HEATED PATIOS
 

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL 

Although it's barely two miles outside of downtown Minneapolis, the massive winter beer garden at Utepils Brewing feels like another world altogether. It's nestled on the banks of Basset Creek and it's not uncommon to see deer grazing in the adjacent field while you enjoy one of the brewery's fabulous Bavarian-style beers. Come dressed in layers and prepare to get cozy with live music, a large fire pit, semi-covered tents and food trucks.

Housed in the oldest surviving commercial building in St. Paul, Waldmann Brewing goes above and beyond to honor its historic digs: The beer is rooted in classic styles that were common during the building's 1857 run as a German lager saloon, and the interior is filled with all manner of pre-Civil War memorabilia and engravings. The only thing that doesn't feel like it was pulled from a history book is the heated outdoor Biergarten, which uses an array of 10 highly efficient, clean-burning natural gas heaters to keep you warm all winter long. 

Located in hip Northeast Minneapolis, Sociable Cider Werks is staying outside this season with a dreamy winter patio area with more than eight firepits, smores kits and food trucks serving up soups and other hot items. Venturing further out into Fridley is Forgotten Star Brewing, which adds a curling league (!) into the mix every winter.  

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Bundle up and enjoy a beer at the outdoor patio of Chapel Brewing in Dundas, where the taproom building dates to 1880 and — true to its title — was originally one of the town's churches. If you're more into craft spirits and cocktails, 10,000 Drops is also nearby and known for its Lokal Vodka that's available either straight-up or distilled with blood orange, key lime pie or Meyer lemon flavors.

Over in St. Joseph, Milk & Honey Ciders will keep their campfires hot this winter in an expansive outdoor area. You can also stand by one of the heaters in their open-air tent. Fergus Falls' Outstate Brewing has installed several new fire pits for you to enjoy as you sip one of their seasonal brews this winter. While you're there, check out more things to do in Otter Tail County. 

IGLOO DINING

DUKE'S ON 7   
MINNETONKA 

Duke’s on 7 offers a variety of American fare, and guests can preorder food and drinks from a special igloo menu in addition to their traditional menu. Find colorful crudité boards, dessert boards, and other sweet treats. Warm options, such as fondue, are also available to preorder, while the regular menu—including burgers, sandwiches, walleye fish and chips and noodle bowls—is available to order during the meal. 

Dine on the backyard patio in your very own igloo under sparkling string lights. The igloos can hold up to six people, and offer a heater, fireplace and cozy blankets to keep warm. 

GRAND VIEW LODGE  
NISSWA

Grand View Lodge offers igloo dining in front of its iconic Northwoods Pub and on the patio of its Pines Golf Course. Two-hour reservations are available for up to six people.

MINERAL SPRINGS BREWERY 
OWATONNA

Mineral Springs Brewery takes 90-minute reservations for four different igloos that seat up to eight people. Themes include a "Garden Party", a cabin-inspired "Up North" experience, and a "Winter Wonderland" featuring decor from Souba Greenhouse. 

LOCK AND DAM EATERY
HASTINGS

Lock and Dam Eatery in downtown Hastings offers igloo dining for up to eight people. Have dinner underneath the stars next to the mighty Mississippi River in this charming downtown. There is a $25 maintenance fee and a $30 deposit, which can be used towards your bill with a minimum spend of $150 or put on a gift card for a future visit.  

ICE BARS

ROSALIA
MINNEAPOLIS

Daniel del Prado's home for charred and chewy wood-fired pizza does an Aperitivo on Ice dance every winter featuring a fire pit and exclusive cocktails on par with the rest of the restauranteur's local empire. Look out for temp-raising tipples like Italian Hot Chocolate spiked with coco nib-infused Cynar, a Vin Brule blend of brandy, red wine, spiced pear, sweet vermouth, cinnamon and nutmeg, and a ski slope-adjacent Amaro Cauldo cocktail of alpine liqeur, bananana, bourbon, honey and aromatic bitters. 

SAINT PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL  
ST. PAUL

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival always has an array of activities for visitors: music, a parade, ice carvings and snow sculptures, to name a few. But perhaps the best ice-related feature is the ice bar, allowing visitors to refresh themselves and stay cool throughout the festivities. In addition to Minnesota-made wine and beer, the ice bar also serves hot spiced wine. Find it in the heart of downtown at the newly renovated Rice Park.

SOCIAL ICE 
ROCHESTER

Downtown Rochester’s Social-ICE event is more than your average ice bar experience; it's a full-blown winter extravaganza. Held annually in Peace Plaza, Social ICE boasts a wide assortment of themed ice bars, including showstoppers like Half Barrel’s Minnesota Wild bar and a “Ghostbusters” bar by Kathy’s Pub. You'll also find DJs and ice sculptures at this free, three-night event. Grab a signature drink from any of the seven participating bars throughout the weekend.

ZIPPEL BAY RESORT
LAKE OF THE WOODS

Ice bar, ice igloo, place to ice fish; it’s a little bit of everything. A perennial staple of winter on Lake of the Woods, this wooden structure covered with foam insulation is dragged out onto the ice for anglers and anyone else who wants to visit. Pull open trap doors to go fishing from the comfort of your bar stool, or simply grab a drink, kick back and soak up the unique charms of the heated igloo bar.

Find more things to do in Minnesota this winter.