In 1885, a New York reporter described Saint Paul as "another Siberia, unfit for human habitation" in winter. St. Paulites were highly offended by the insult, so they decided to prove that St. Paul was not just habitable, but actually fun in the winter, by having a big party. In 1886, the first Winter Carnival had an huge ice palace, parades, skiing, snow shoeing, games and sledding.
Today, the St. Paul Winter Carnival is the largest event in the Twin Cities over the winter. The Winter Carnival is famous for displays of ice carvings, Minnesotan foods, and the torchlight parade through downtown St. Paul. Modern carnivals include ice racing, art shows, free ice skating, snow sculptures, and sporting contests.
In 2013, the St. Paul Winter carnival starts on January 24, until February 3.
Major Events at the St. Paul Winter Carnival
All events are free and open to spectators, unless otherwise noted.
Starting Sunday January 20 - February 3, or until someone find the treasure: Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt. Try to decipher the clues printed in the Pioneer Press newspaper to find a medallion hidden somewhere in one of St. Paul's parks.
Thursday January 24 - Sunday February 3: Snow Park at the Fair, Snow Sculpture Viewing.. The annual tradition of snow sculpture at the Winter Carnival continues at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Admission is free.
Thursday January 24 - Sunday February 3: Ice Carving Competition. This is one reason to hope for consistent sub-freezing temperatures, to keep the intricate ice sculptures looking their best through the carnival. The ice carving is at Rice Park in downtown St. Paul. Watch the artists work, and view the completed carvings. Free.
Thursday January 24 - Saturday January 26: Red Bull Crashed Ice. Happening to coincide with the Winter Carnival, a terrifying downhill ice skating course will be set up on the hill outside St. Paul's Cathedral, for a qualifier for this year's Red Bull Crashed Ice downhill ice skating world championship.
Thursday January 24: Moon Glow Parade The kick-off event starts at 5.30pm in downtown St. Paul.
Saturday January 26:
- 8 am - 10 am: Hot Air Balloon Rally and Race, White Bear Lake
- 9 am: Autonomous Snow Plow Competition, Rice Park, St. Paul
- 9 am: Winter Carnival Disk Golf Competition, Como Park, St. Paul
- 10 am: North Star Dog Sled Race, Bald Eagle Lake, MN
- 11 am: Pony Rides, Rice Park, St. Paul
- 2 pm: King Boreas Grand Day Parade, downtown St. Paul
- 3.30 pm: Winter Carnival Beer Dabbler beer festival, St. Paul Farmer's Market
Sunday January 27:
- 8 am - 10 am: Hot Air Balloon Rally and Race, White Bear Lake
- 11 am: Pony Rides, Rice Park, St. Paul
Saturday February 1:
- 9 am - 5 pm: Family Day events in Rice Park, downtown St. Paul
- 11 am: Pony Rides, Rice Park, St. Paul
- 2 pm: King Boreas Grand Day Parade, downtown St. Paul
- 5.30 pm: Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade
- 7 pm: Fireworks from Raspberry Island
- 7.30 pm: Overthrow of Boreas, St. Paul Library Steps, downtown St. Paul
The Winter Carnival has plenty of other events over the two weeks, many with Klondike Kate, the Vulcan Krew, and the rest of the cast of Winter Carnival characters. Many of these events are ticketed. All of the Winter Carnival Events can be found at the Winter Carnival website.
