Ice Castles in Midway, Utah

We had the opportunity this week to visit the Ice Castles in Midway, Utah. This was our first time at the Ice Castles, but because we had just seen Frozen so I knew my Little Chefs were going to make parallels to the movie and enjoy this experience even more. We arrived at dusk, just before the sun set, which seems to be SO early now days! We were able to see the Ice Castles in some light and then enjoyed them in the dark. The castles are lit from the inside with changing colors. They glow in the moonlight.

So how do they make the Ice Castles? They are beautiful and amazing to look at but they are labor intensive. They have an Ice Farm where they grow icicles. Once they are a certain size they are broken off and attached to the top of a current Ice Castle with some slush. At night when they are closed they turn on some sprinklers which spray the entire structure. The water and the cold nights cause the Castle to grow. You could visit each week and see the changes. A couple of the castles have water continually running through it which makes a peaceful sound.

I tried to take this picture so you could get an idea how tall the structure is. I was told that it will continue to grow and by the time the exhibit closes this structure is expected to be double its current size! It was amazing to see in person this tall. Double its size is amazing!

If you have seen Frozen you will want to search for Olaf! He is amazing to look at but extremely fragile. Little Chef H couldn’t stop looking at him long enough to take a picture!

My Little Chefs were amazed at how tall everything was, the lights, the sound of the water and discovering the pathways. I was amazed at how similar this was to caves I have seen with the stalagtites and stalagmites.

A few things to know:

• While I did see a few stroller within the Ice Castles I would not recommend them. The inner pathways are narrow which makes it is hard for two adults to comfortably pass each other.
• Allow plenty of time to explore. My Little Chefs loved going in one path and coming out somewhere different. We always are enforcing the buddy system. I would recommend that as well, especially as it gets darker it became more and more busy.
• Food it not allowed inside.
• If you want to come back and see it grow and evolve you may purchase a bounce back ticket for $5 or a ticket for $15 which allows you to come back as many times as you would like until the exhibit closes at the end of February.
• It is cold. It is winter and this would not be possible in the warm weather. Dress appropriately so you can enjoy the beauty.
• Lastly, because I’m a mom and always need to know where the bathrooms are….there are two portable ones outside the exhibit but close to the entrance.

While food is not allowed inside just outside the entrance and exit is a Cocoa and Donuts shop. Hot Cocoa is $2 and donuts are $1. They also sell cookies. We waited for 3 families to get in which was really fast. However it seemed like sometimes they do have a longer line which forms in front of the Cocoa and Donut Shop. What a great way to warm up while you are waiting in line to get in, or to warm up after before getting in the car to go home.

Overall, we ALL enjoyed the Ice Castles! We got there at the perfect time to enjoy them in the light and in the dark. It was smaller (in square footage) then I expected but knowing how this was made I’m impressed how large it is! This is something I would recommend you see. I’m sure my Little Chefs will be asking to go to it again!

Ice Castles are located at 150 W 100 N in Midway, Utah. Click here for more specific information including pricing.

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Thursday:  2pm – 9pm

Friday: 2pm – 10pm
Saturday:  noon – 10pm
Sunday:  CLOSED