Ice Boat, Helicopter Boat Exhibited At Minneapolis Boat Show

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Even though it is the middle of winter, boaters have a reason to celebrate this weekend.

The Minneapolis Boat Show is back with hundreds of boats and a few surprises.

"We're only 30 minutes away from a lake, so we just embrace the water," the boat show's manager, Darren Envall, said.

Seven hundred boats are on display at the boat show and, this year, there's a new feature visible at the entrance to the show.

Robert Harrell with Minnesota Ice turned 110 blocks of ice into a Malibu Tow Boat.

"It brings out the winter spirit in Minnesotans," Harrell said. "We worked overnight Sunday to get everything ready."

Once inside the Minneapolis Convention Center, the 700 boats fill the 400,000 square feet, including the only "heli-boat" in the world.

"It functions, all the propellers turn, the lights go on," boat collector Tom Annunziata said.

(credit: CBS)

It just doesn't actually take flight.

"It's been in a museum a lot of its time," Annunziata said.

Wander far enough and you'll find the new tropical island exhibit, where a pool allows people to try out kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

"Expect to come in and see 70-degree weather and start thinking of spring," Envall said. "It's part of the experience."

The Minneapolis Boat Show opens Thursday at 2 p.m. and runs through Sunday.

Tickets are $12 for adults and free for kids 15 and under.

(credit: CBS)