Sandstone, Minn.

Grab your winter gear and head to the 14th annual Sandstone Ice Festival Jan. 4-6 at Robinson Quarry Ice Park. From Friday through Sunday attendees can enjoy ice climbing clinics and watch outdoor gear demonstrations. The weekend will also offer a winter camping clinic, an outdoor gear swap and a guest speaker. Registration required for clinics, $50 each (sandstoneicefest.com; 1-651-302-1774).

Breezy Point, Minn.

Enjoy a day of winter fun during the 24th annual Breezy Point Ice Fest Jan. 5 on Pelican Lake. All-day activities include a bonfire, a pond hockey tournament, snow golf, ice slides, tubing, horse-drawn hayrides, dog sled rides and live music, food and drink specials at local spots (tinyurl.com/y88rab6r; 1-800-450-2838).

Lutsen, Minn.

Also on Jan. 5 up on the North Shore, the Norpine Fat Bike Classic Race will draw spectators to watch the top-notch outdoor race, set against the scenic backdrop of Lutsen Mountains, as cyclists from around the country and Canada ride through the boreal forest. Visitors can watch the start and end of the race from the Superior National clubhouse. The race is a part of the Great Lakes Fat Bike series and riders will race on cross-country trails for top honors and to earn points in the series' standings on the 16-mile and 24-mile courses (norpinefatbikeclassic.com).

Sioux Falls, S.D.

Holiday lights will continue to shine at the Winter Wonderland at Falls Park through Jan. 6. Visitors can enjoy holiday music as they tour the one-mile route of decorated trees, animated lights, festive wreaths, garland and more. Hours: 5 p.m. to midnight daily (tinyurl.com/ybfxr7zj).

Colleen A. Coles