Experience Lake Geneva’s Incredible Winter Realms
Just because the holiday season has come and gone doesn’t mean the most wonderful time of the year has departed – especially in Wisconsin! The Winter Realms (previously known as Ice Castles) are back in Lake Geneva for another season of frozen fun for the whole family. Check it out!
Ready, Set, Get Excited!
The Winter Realms, which take about two months to design and construct, will be bigger and better than ever before with a new layout and different backdrops. Standing at approximately 15 to 20 feet tall when completed, guests of all ages can explore the realm's beautiful spaces, ice slides, tunnels, crevices, and crawl spaces to their heart’s content. It’s impossible to leave this towering, frozen palace unimpressed!
When Should I Visit?
Opening day at Winter Realms varies by year based on weather conditions, but the attraction typically opens in late January and runs through the beginning of March. If you want to experience winter at its finest in Lake Geneva, consider a visit during Winterfest and the US National Snow Sculpting Championship. Winterfest, which features a variety of family-friendly events around town, runs simultaneously to the Snow Sculpting Championship, where teams of the country’s most talented snow sculptors compete for the national title. See incredible works of ice up close and personal, then vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice award!
To Get That Perfect Photo…
Book your visit around sunset: This way, you can experience the realms during both daylight and evening hours. Drones and tripods have to stay home, but linger until the sky is darkest to capture the realms illuminated by color-changing lights.
Know Before You Go
Before packing up for a road trip, know that the Winter Realms are a weather-dependent attraction. If temperatures are extremely cold or unseasonably warm, the experience will temporarily close. But don't worry—if you purchased tickets in advance, they will be honored another day.
You’ll find convenient parking at the Geneva National Resort’s Clubhouse. If you’re visiting with children, note that strollers aren’t permitted inside…but you know what are? Sleds! Families often pile little ones in a sled for easy (and winter-appropriate) transport around the realms.
Find more must-do's on a winter getaway to Lake Geneva!
