Through the years, suffering the cold has become a sort of challenge that we celebrate. It’s a challenge that many accept excitedly and many more accept begrudgingly. For instance, do you remember the ice bucket challenge where you dump a bucket of ice over a friend (or victim) for charity? Or the various snowball fights you had as a child or maybe still have, because who ever really grows out of wanting to play in the snow? We take stock in knowing that we’ve embraced the cold and we’re always a little rosier and prouder for doing so. It goes beyond our backyard though, with communities around the country celebrating winter’s beauty and coming together to make something magical, memorable, and fulfilling. It’s not just that we’re trying to beat the cold, but find a reason to make something meaningful because of it. In Leavenworth, Washington, they celebrate winter with the Bavarian Icefest which includes outdoor games, treats, and a stroll down a stunning street adorned with holiday lights. In our neighbor state of Wisconsin, they celebrate Winter Fest with art, music, and various family events and friendly competitions.

In International Falls, we have our own winter celebrations and, not to brag, but we’ve become quite famous for them. With several national news stations and big-name writers coming to check out Icebox Days and watch runners shiver through the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run, we proudly own the “Icebox of the Nation” nickname. You’ll be hard pressed to find a colder place in the US than International Falls, MN, on any given day in January. But it’s just that challenge that we accept gladly as we prepare to celebrate the 40th Annual Icebox Days Winter Festival.

If you’re ready to celebrate the cold with us, there’s a plethora of activities to choose from in order to stay warm, and most importantly, have fun in January. To help you get organized, here are a few suggestions to make the most out of your festival weekend:

1. Moonlight Snowshoe Hike: Luminaries to light your way, this is a romantic Friday night date activity. Pack a flashlight or headlamp, check in at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center around 7 PM for free snowshoe rentals, and make your way through the hushed and peaceful nighttime forest in Voyageurs National Park.
2. Icebox Days Pancake Breakfast: Feed your inner lumberjack with a thick stack of pancakes at Elk’s Lodge on Saturday morning. Free will offering will get your hands on some hot cakes, sausage, juice, and coffee.
3. Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run: Registration opens at 8 AM, the 5K race begins at 9 AM, and the 10K race begins at 10 AM. Lace up your shoes or cheer on the brave runners and walkers from the sidelines.
4. Frostbite Falls Open Ice Golf Tournament: If Santa played golf, this might be his favorite course. It’s a winter paradise with nine holes and golfers deck their “carts” out in a friendly competition for the “Best Sled” award. Registration opens at 11 AM.
5. Frozen Turkey Bowling or the Toilet Seat Toss: Take your pick as to what you’d like to throw across the frigid ice more: turkeys or toilet seats. The frozen turkey toss event is free and simply asks that participants toss a frozen turkey down a bowling lane in their best attempt at hitting as many pins as possible. If you’ve never seen a frozen turkey roll down a bowling lane and you like to laugh, this event might be for you. Head to the Backus Community Center at 1 PM and don’t miss a beat of this wacky event. On the other hand, if you’ve ever had plumbing issues and have unreleased aggression towards a toilet seat, the 1 PM Toilet Seat Toss at the Viking Bar and Lounge might be an even better fit.
6. Chili Feed: The cold means you burn more calories. So filling up on something warm and satisfying is a must. The Chili Feed starts at 2 PM at the Backus Community Center and you can purchase small or large bowls, depending on your appetite. You’ll sample from steamy pots of chili to choose your favorite. Over the years we’ve found that the winner is rarely the mouth-burning spicy variety but rather a really good hit for a variety of palates. But, if you like it hot, there’s always a pot or two of fire-alarm worthy chili to try.
7. Smoosh Races: Never played on a smoosh board? Make this day your first time and with any amount of beginner’s luck, you’ll have a shot at cash prizes from the Chamber. Smoosh racers strap four team members to a prepared two-by-four and then try to run, in unison (or more often in a state of complete confusion) down the course, negotiate a turn and race back to the finish line. If you want to compete but don’t have two-by-fours with some sort of strap or binder system, they can be provided. If you don’t want to compete, join the crowd of spectators having a laugh or two as teams do their best to compete in an intentionally clumsy contest.
8. Fireworks: Cuddle up with a loved one under a warm blanket and settle in along 3rd Street to listen to and watch the fireworks show.

If you’re staying in town through Sunday, the festivities continue with canoe races, a hot dog roast, and a figure skating competition and exhibition. For the full list of events and details, visit the Chamber’s website here.

Want to see what Icebox Days from years past looked like? Read on from our blog here.

If you’ve ever been in Voyageurs National Park, you know what makes this place special because you’ve experienced it firsthand: every ripple from your paddle that catches the sun, every tree laden with snow that reminds you to slow down and breathe a little deeper, and every critter you glimpse on its merry way. Whether over wave or ice, your best bet to move around the park is over water, as it makes up over 40% of the park. For any season, mapping it out ahead of your visit is key. From camping, trail, and area maps, we’ve got you covered with an exhaustive list of maps on our website here.
It’s a wild, exceptionally beautiful place and waiting for you to explore. Plan your visit here and check out our packing checklist to make sure you bring the right gear to travel, sleep, and play.

Fresh powder means something exciting up north: it’s sled time. As the first snowflakes touch the ground and start to accumulate, snowmobile covers are lifted, and fuel or gear runs eat up entire afternoons. After you’ve tuned up your sled, checked for fuel, and cleared away the dust, you’ll be anxious to hit the trails. When it’s time to dig out your snow pants, puffy winter coat, and thermal undergarments, we’ve got some tips to keep you safe, informed, and excited about hitting the trails.

1. Check the Weather: Knowing the forecast can save you from heading home in a storm or steering straight into thin ice. From December snowstorms to March melts, checking the weather before you head out on the trail can save your life.
2. Check the Trails: Before you take the sled out of the garage, you’ll need to check trail conditions. Voyageur Trail Society, Inc. keeps up-to-date trail conditions posted. Many trails are well-groomed and the National Park Service keeps trail specific updates on their site here. You’ll want to check your trail to be sure it is open (especially during the early snowmobile season in December) before heading out.
3. Wear Appropriate Clothes and Gear: Goggles? Helmet? Thermal layers? Water? Dressing appropriately for the trail ensures your safety and the safety of those around you. Depending on how long you plan to be out on the trails, you may even consider packing a snack or lunch. Most importantly, dress in layers and make sure you are wearing appropriate gear and clothing for the weather.
4. Share Your Plans: If you’re a solo rider, tell someone your plans and your route. It’s important to communicate your plans with someone before heading out on the trail for your own safety. In case of an emergency, there will be someone who knows where to find you and when you left.
5. Pack In and Pack Out: Rainy Lake and Voyageur’s National Park are visited by tourists every year. Adhering to the Boy Scouts motto of pack in and pack out, it’s important to help keep this area clean for all who visit, from tourists to our furry friends. If you packed a lunch or brought your favorite soda along, remember to take any trash you have from it with you. This helps keep this beautiful area clean and safe for your return next year.

 
Excited to get out and ride? With so many trails to choose from, the hardest part of your trip might be choosing which trail to ride first. Here is a map to help you plan your route.
 
Remember to have fun and be safe!