Lake Geneva Ice Castles – Closed For 2023 & Discount Code

Do you want to visit the Lake Geneva Ice Castle this winter? It’s one of the best things to do in Wisconsin this winter!

The ice castles are a really popular event, so you’ll need to plan your trip in advance. We’ve put together everything you need to know before visiting the ice castles in this guide.

UPDATE: The Lake Geneva Ice Castles are closed for the 2023 season. 

Are the Ice Castles in Wisconsin returning?  Yes

The famous Lake Geneva ice castles are returning in February 2023! 

Don’t forget to bring a sled (strollers aren’t allowed)! This is the cutest sled ever and is great for pictures. 

Are the Ice Castles in Lake Geneva Open? – No 

No, the Lake Geneva Ice Castles are closed for the 2023 season. They were open for only three days. Due to warmer temperatures, they were melted beyond repair and forced to close after being open for only three days.

They were scheduled to open for the 2023 season on February 4, 2023. This was pushed back from the original date of January 27, 2023, due to unusually warm weather.

For reference, last year, they opened on January 22, 2022. However, it all depends on how cold it is. The colder, the better, and they will open sooner! 

Lake Geneva Ice Castles Dates & Times – Closed for 2023 due to warm weather

The 2023 Lake Geneva Ice Castle dates are scheduled for February 4, 2023, and were set to close on February 20, 2023. BUT they closed just after being open for three days due to warmer temperatures making the ice castles melt beyond repair.

Everything is weather dependent.

• Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 3 pm – 9 pm
• Friday: 3 pm – 11 pm
• Saturday: 11:30 am – 11 pm
• Sunday: 11:30 am – 8 pm

Where are the Lake Geneva Ice Castles?

If you previously visited the ice castles in Lake Geneva, please note the new location. The ice castle’s new home is at the Geneva National Resort & Club.

• Address: 1091 Hidden Cottage Cir, Lake Geneva

Related Article: Top Things to do in Lake Geneva

How To Purchase Lake Geneva Ice Castle Tickets? – On Sale NOW

Lake Geneva ice castle tickets go on sale November 28, 2022. Your best chance of getting tickets is to buy them ASAP!

Ice Castle tickets are in high demand and sell out daily well in advance. The only guaranteed way to visit the Lake Geneva Ice Castles is by purchasing tickets online for a set date and time.

Once tickets sell out, you can purchase standby tickets, but this does not guarantee admission. There is a chance you won’t be able to enter.

You can purchase Lake Geneva ice castle tickets online here. 

*Ticket sales are final. HOWEVER, ticket dates and times may be changed at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled ticket. We suggest watching the weather and changing your ticket if needed.

Ice Castle Discount Code

We have an exclusive Ice Castles discount code for our readers. Get 15% off with promo code stamped2023, good for the 2023 Ice Castle season.

Remember to bring hand warmers. These cheap ones do the trick!

How Much Are Ice Castle Tickets?

Prices vary based on age and the day of the week.

• Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday
  • Ages 12 and up $25
  • Ages 4-11 $17
  • Children under 4 are free 
• Friday – Sunday
  • Ages 12 and up $29
  • Ages 4-11 $22
  • Children under 4 are free 
• Holiday Pricing (January 16 & February 20) is the same as weekend pricing

Sleigh Rides at Lake Geneva Ice Castles

Make your visit even more magical with a horse-drawn sleigh ride. When purchasing your tickets online, you will be asked if you would like to add on a sleigh ride. Here are some quick facts about the sleigh rides at the Ice Castles:

• Sleigh rides cost $17 per person
• Tickets are required for all guests aged 4 and above
• Sleigh rides are 10-15 minutes long
• You must have an Ice Castle ticket to purchase a sleigh ride

Rent a VIP Artic Alcove

For a more private experience, consider renting a VIP Artic Alcove at the Lake Geneva Ice Castles. It’s great for a couple or group of friends/family. You’ll have your own private space roped off from other guests. 

Included in reserving Artic Alcove, you get the following:

• A personalized experience for up to 6 guests 
• Sleigh ride for up to 6 guests

Renting the Arctic Alcove costs $450. Consider adding on some warm beverages and tasty treats to sweeten the experience for an additional charge. 

Parking at the Lake Geneva Ice Castles?

There is parking available at the Geneva National Resort & Club.

Related Article: Best Things to do in Milwaukee

Tips for Visiting the Ice Castles in Lake Geneva?

1. Buy Your Tickets In Advance

Ice Castle tickets are valid for a specific date and time entry. You’ll need to purchase them in advance to guarantee admission. We cannot urge you enough to buy them online as soon as they go on sale.

2. Check the weather

The days that we visited were below zero. It was super super cold, and uncomfortable. Make sure to check the weather 24+ hours before, so if needed, you can change your ticket for free, or dress for the weather.

3. Dress in layers

Dress warm. You can always take off your jacket for a picture if needed. You don’t want to rush through the ice castles because you are cold.

4. Wear boots

No matter if it’s below zero or 30+ degrees outside, wear boots in the ice castle. It’s the easiest way to walk around, and your feet will stay much warmer. Remember, you’ll be walking on snow & ice the entire time it gets really cold!

5. Bring Hand Warmers

We wish we had hand warmers last year, you can get these cheap hand warmers that come with 10, or they have these rechargeable hand warmers for slightly more money. They are nice to have in your gloves & boots, or take them out and warm up your face. 

6. Bring A Sled

Pulling children in a sled is much easier than attempting to push a stroller, and they don’t allow strollers, but they do allow sleds. We think this is the cutest sled ever. 

7. Don’t Rush

Remember that the time on your ticket is just your entry time period, but once you are inside the ice castles, you can stay as long as you want. If you do get cold, go warm up by the outdoor fire!

Are the Ice Castles a Real Place?

No, the ice castles are not a real place. The ice castles in Lake Geneva are manmade every year and are constantly being maintained throughout the season.

What are the Ice Castles Made of?

The fine mist of water freezes quickly and grows large icicles. The icicles are then taken from the growing rack and placed onto the main ice castles.

The workers are constantly “growing” more icicles, and if you come early in the morning, you may see them putting a few up. They are constantly adding to the ice castles.

Hotels near the Lake Geneva Ice Castles

On our visit last year, we made it a weekend in Lake Geneva trip. We visited the ice castles at night on Friday and then again Saturday morning. That way, we could visit it during both times of the day.

• Closest Hotel to the Ice Castles | The Inns at Geneva National
• Great Price | Abbey Resort
• Best for families | Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark

Related Article: Perfect Weekend in Milwaukee Itinerary

Lake Geneva Ice Castles Package

For the ultimate Ice Castle weekend and to ensure tickets purchase the Ice Castles package at the Geneva National Resort OR The Ridge Lake Geneva. The package includes:

• Overnight accommodation at The Inns of Geneva National
• Up to four tickets to the ice castles per guest room. If you already have tickets, there is a package without tickets as well. A limited number of additional tickets may be purchased at the front desk.
• FREE on-site ice skating, sledding, and candlelight snowshoeing (weather permitting)

Other Ice Castles in the United States to Visit

• New Brighton Minnesota Ice Castles
• Midway Utah Ice Castles
• Lake George New York Ice Castles
• Woodstock New Hampshire Ice Castles