Icebox Days is the zaniest winter festival in North America! Go all the way north to International Falls, where “Only the Bold Run the Cold,” during this famous border town’s Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run. The festival includes other wacky events, such as frozen turkey bowling, smoosh races, frozen golf and boot hockey.

The Sax-Zim Bog, near the Mesabi Iron Range, is a winter home to birds and owls, like the boreal chickadee, northern hawk owl, snow owl, great northern owl and more. Winter snowshoe hikes and guided field trips allow you to experience the flora and fauna of this unique landscape with a naturalist.

After a day of snowshoeing and winter hiking, relax in your choice of accommodations, and fuel up at a local restaurant. For some indoor fun, explore museums like the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm and the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth.

Embrace winter in a new way in Grand Rapids. The area boasts an abundance of outdoor recreation, like the new world-class mountain bike trail, Tioga. This 20-mile purpose-built, singletrack trail features a wide variety of cross-country and flow downhills, with great variety for the whole family.

In the evening, settle in for some live music at a craft brewery, or see a professional theater production at the Reif Performing Arts Center. You'll also find a new wine bar, northern-inspired cuisine, and cozy lodging options.

Dubbed one of “16 Unexpected Adventures You Need to Experience” by Expedia, dogsledding in Ely is a winter must-do. Ely-area dogsled outfitters offer a wide variety of options; there are day trips, overnight yurt trips and even trips for ice fishing. Best of all, no experience is required—anyone can participate. Explore the wilderness by dogsled for an unforgettable winter adventure.

No snow is no problem at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, where snowmaking machines ensure there's always fresh powder all winter long. Test your downhill skills on any of the 22 runs and three terrain parks. There's also 22 kilometers of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and a chalet for warming up with a cup of hot chocolate. Equipment rentals and lessons are available.

From looking up at the northern lights, to views of frozen cascading waterfalls and the quiet of the forest under a blanket of snow, winter trail adventures are unlike any other season. Discover miles of trails in and around Two Harbors. By foot, walk the lakeside Sonju Trail, hike or snowshoe the rustic Superior Hiking Trail or explore Gooseberry Falls State Park. Or hop on a fat bike and ride the 13+ miles of groomed trails between Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and the Donald D. Ferguson Demonstration Forest.