Festival Information

The information below will help you navigate everything happening during the Lake Superior Ice Festival—from parking and shuttles to finding your favorite activities across the island.

Event Costs

Attendance at the Lake Superior Ice Festival is free. However, a few optional activities do have fees associated with them. These are noted on the event schedule and include:

  • Food Vendors – Food and beverages available for purchase at various prices

  • Ice Racing – Admission fee required

  • Face Painting - nominal fee

  • Tournaments – Registration fees may apply

    • Demos and Learn-to-Play opportunities are FREE

Getting Warm

There are plenty of ways to warm up throughout the festival:

Firepits
Our traditional firepits will be located around Barkers Island near activity areas. They’ll be burning and fully stocked with wood throughout the event—perfect for warming up and gathering with friends.

Missinne Warming Tent
Returning this year thanks to Missinne Greenhouse & Landscape! Located in Festival Park, this heated tent is a great place to warm up and enjoy food from our vendors. Tables and chairs will be provided. (Food is not sold inside the tent.)

Barkers Island Inn
Step inside to warm up, grab a bite to eat, and check out the Market & Craft Fair on Saturday.

Lake Superior Estuarium
Visit this cozy indoor space to explore exhibits and connect with local organizations. While you’re there, learn more about the Estuarium and let kids enjoy the Superior YMCA Kid Zone.

SS Meteor
Warm up aboard the historic SS Meteor and browse official Lake Superior Ice Festival merchandise.

Parking & Shuttles

General Parking

General parking is available:

  • On the hill as you enter Barkers Island

  • In the parking lot near the Bong Center

  • At the Barkers Island Inn parking lot

Please follow all posted signs and barricades.

🚫 No parking is allowed along Marina Drive on either side.
Vehicles parked there will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. This corridor must remain clear for emergency access.

Shuttles

Hay Bale Shuttles
Hay bale shuttles are back! Please refer to the event map for designated pick-up and drop-off locations. Riders are asked to load and unload from one side of the shuttle only.

Accessible Priority Trolley
The Duluth DTA will provide an Accessible Priority Trolley that stops at all parking areas to assist guests with mobility needs. This route is highlighted on the event map.

For everyone’s safety, shuttles will only stop at designated locations. Thank you for helping us keep the festival safe, smooth, and enjoyable for all!

Hay Bale Shuttle

Hay Bale Shuttle Routes will be:
1. Hill Parking area to Festival Park
2. Festival Park to Beach Area
3. Beach Area to Boat Launch Parking Lot
4. Boat Launch Parking Lot to Barkers Island Inn
5. Barkers Island Inn to Festival Park
6. Festival Park to Hill Parking Area

For safety reasons, shuttles will not stop at the beach area when traveling from the Inn.

 Dates and Times

ONE Haybale Shuttle: Friday, January 30, 2026 – 5pm – 8pm
THREE Haybale Shuttles: Saturday, January 31, 2026 – 10am – 7pm

DTA Trolley Shuttle

The priority for this shuttle is those needing accessible access or those needing extra accommodation such as wheelchairs or strollers. This shuttle will also follow a specific route and riders will only be able to enter or exit at the specified stops. Maps of the routes and stops will be available online and onsite during the event.

DTA Stride Shuttle Routes will be:

1. Bong Center to Fishing Pier
2. Fishing Pier to Festival Park
3. Festival Park to Beach Area
4. Beach Area to Boat Launch Parking Lot
5. Boat Launch Parking Lot to Barkers Inn
6. Barkers Inn to Festival Park
7. Festival Park to Fishing Pier
8. Fishing Pier to Bong Center

 Dates and Times

Friday, January 30, 2026 – 5pm – 8pm
Saturday, January 31, 2026 – 10:30am – 7:20pm