10 magical places in Minnesota that look like the North Pole

From reindeer to ice castles, there are plenty of enchanted experiences to behold in Minnesota.

December 13, 2016 at 9:47PM
The Arrowhead 135 Ultra Marathon, from International Falls to Tower Minnesota, follows the scenic and rugged Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail and attracts some of the best ultra-athletes in the world.
The Arrowhead 135 Ultra Marathon, from International Falls to Tower Minnesota, follows the scenic and rugged Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail and attracts some of the best ultra-athletes in the world. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Minnesota winters are no joke, this we know. They can be cold, dreary and a little bit unforgiving.

But they're also what make this state such a spellbinding place when the snow flies.

The cold months transform our state, giving us gorgeous locales that — if you squint your eyes ever so slightly — look a little bit like the North Pole.

Epic sleigh rides? Nordic ice castles? Reindeer? Yep, we have all of that, and so much more. Here are 10 Minnesota places that might be mistaken for Santa's magical North Pole.

1. The North Shore

Winter scene of north shore of Lake Superior from Shovel Point in Tettegouche State Park.
(Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The coastline of Lake Superior is pretty much a winter wonderland during this time of year. Along the scenic routes of the North Shore you're sure to come across reindeer (well, actually just deer), large woodlands, ice fishing, dog sledding and more North Pole-like activities.

2. Arrowhead region

The Arrowhead 135 Ultra Marathon, from International Falls to Tower Minnesota, follows the scenic and rugged Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail and attracts some of the best ultra-athletes in the world. Competitiers can Bike, run or ski the 135 mile race that challenges the body and the mind and presents participants with some of the coldest conditions in ultra marathon racing. (IN THIS PHOTO) Being alone and cold in the wilderness can play as much with your mind as the body. Racers are on their o
(Brian Peterson Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

From shooting stars to falling snow, the Arrowhead region of Minnesota is a winter attraction you can't miss. If Santa were to reside in Minnesota, this is probably where he'd live. See our write-up on Arrowhead as part of our "State of Wonders" series.

3. The North Pole Express

The North Pole Express in St. Paul.
(Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The North Pole Express at Union Depot in St. Paul gives kids a chance to ride a real steam locomotive to the North Pole (actually, it's just a mile-ride trip roundtrip). Santa is on board, and when the snow is falling, the train truly looks like it's rolling through the North Pole.

4. Apostle Islands ice caves

It's been 5 years since the ice has frozen along the south shore of Lake Superior, creating access to the wonders of the Ice Caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Over the weekend over 8,000 people made the pilgrimage, a mile walk along the frozen shore, to witness and photograph the crystal wonders of the caves.
(Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

When the weather is cold enough, beautiful icicles form and dangle along the south shore of Lake Superior. The Apostle Islands ice caves are actually not in Minnesota, but many make the trek to witness the glorious site in Bayfield, Wis. See more photos here.

5. Reindeer at the Como Zoo

(Tom Horgen/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Real reindeer in Minnesota? You better believe it. Como Zoo officials say the reindeer are living in St. Paul because the North Pole has gotten too "Claus-trophobic" this time of year. You can even watch them live 24/7 on the zoo's "Reindeer Cam."

6. Sandstone Ice Park

Photo by Lisa Meyers McClintick. Two instructors from Twin Cities-based Vertical Endeavors coaches a group of new ice climbers on how to get their ice axes securely picked into frozen wall at Sandstone�s Robinson�s Quarry.
(Tom Horgen/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Adventurous winter warriors love to climb these walls of ice located in Robinson Park in Sandstone, Minn., which is about half way between the Twin Cities and Duluth. The next big ice festival is Jan. 6-8. Go here for more details.

7. Ice Castles

A visiter poses for a photo at the Ice Castles at Miller Park in Eden Prairie on Monday, January 25, 2016.
(Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Spires of ice shoot into the air, creating a frozen palace for families to explore. This chilly affair moves from Eden Prairie to Stillwater this year, opening in December or early January, depending on weather. More information on dates and tickets go here.

8. Minnehaha Falls

The falls at Minnehaha Falls is encrusted in ice but work by he Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has resumed to repair crib walls, bridges and retaining walls and is expected to be finished sometime this year.. In this photo:] The falls is frozen below as pedestrians cross the bridge over the creek, just above the falls.
(Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The frozen falls are Instagram heaven, with many people ignoring the "no trespassing" signs each year to climb behind the slope of the falls.

9. Sleigh rides on Gunflint Trail

For 20 years, Mark and Nancy Patton and their extended family have been offering sleigh rides through their Gunflint Trail property, attracting visitors from all over the US and over 40 countries to enjoy the Northern Minnesota winter.
(Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Does it look like the North Pole? For sure. But a lot of people also compare it to Narnia. The Gunflint Trail way Up North has been home to sleigh rides for years. Go here to learn more about the Okontoe campground, and this majestic experience.

10. The Northern Lights

The Arrowhead 135 Ultra Marathon, from International Falls to Tower Minnesota, follows the scenic and rugged Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail and attracts some of the best ultra-athletes in the world.
(Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Need we say more? The view here was shot from the top of Wakemup Hill along the Arrowhead 135 Ultra Marathon, from International Falls to Tower Minnesota. For more Northern Lights, take a look at this.

(Photos by staff photographers Brian Peterson, David Joles, Leila Navidi, Glen Stubbe and Marlin Levison. Other images courtesy Lisa Meyers McClintick and Como Zoo and Conservatory)

about the writers

about the writers

Tom Horgen

Assistant Managing Editor/Audience

Tom Horgen is the Assistant Managing Editor/Audience, leading the newsroom to build new, exciting ways to reach readers across all digital platforms.

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Rachel Chazin

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