It’s time to glide and sweat your way through March. Take a twirl (or a tumble—we don’t judge!) on the synthetic ice rink, then steam away your anxiety in our toasty sauna. Refuel with sopes and sambusas by exploring the best restaurants in Minneapolis. It will be fun - a little odd - and a whole lot of Lake Street.
Open March 6th - 30th
Thursdays & Fridays 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturdays & Sundays 12:00 - 8:00 pm
Enjoy:
Community ice skating, free skate rental
Mobile sauna (weekends only)
Art Shanty Project pop-ups, creative activities
Learn more about the event site’s history and share your dreams for the future development of this site
Explore local businesses and find frequently asked questions below.
Art Shanty Projects
Pollinator Frenzy
Warm up, greet spring, and celebrate our native pollinators with an hourlong dance party led by the Queen Bee herself. All ages and abilities!
Open Sundays 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Artists: Terry McDaniel & the Minnesota Pollinators
Visible
Visible explores the concept of being invisible in society and the difference between the two concepts of “belonging” and “fitting in.” Visitors are invited to connect over various prompts that spark discussion - writing their own responses on chalkboards and reading the responses of others. Chatting with friends and strangers ensues!
Open Saturdays (March 22, 29) & Sundays (March 23, 30) 12:00 - 6:00 pm
Artist: Jayson Randall
Wicked Winter
On the outside this shanty has a bounteous display of gingerbread candy indulgence to bait you, and inside lives an obscured coven of beings. These Witches seek to make use of your curious naivety and awaken your spellbinding impulses. They come steeled with wisdom and sorcery to awaken your relationship with the auspicious. Look within, cast spells for the neighborhood, howl outwardly with them!
Open Saturdays & Sundays 12:00 - 6:00 pm
Artists: Angela Maki North, Cali Mastny, Aaron Prust, Clara Schiller
Sauna - Information
Let’s sweat! Art Shanty Projects invites you to enjoy an hour-long session in our sauna built in collaboration with our community partner, Urban Wing. Each session is hosted by one of our staff members who will tend the fire, offer steam, and be there to answer questions. Heated with passive solar and a wood fired stove, this airy, light-filled, daydreamy sauna is kept at ~180F for a proper sauna experience!
Available to reserve Saturdays & Sundays 12:00 - 6:00 pm.
Each hour-long session accommodates 4 people. You can reserve all 4 slots for your group or come solo or in smaller groups and meet new friends! All guests must be 18+ and will be required to sign a liability waiver before their session.
Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time to get settled in and ready!
What to bring:
Swimsuit (Wear it under your clothes! We don’t have changing facilities)
1-2 towels
Water bottle
Flip flops/sandals for breaks outside
Optional: robe for breaks outside
Please note:
All guests must wear proper swimsuits (no underwear, no nudity!)
No footwear in the sauna
Sit on your towels to keep the benches clean
No food or beverages inside the sauna
These are sober sessions for safety reasons
We provide drinking water, clothing racks/cubbies and boot trays for your belongings
We do not have a changing area - please arrive wearing your swimsuit under your clothing!
About the sauna: This structure was built in collaboration with Urban Wing, a local sauna company founded by Darin Mays. Made out of scrap material, it’s modeled after their NorthUp Sauna.
Project Partners:
Redesign, Inc. - Property Owner
Redesign builds economic justice in collaboration with the community by developing and sustaining affordable housing and commercial real estate, investing in entrepreneurs, and creating living wage jobs.
Lake Street Council - Creative Placemaking Partner
Since 1968, the Lake Street Council has worked to build an organization that serves the needs of Lake Street’s unique and diverse community. Lake Street Council does this through programs that support entrepreneurs, beautify our buildings and streetscape, and engage businesses and executives in policy initiatives.
Art Shanty Projects - Creative Placemaking Partner
Each winter Art Shanty Projects hosts an immersive art program on a frozen lake in Minneapolis. With a spirit of embracing challenges through creativity, they support an ecosystem that inspires everyone to create and participate in art, thrive in winter, and build community. Post-shanty season they pop-up in other locations to share our work on land! Art Shanty Projects welcome visitors to experience interactive and engaging art and performances around DIY shanties (temporary structures).
Lake Street Lift - Funder
Lake Street Lift connects local businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and creatives living and working on Lake Street with project-based resourcing, creating partnerships for a vibrant, diverse, and loved Lake Street.
Funding made possible by the State of Minnesota and the City of Minneapolis as a part of Lake Street Lift.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Our pop-up ice rink will be open from March 6 to 30, 2025. Thursday and Fridays 4:00 - 8:00 pm; Saturdays and Sundays 12:00 - 8:00 pm.
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Yes! We’re thrilled to offer free ice skating to the community.
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No reservations are required! Just come by during our operating hours. However, be prepared for potential wait times during peak hours.
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Yes, we offer free skate rentals.. Sizes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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We recommend wearing warm, layered clothing, gloves, and a hat. Don’t forget thick socks if you’re renting skates!
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Absolutely! You’re welcome to bring your own skates. Just ensure they are in good condition.
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All ages are welcome! However, children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
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No, but head on over to any number of wonderful small businesses in the neighborhood!
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We strive to make our rink accessible for everyone. Please email krista@redesigninc.org in advance if you have specific needs.
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We prioritize safety! Our rink will have staff on-site, and we’ll provide first aid kits. Please skate responsibly and follow all posted rules.
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Unfortunately, our pop-up rink is not available for private events, but feel free to come by during public hours!
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Follow us @VisitLakeStreet Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
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For any additional inquiries about the skating rink, please email krista@redesigninc.org