Luminary Loppet, Tent Party & Events
City of Lakes Luminary Loppet
One way to survive a Minnesota winter is to find at least one activity you enjoy doing outstide during winter. An even better idea is to find an activity that requires snow so that when it’s snowing at 4pm on a Friday you can focus on how great that activity will be that weekend instead of how horrible the commute home will be.
My husband and I have embraced cross-country skiing and are attending the Luminary Loppet & Tent Party happening on the evening of February 5, 2011. Participants travel down the Mall in Uptown and onto the lagoon between Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun. Proceeding under two bridges, skiers emerge onto a luminary-lit trail around Lake of the Isles. With more than 1,000 luminaries, an ice pyramid, the Enchanted Forest, the “Ice-Cropolis,” four stations with fire pits and goodies including (at two of the stations) hot cocoa and coffee, and even some fire-spinners, the Luminary Loppet can be enjoyed by anyone on skis or snowshoes.
Fees for the event are as follows:
| Entry fee paid by: | July 31 | Nov. 30 | Jan. 14 | Feb. 2 | Feb. 5 (in person only) |
| Luminary Loppet – adult rate | $12 | $14 | $16 | $20 | $24 |
| Luminary Loppet – youth rate (skiers 16 and under) | $6 | $7 | $8 | $10 | $12 |
DEAL ALERT #1: REI Members can receive a 15% off discount on tickets. Call your local REI for details.
DEAL ALERT #2: Old Chicago is having a Pasta Feed from 4-6pm on February 5. Those showing their Loppet bib can order a delicious bowl of pasta with a meatball and garlic bread for $4. A warm, carb filled dinner will be the perfect start to the evening and $4 is a great deal!
DEAL ALERT #3: Free MetroTransit Rides to/from the event with this voucher.
There are many other events taking place the weekend of Feb 5-6 including a snow sculpture contest, competitive cross-country ski races, skijoring and more. Check all of the events out here and start planning a fun weekend outside!