Winona Ice Park gains regional media attention as it opens for the 2026 season

Winter returns to southeastern Minnesota with one of its most thrilling outdoor experiences as the Winona Ice Park opens for the 2026 season. Situated high above the Mississippi River within city limits, this man-made ice climbing destination draws adventurers from across the Midwest and beyond for a uniquely Winona winter experience.

The Winona Ice Park’s opening was covered by several news organizations, reflecting its growing role in local recreation and winter tourism.

KARE-11 noted that organizers and local partners continue to support the park as a regional winter attraction, drawing both locals and visitors looking for unique outdoor activities. WXOW featured opening day images, capturing the excitement of climbers at the start of the season. News8000 interviewed Big River Climbing Guides founder and local Ice Park volunteer Eric Barnard at the wall, detailing the infrastructure needed to create and maintain the massive outdoor attraction.

Winona Ice Park is one of only a few manufactured ice parks in the United States, and it consistently ranks among the largest. Featuring more than 100 climbing routes that range up to 100 feet tall, the park offers climbing terrain for beginners and experienced ice climbers alike.

Climbers and spectators access the park via the Sugar Loaf Trailhead, a scenic 15–20 minute hike that winds through bluffland forests before reaching the towering ice flows. Even if climbing isn’t your primary objective, the dramatic frozen walls and panoramic views of Winona’s river valley make for excellent winter photography and outdoor exploration.