  • The tallest pitch is around 100′, depending on conditions. A 60m rope may work, but we recommend at least a 70m rope. You are responsible for your own safety.

Ice Park Rules

  • Crampons and helmets are required for all persons climbing
  • Helmets are required for all people within the climbing area
  • No anchoring to manmade structures
  • No unattended fixed ropes allowed
  • Please do not build anchors over the trail
  • It is recommended that all children are accompanied by an adult
  • Please be courteous and respectful to your fellow climbers
  • Please do not cause unnecessary impact to the climbing area
  • Practice “Leave No Trace” principles while on public land – pick up trash, do not damage the rock, etc.

 

Large horizontal view of the Winona Ice Park in the bluffs of Winona, Minnesota.