Embrace Winter's Chill at Alpena Ice Fest

In the heart of the Midwest, where winter’s icy grip is both a rite of passage and a way of life, Michiganders don’t merely endure the frigid months — they embrace them with unparalleled enthusiasm. Nowhere is this celebration of winter more evident than in Alpena, a charming lakeside town about an hour north of Huron House. Every February, the annual Alpena Ice Fest captures the essence of the season, bringing together locals and visitors for a frosty extravaganza.

2024 marks the third year for the Alpena Ice Festival, set for Saturday, February 10. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. in Mich-e-ke-wis Park, where you’ll see ice sculptures galore — from intricate animals to towering structures. Watch as artists armed with chainsaws and chisels turns blocks of ice into stunning masterpieces! Wander through the icy art gallery and then leave your mark on the graffiti ice wall or take a photo by the ice train.

The festival doesn't stop at ice carving. Lace up your skates and glide across the outdoor ice rink, take a horse and carriage ride around the park, go sledding down the hill, watch as the Thunder Bay Curling Club does demonstrations and see a game of broomball. When you’re ready to warm up, head to the warming shelter, where you’ll find vendors from the Alpena Farmers Market, or get toasty by the huge bonfire with hot chocolate and a bite to eat from the food trucks.

As the day progresses, the festivities move to downtown Alpena from 3-7 p.m. There will be 30 ice sculptures on display throughout downtown, plus fire bowls to warm up by and live music by the Alpena Street Performers to enjoy. At Culligan Plaza, you can sip on hot cider as you watch ice sculptors in action. The downtown stores and restaurants will get in on the icy action, too, by offering expanded hours for shopping, as well as food and drink specials with an ice-fest theme.

Michiganders have mastered the art of not just weathering the snowy season but reveling in its beauty, and the Alpena Ice Fest showcases the unique ability to turn winter’s chill into a source of joy and celebration. With its dazzling ice sculptures and festive atmosphere, this annual event is quickly becoming a cherished tradition, inviting everyone to embrace the magic of winter along Lake Huron's shores. When the festivities conclude, head back to Oscoda to warm up by the fireplace in your cozy retreat at Huron House — the perfect winter getaway.