Explore the Magical Ice Palace Maze: Top MN Winter Attraction for Families
The Ice Palace Maze in Stillwater is the largest ice maze in Minnesota. The place has a 10-foot wall around it and ½ mile of winding passages to navigate. Additionally, there is a large ice slide inside.
Inside you’ll be amazed at the winter wonderland they created.
This ice palace is a great place for kids who love to play in the snow, see magical ice creations, or have a date night. There’s an ice bar, hot chocolate, s’mores, and more. So come and have fun!
I had the pleasure of getting a sneak preview of the maze during a media night.
UPDATE: The Ice Palace Maze has moved to Eagan in 2023 and remains there as of 2025.
The Ice Palace Maze
Inside the maze you’ll find more than 2,900 blocks of ice, making the maze bigger than last year. The creators of the Ice Palace Maze have done a great job at creating twists and turns to disorient you while you make your way through.
Inside the maze, you’ll also find some other fun things to do. The maze itself is filled with entertainment, unlike corn mazes. You’ll even see a few ice sculptures and an Ice Queen.
I found myself quite enjoying going through this maze! It reminded me slightly of the MN Ice Castle without the added snow. With the high walls and transparent bricks, it’s easy to get disoriented.
In addition to the entertainment, various objects have been hidden in the ice throughout the maze. If you find all of them, you’ll win a prize at the end.
What else is there to do at the Ice Palace Maze?
Inside the maze, you’ll find sculptures hiding and even an ice throne along with a 36-foot ice slide. This was the highlight of the trip, as you can really get some speed on this.
If you are looking to go fast, wear some snow pants or hiking pants. I was in my trusty hiking pants and flying off the end. The little ones don’t get the same momentum but have just as much fun.
The Ice Palace Made Ice Bar and Hot Chocolate Stand
Need to warm up? Stop by the Hot Chocolate Stand. If you haven’t seen an ice bar, they are out of this world. I think they really shine at night when everything is lit up.
Don’t worry, they have something for everyone as they are a family-friendly establishment.
S’mores kits are $5 and come with enough makings to do two full s’mores. Grab a poker and let the kids roast some winter marshmallows and create their own s’more.
What you need to know about the Ice Palace
How long does it take to get through The MN Ice Maze?
The whole experience took about 45 minutes to an hour to explore. It was a fun escape from the Twin Cities. We spent about 20 minutes exploring the maze.
The rest of the time outside the maze walls enjoying the fire and making a treat for us.
When is the Ice Palace Maze Open?
The Ice Palace Maze is typically open 7 days a week, starting in early January through late February or early March, depending on winter weather conditions. For the 2025-2026 season, check the official website for exact dates as they are not set until closer to winter.
Hours are generally Monday-Friday from 2 pm to 10 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 12 pm to 10 pm, but confirm for the current season.
Where to get tickets?
You can purchase tickets online. Kids four and under are free and anyone 100 and over is free too. Adults 13-99 are $22 and kids 5-12 are $14. Prices and availability may vary for 2025; check the site for updates.
I highly recommend purchasing tickets online, and they will sell out on the weekends. You can also save $2 a ticket online. Complete the waiver online when you buy tickets and save some time during the entry.
What to wear the ice maze?
With any winter activity, always dress in layers and wear your Darn Tough Socks. Bring a few extra just in case. Hats, mittens, the works.
If you have kids or are thinking you’ll use the slide, bring snow pants. I tried going down a slide in jeans on the Galveston Ice Slide and stuck right to it. Some Toe Warmers would have been good since my son was complaining about the cold.
Use your own best judgment. Speaking from my experience at Glow and Miracle at Big Rock, I was happy to have a mask for extra warmth. Since the maze has high walls, wind may not be a problem, but it will still help with the cold.
Want to spend more time in the area? Make sure to check out: 24 Best Things To Do In Eagan MN
Would I Go to the Ice Palace Maze Again?
I had the pleasure of attending the Ice Palace Maze media preview. This was a great event.
I spent about 45 minutes walking through this maze and found it so much fun to explore.
There were laughs from everyone in the family the whole time we explored the labyrinth. If you are looking for something fun to do, I recommend you check it out. Note: As of 2025, confirm current availability and any updates to the event schedule on the official website.
*Pictures from this event are from Stillwater.
