by COVID can’t freeze out the Ice Castles. It’s official: they’ll open this Friday, January 22nd at Geneva National Resort.
This news eases The Farmer’s Almanac prediction for colder and snowier winter than normal in Wisconsin: the Ice Castles are back in Lake Geneva this season! They started work in November, and they open this Friday, January 22nd. This will be the third straight year Lake Geneva hosts the majestic winter display, which requires tens of thousands of icicles to be fused and frozen together. Often reaching 30,000 square feet in size, you can walk under, over, and through this lit, frozen wonderland – sometimes you can even slide down parts of it.
The Lake Geneva area offers plenty to enjoy in winter, but the return of the Ice Castles kicks it up yet another notch. According to Lake Geneva Regional News, plans for this winter include a downsized castle built in a shady location to help shield the ice during mild weather and sunny days, and a footprint of about one acre, about 30 percent smaller than last year. However, it will have taller walls and “a more vertical construction” to compensate.
Due to COVID, some changes are in order this season. Admission will be timed with limited capacity to accommodate social distancing; the tunnels, maze, and some other areas will be one-way only; and masks will be required (they keep your face warmer anyway, that’s a good thing.)
Tickets for the Ice Castles are on sale now! Admission prices are as follows:
WEEKDAYS (Monday – Thursday):
General Admission, ages 12 and up: $18.99
Child Admission, ages 4-11: $12.99
Children 3 and younger: Free
WEEKENDS (Friday – Sunday):
General Admission, ages 12 and up: $22.99
Child Admission, ages 4-11: $18.99
Children 3 and younger: Free
Geneva National Resort & Club will host the Ice Castles this year, and with its location on Lake Como, they will be easily accessible via Highways 50 or 67, just minutes off I-43 or the U.S. 12 freeway.
We’ll keep you posted on tickets and more specific dates as construction time – and the winter weather – gets closer!
