Minneapolis in Winter: Welcome to Winter*apolis

“Land of 10,000 lakes” – that’s not just Minnesota’s nickname, it’s an understatement. The 32nd state of the USA has more than 11,000 lakes. Thirteen of these are located in the middle of its largest city, Minneapolis. When the freezing winter cold turns the entire city into a shimmering snowy landscape and the lakes freeze over, a much-loved Minnesotan tradition comes to life: pond hockey.   

Pond hockey is to professional ice hockey as soccer in the park is to MLS. It’s the more primitive form of hockey played on frozen lakes, anyone can join in, and the playing surfaces are partly created and maintained by the players themselves. All you need to take part are skates, a hockey stick, and a puck. People are more interested in the fun and the sense of community than in winning. 

If you want to try out a round of pond hockey with the locals on your next trip to Minneapolis, or simply want to watch, there are plenty of spots to choose from. These three are among the most popular: 

Rock icon Prince, Minneapolis’ most famous son, immortalized the lake in the song “Rock 'n' Roll Is Alive (And It Lives in Minneapolis).” In the song, he describes a ride around the Lake of the Isles as “cool.” What’s also cool is a game of pond hockey on the lake, as it is considered a real hotspot and offers playing surfaces for everyone – from enthusiastic beginners to hardened professionals. 

Lake Nokomis not only offers a picturesque backdrop for pond hockey, it is also the lake on which the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships are held every year. Anyone can take part in the championships, the teams compete in six different divisions – such as over 40, over 50, veterans, women – and fight for the trophy: the Golden Shovel. Next tournament: January 22–26, 2025. 

Small but beautiful, Cedar Lake often offers a quieter alternative to the busier lakes. Ideal for smaller groups of newcomers to pond hockey. 

To immerse yourself in the world of pond hockey, you don’t need much – a pair of skates, a hockey stick, a puck, and ideally some protective equipment – but it’s still too much for your luggage. However, this should not pose a problem. At many of the venues, you can hire equipment directly on site. If you want to be on the safe side, you’ll also find what you’re looking for at a branch of Play It Again Sports, a chain known for its large selection of used sports equipment. At several locations in and around Minneapolis, Play It Again Sports offers the opportunity to buy and resell skates, hockey sticks, and even protective equipment at low prices.   

Ice hockey too strenuous? Then head to the Luminary Loppet. This event is taking place on February 8, 2025, on the frozen Lake of the Isles. Visitors can stroll, skate, or cross-country ski along a path lined with hundreds of ice lanterns. The illuminated trail also features ice sculptures, fire baskets to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, and live music to add to the festive mood. 

More the nature type? Then it’s a good idea to explore the nearby trails of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Here, visitors hike through untouched nature and enjoy quiet moments on the riverbank – the only sound that interrupts the silence of winter is the crunch of snow underfoot. 

It doesn’t have to be Vail or Aspen, skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts can also find first-class slopes in Minnesota. One of the most popular destinations in the Minneapolis area is Afton Alps, less than an hour from the city. With over 50 runs, modern lifts, and a variety of difficulty levels, Afton Alps is suitable for beginners, as well as for advanced skiers and snowboarders.   

Another excellent ski area is Hyland Hills in Bloomington. This area is especially known for its comprehensive training center that offers lessons and programs for all ages and ability levels. Hyland Hills also has excellent facilities for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, including a well-maintained terrain park. 

Finally, there’s Buck Hill, which, while smaller, is known for its ski racing program and challenging night ski sessions, making it a popular destination for winter sports fans.