Winter in northern Minnesota isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those who embrace it, the season is nothing short of magical. It’s the backdrop for some of the most unique, exciting, and downright quirky events of the year. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there’s always something happening to help you celebrate the coldest season in true "up north" style.
Ice Fest 2025
Jan 4th - 5th | Breezy point, mn
Fun all weekend long! A winter market, bags tournament, ice skating, bonfire and smores, hayrides, live music + more! Visit their Facebook page for all the details.
Antique Snowmobile Rendezvous
Jan 16th - 18th | HOLE IN THE DAY BAY, GULL LAKE, MN
Starting at Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes — antique and vintage snowmobile show, trail ride and competitions! The races will include only snowmobiles built in 1966 and older. More info and a schedule here.
Cuyuna Lakes Icykel Fat Tire Race
JAn 18th | Crosby, MN
10k, 20k, and 40k race routes all in the infamously groomed trails of the Cuyuna State Rec Area. Get ready for a weekend of fun and fat biking in the Cuyuna Iron Range. Proceeds go to the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Crew!
Winter Yoga Festival
JAn 25th | Northern Pacific Center, BRainerd, MN
Hosted by Notice Wellness. Enjoy yoga, meditation, brunch snacks, sound bath, silent auction and more in the Luminary Fern located at the Northern Pacific Center. Tickets can be purchased here.
Crosslake Winterfest
Jan 30tH | Crosslake, MN
An all-weekend event with fun happenings throughout! A medallion hunt, trivia, meat raffles, soupfest, and more! Visit their website to learn more and plan your weekend!
LOCAL LODGING RECOMMENDATIONS
WOODS TO WATER VACATION HOMES | Premier vacation rentals in the Brainerd Lakes Area designed to host you + your crew this winter. Visit our website to view our full portfolio.
Jaycee's Fishing Extravaganza
FEB 1 | HOLE IN THE DAY BAY, GULL LAKE, MN
Head to Gull lake for the world's largest charitable fishing event + so much more. Huge prizes and fun all weekend on + off the ice! Entry fee to fish is $50/person available for purchase on their website.
2025 Nisswa Winter Jubilee
FEB 14-16 | nisswa, MN
Join the 2025 Nisswa Jubilee Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16 in downtown Nisswa, Minnesota. The event includes a variety of activities, including yoga, a meat raffle, a karaoke night, and a medallion hunt. Visit the Facebook Event Page for all the details!
Gull Lake Frozen Fore
FEB 21st - Feb 23rd | Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, MN
What’s better than a summer bar crawl? A winter one—on Gull Lake. The Frozen Fore is three days of nonstop action, kicking off Friday with live music and a tent party to set the vibe. Saturday is where the real magic happens—grab your crew and hit up lakeside stops by snowmobile, shuttle, or even golf cart (yes, really). Then, it’s back to the tent for another round of music and high-energy fun. Sunday wraps things up with the Frozen Flop, where the brave (or the slightly crazy) take a plunge into icy waters for charity. Mark your calendars for the ultimate winter weekend and get ready for an epic ROAD TRIP themed snow-golf pub crawl, tent parties with live music, and Food Fest! More info here.
Triple Fest
FEB 21st - 22nd | Breezy point resort
Triple Fest and it's snowmobile drag racing returns to Breezy Point Resort this February, bigger, and better than ever before! Snowmobile races on Pelican Lake right off the shore from Breezy Point resort and weekend jam packed with people, partying, and epic racing all in one place! There are also plans to bring back the Triple Ride, Drivers Dinner, Snow Drags, Ice Drags, Kids Racing, Awards Ceremony, and After Party! And this year, it’s all in one place — Breezy Point Resort!
If winter fun with a little bit of everything is your style, Triple Fest has you covered. Start the weekend with an outdoor curling contest on Friday, then dive into a full day of action on Saturday—think cornhole tournaments, a medallion hunt, live music, and a street dance that turns Breezy Point into the ultimate winter party. Got kids? There’s plenty for them too, from games to good old-fashioned snow-filled fun. And on Sunday, wrap up the weekend with a solid breakfast and a round of awards to celebrate the best of the best.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025
Triple Ride (group snowmobile ride, details to follow)
11 AM – 2:00 PM
Drivers Dinner, Marina II Restaurant (Breezy Point Resort)
6 PM — Bar Opens / Cocktail Hour
7 PM — Buffet Dinner Starts
Pre-Party at Dockside Lounge (Breezy Point Resort)
Happy Hour ½ price drinks from 5-7 PM
Full menu available
DJ starting at 9 PM
RACING
Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9 AM until done
- 500’ Snow Drag Track presented by ResTech Systems
- 660′ Shaved Ice Track presented by SandsAuto.com- link opens in new tab.
- Kids Racing presented by Neaton Brothers Erosion Control
- Race registration is on mescrace.com- link opens in new tab.
- Follow Triplefest MN- link opens in new tab. on Facebook for updates and racer info
Leech Lake 200
Presented by Lakes Area Powersports
FEB 22 - 23, 2025 | Walker, MN
Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. The Leech Lake 200 is pure snowmobile racing grit, with riders tearing through a 200-mile course across frozen terrain, battling for the championship. Whether you’re a die-hard race fan or just love the thrill of watching snow fly, this is the place to be. Find a checkpoint, grab some food, warm up by the bonfire, and get ready for a weekend of high-speed, high-energy action.
Walker, MN is no stranger to the national cross country race season with history hosting many races over the years but for the Cor PowerSports series this is another new venue for the upcoming season. The event will be based out of Trappers Landing Lodge on Leech Lake with pits on the lake in front of the lodge. Like the Heartland 200 and Goodridge/Grygla I-500 we have partnered with the local radio station to provide full race day coverage, the Leech Lake 200 will be broadcasted on KQ102 101.9 FM
The Leech Lake 200 will challenge racers with a 10-11 mile plowed lake course. Leech Lake 200 online race registration is CLOSED.
Brainerd Lakes Home Show & Expo
MAR 21 - 22 | Essentia health sports center, BRainerd, MN
160+ regional businesses showcasing their products and services. Admissions is $5/adult and $4 seniors. This event is open to the public and all ages! Learn about Brainerd Lakes Area businesses, view demonstrations, enjoy tasty food, and so much more!
So, what’s your move?
Whichever event (or events) you choose, one thing’s for sure—this weekend is peak Up North living. See you out there!
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