Winter climbing is back in Winona, as the Winona Ice Park has opened for the 2026 season.
The park sits high above the Mississippi River within the city limits and is a man-made ice climbing destination that draws visitors from across the Midwest and farther away.
Its opening drew coverage from several news organizations, including KARE-11, WXOW and News8000. WXOW shared images from opening day, and News8000 spoke at the wall with Eric Barnard, founder of Big River Climbing Guides and a volunteer at the park, about the work needed to build and maintain the attraction.
The park is one of only a few manufactured ice parks in the United States and ranks among the largest, with more than 100 climbing routes reaching up to 100 feet tall. The terrain suits both beginners and experienced ice climbers.
Climbers and spectators reach the ice through the Sugar Loaf Trailhead, a scenic hike of about 15 to 20 minutes through bluffland forest. Even for visitors who do not climb, the frozen walls and views over the river valley are a draw on their own.
