National Mississippi River Museum Hosting 20th Annual Ice Fest

It's one of the first big outdoor events of the new year, every year, in Dubuque, and every time, it brings out a litany of children and their families for safe and fun escapades in the snow.

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is hosting its 20th Annual Ice Fest Celebration on Saturday, January 13th and Sunday, January 14th. It's two days of both indoor and outdoor activities, as well as a showcase of all the wonderful animals and exhibits the museum has on display.

Those who attend will have the opportunity at a multitude of different activities, including:

• Snowshoeing
• Sledding
• Snow carving
• Observe ice harvesting
• Watch blacksmith demonstrations
• Watch the Dubuque Fire Department conduct open water rescues
• And more!

But even that's not all of it! The River Museum's outdoor activities include a figure skating performance as well as ice skating opportunities too. If warm, climate controlled temperatures are more your speed, there will be crafts and cardboard caves set up for the kids inside the museum doors. Hot chocolate and s'mores kits are available for purchase in order to assure there's plenty of warmth to go around (plus with the recent snowfall and temperatures expected to plummet for our region, that'll go a long way)!

For guests 21 years and older, warm adult beverages will be for sale at Ice Fest along with wine tastings hosted by Stone Cliff Winery on Saturday and Tabor Home on Sunday. On Sunday, the shark touch tank will be available for visitors as well!

All Ice Fest activities are included with general daily and member admission; food and drinks are available at additional cost. Admission tickets to the River Museum can be used for the next consecutive day, so if you buy a ticket on Saturday, you'll be able to experience everything happening throughout Sunday as well!

It's also worth reminding people that given the snow and cold snap we're going to experience over the next several days to dress warm for the outdoor activities. Children are encouraged to wear snow gear, such as boots and snow-pants. All activities are weather-permitting.

For a full schedule of events for the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium's 2024 Ice Fest, visit the "Events" page of their website. Be sure to follow the River Museum on Facebook too!