The annual Ice Castles — Minnesota attraction made its earliest-ever opening last week, just in time for News Year’s Day visitors to explore the frozen spectacle at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights. Promoters have staged the event at various locations in the Twin Cities, includi ng Stillwater, before last year’s debut in Falcon Heights. Work on the illuminated castles, which include ice slides, tunnels, caverns and intricate ice sculptures, began in early December. For ticketing information, go to icecastles.com/minnesota. Related Articles Top 10 new theme park attractions in the U.S. for 2026 ‘The past gives comfort’: Finding refuge on analog islands amid deepening digital seas Recipe: Enjoy this pasta dish on New Year’s Day while watching the parade on TV Our favorite dishes and drinks from 2025 Cypriot fishermen battle invasive lionfish and turn them into a tavern delicacy ...read more read less