4 Twin Cities area ice attractions that make the most of winter With ice castles, ice mazes and ice carousels, Minnesota is a winter wonderland.
By Alex Chhith, January 17, 2023 at 5:00AM | Star Tribune
Chuck Zwilling and his family created an ice carousel with four smaller ones inside of it in Little Falls in 2019. (Provided by Becca Ruegemer/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
An ice-go-round
Chuck Zwilling and his family are attempting to break a very specific world record — for the largest ice carousel within another ice carousel.That should be a cinch, because they already hold a Guinness World Record for the ice carousel they created last year. The carousels are part of I.C.E. Fest 2023 in Little Falls, Minn., on Feb. 11-12.
Visitors will be able to watch as the crews use chainsaws to cut the massive circles of ice on Green Prairie Fish Lake. The circle will then be propelled into a slow rotation by motors inserted in holes in the ice.
"What we discovered over the years is that's what people like to see — the cutting and the getting it spinning," said Becca Ruegemer, director of marketing.
In addition to watching the ice cutting and riding on the carousels, visitors can try curling, dog-sledding, human foosball and bowling and, if the weather permits, airplane rides.
The free event (donations are encouraged) also includes food and beverages. All proceeds go to programs that help at-risk children.
www.MnIceFest.com.