Best Winter Festivals In Minnesota
Celebrate the chill this winter!
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Celebrate the chill this winter!
A sheriff says two bodies have been recovered from wreckage of a small plane that crashed in northern Washington state. Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo says the plane's tail registration number matches that of an aircraft reported missing from Minnesota.
Canadian National Railway officials are working around the clock to rebuild an old wooden railroad bridge that burned and collapsed near Minnesota's northern border.
The coldest temperature in the lower 48 happened in Embarrass Thursday morning when folks there registered a temperature of 41 below zero.
It's January, and what better time to celebrate the frosty reputation of the self-proclaimed Nation's Icebox? International Falls on the U.S-Canada border will hold its annual Icebox Days Jan. 15-18.
The deep freeze is on in Minnesota.
Minnesotans awoke Monday to dangerous subzero temperatures, wind chill values that could cause frostbite in minutes, and a coming winter storm.
Our recent stretch of spring storms has toppled trees and brought down power lines across Minnesota, but the biggest threat of all with the rain has been flooding. Far northern Minnesota has been one of the spots hit hardest by the spring rain.
Hundreds of volunteers have been working to sandbag homes around International Falls, Minn., where Bob Anderson is mayor, to protect the homes from rising water. Anderson said the Rainy River and Rainy Lake are overflowing. "It's been about 85 years since the Rainy River has been this high," Anderson said.
Sandbagging is under way in the International Falls area of far northern Minnesota because of rising waters on Rainy Lake and the Rainy River. The Koochiching County sheriff's office says volunteers have filled about 50,000 sandbags to protect homes.
Heavy rains have caused massive flooding and major damage at a popular resort in International Falls. High water and intense winds ripped through the area near Rainy Lake. It's estimated at least 600 homes in that area are affected.
Voyageurs National Park will launch its campsite reservation and fee system next month. The park on Minnesota's northern border will phase in the system staring April 1.
The Voyageurs National Park Association has announced a three-year, $150,000 grant for the park on Minnesota's northern border.
Riley, the Heine family's English setter, can sleep anywhere, anytime. So, that had Karen from Edina wanting to know: Why do dogs sleep so much? According to Dr. Travis with Uptown Veterinarians, dogs have natural circadian rhythms, like humans. He says some dogs sleep far more than others, and are influenced by their owners' schedules.
Voyageurs National Park is going to start taking reservations and charging fees for campsites. Campsites and houseboat sites at the park on Minnesota's northern border had been first-come, first-served, and the only access is by boat.
Soccer is gaining popularity throughout Minnesota and the country. Now some local guys are kicking a soccer ball across the state to promote the sport. Two weeks ago, Alex Daley and Matt Scott started dribbling a soccer ball from the Canadian border in International Falls and began to travel south.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection says the Ely inspection station will open for the summer tourist season Saturday. The border station is located in the National Forest Service Complex in Ely, in northeastern Minnesota.
Wildlife biologists say the moose population is holding relatively steady in Voyageurs National Park in north-central Minnesota.
Duluth, Itasca, International Falls and Grand Rapids are among northeastern Minnesota school districts canceling classes because of poor road conditions.
A northern Minnesota man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in the death of his wife who was crushed by a totem pole. Carl Muggli faced a possible life sentence if he had been convicted of first-degree murder.
The forecast calls for subzero temperatures -- a perfect time for International Falls to celebrate Icebox Days.
Someone is once again leaving generous donations in the Salvation Army's red kettles. One thousand dollar donations have shown up in two red kettles in the north metro area.
Some people will tell you, water doesn't have a taste, but others say it does. Taste-testers agree, and one city in Minnesota has the best-tasting water in the state.
Officials at Voyageurs National Park are holding public discussions on whether to launch a campsite reservation system and start charging fees for overnight stays.
Officials are warning visitors to stay off the ice in Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota.
Former University of Minnesota Gopher kicker and punter Rob Gray is adjusting to life with a new kidney donated by his pickleball partner.
Players and coaches alike were flowing in and out of the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront hotel on Thursday, making final preparations ahead of the 2026 World Junior Championship. The tournament begins on Friday.
A stretch of a road in Minneapolis' Seward neighborhood was flooded with water on Thursday night.
Jordan Addison took a jet sweep handoff 65 yards for the game-sealing touchdown with 3:43 left after the Minnesota Vikings forced six turnovers and eliminated the Detroit Lions from contention for the playoffs with a 23-10 victory.
In an era of bowl opt outs, Minnesota still finds plenty of reasons to embrace the postseason experience, even when the chase for a national championship ended long ago.
Former University of Minnesota Gopher kicker and punter Rob Gray is adjusting to life with a new kidney donated by his pickleball partner.
Players and coaches alike were flowing in and out of the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront hotel on Thursday, making final preparations ahead of the 2026 World Junior Championship. The tournament begins on Friday.
A stretch of a road in Minneapolis' Seward neighborhood was flooded with water on Thursday night.
Christmas gives many a much needed break-including social services and shelters, but people who need those services don't get a break for the holidays.
A 63-year-old West St. Paul, Minnesota, man accused of pointing a gun at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent says the agent also pointed a gun at him, according to court documents filed on Thursday.
Two women are dead after a semitruck collided with a Chrysler minivan in Elmer Township, Minnesota, on Christmas Eve, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Sabrina Schnoor, 25, was found dead under an Interstate 35 overpass bridge in May 2023.
From a cat that accidentally made an 8,000-mile journey in a shipping container to a tunnel made just for turtles, all kinds of animals made the headlines in Minnesota this year.
There is no denying 2025 was a difficult year in Minnesota. A list of the biggest news stories is fraught with tragedy, attacks on the vulnerable and political division and dysfunction.
A Wisconsin woman who almost killed her sixth-grade classmate to please the fictional Slender Man has been ordered back to a state psychiatric hospital after she escaped from her group home last month.
Several schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are reporting delayed starts on Monday amid a messy morning commute.
The U.S. Justice Department has sued three states, including Illinois and Wisconsin, and D.C. for not turning over requested voter information to the Trump administration.
Defenders of a Wisconsin judge found guilty of felony obstruction for helping a Mexican immigrant evade federal officers are raising alarms about judicial independence and say they hope the conviction will be overturned on appeal.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office says Menards, the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer, has reached a $4.25 million settlement with several states to "resolve claims" of deceptive marketing practices in its popular "11% Rebate Program," and pandemic-era price gouging.
Many people who serve in the U.S. military find it hard to ask for assistance when they've been trained to help and serve others.
Food Bank Eatery in North Minneapolis provides free meals for children, who may have little to eat after the pause of SNAP benefits for many in the community.
Firefighters are continuing a 44-year tradition that happens every year north of the Twin Cities.
It was a scary moment in the Twin Cities over the weekend, as a trailer hauling sled dogs turned over on Interstate 494 in Minnetonka.
On Sunday, members of Minnesota's Somali community spoke out against President Trump's social media post calling for an end to temporary protected status.
The strikes come after President Trump spent weeks accusing the West African country's government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
Gama, originally from Mexico, has been operating the Pastaleria Gama bakery on Lake Street in Minneapolis for 10 years now. Her store was empty for long stretches of time on Christmas Eve, which she said has never been the case in the past.
President Trump spent part of Christmas Eve bantering with kids, updating families on NORAD's Santa tracker and reminding one child that the big guy has a "serious appetite."
President Trump said TV broadcast licenses should be revoked if newscasts and late-night shows are almost entirely negative about him and the GOP.
This season of giving can really do a number on our recycling systems. But we can all be part of the solution.
With the time-honored tradition of gift giving comes gift concealing.
Twin Cities shoppers were out and about on Super Saturday, the second-busiest shopping day of the year. The day lands on the final Saturday before Christmas annually.
Buy now, pay later plans are becoming more popular for shoppers this holiday season.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office says Menards, the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer, has reached a $4.25 million settlement with several states to "resolve claims" of deceptive marketing practices in its popular "11% Rebate Program," and pandemic-era price gouging.
A 63-year-old West St. Paul, Minnesota, man accused of pointing a gun at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent says the agent also pointed a gun at him, according to court documents filed on Thursday.
Minneapolis police are investigating after they say a man suffered "potentially life-threatening injuries" in a stabbing on Thursday morning.
In five years, Clinton Ward allegedly made millions by importing fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the Twin Cities via "an expansive net of distributors" in what officials call the most prolific drug operation in Minnesota history.
Court records say Eh Tha Blay, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting third-degree property damage.
Sabrina Schnoor, 25, was found dead under an Interstate 35 overpass bridge in May 2023.
The clock is ticking to snag a few more gifts and prepare for that holiday trip to visit family. As the pressure builds, so does the stress.
The Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association says of the middle and high schools they know of, only 49% have an athletic trainer providing some level of service.
From 2021 to 2025, Smart Therapy Center submitted claims totaling $31.8 million across all Minnesota Department of Human Services programs, according to that data. But the provider was only approved for a fraction of those payments.
The family of a Minnesota Vikings player who died at training camp from heat exhaustion in 2001 is still fighting to protect others.
A Twin Cities metro area school shifted to e-learning after a flu outbreak impacted nearly a quarter of its students. A senior epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health said flu season is "definitely picking up."
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
The singer said an MRI showed a cancerous spot on one of his lungs after he recovered from a lengthy bout of bronchitis.
The special features interviews with Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, Albert Brooks, Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O'Connell and Mandy Patinkin.
The Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday.
Former University of Minnesota Gopher kicker and punter Rob Gray is adjusting to life with a new kidney donated by his pickleball partner.
Players and coaches alike were flowing in and out of the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront hotel on Thursday, making final preparations ahead of the 2026 World Junior Championship. The tournament begins on Friday.
Jordan Addison took a jet sweep handoff 65 yards for the game-sealing touchdown with 3:43 left after the Minnesota Vikings forced six turnovers and eliminated the Detroit Lions from contention for the playoffs with a 23-10 victory.
The junior cornerback transferred to Minnesota from Iowa this spring. He was a depth defensive back and special teamer for the Hawkeyes. But this year, with a larger role, he's had a breakout season.
The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings have gone from 29 combined wins last season to just 15 this season entering their Week 17 matchup on Christmas Day.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for answers about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities. She is also denouncing the president's attacks on the Somali community and herself. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy shows us how, for Omar, this is a familiar position to be in.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for clarity about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.
Fear and uncertainty continue in Minnesota's Somali communities as ICE continues its intensified focus on the Twin Cities.
Opposition to ICE actions is widespread among Democratic elected officials throughout the state, though nowhere more than in Minneapolis, home to the state's largest Somali population.
Minnesotans who welcomed a child this year were able to start applying this week to the state's new paid family and medical leave program to take time off in 2026.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
The story begins years ago when the city acquired one of the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets from the Air Force.
The holidays are upon us, and in the town of Kellogg, Minnesota, you'll find a toy store unlike any other.
With the holidays fast approaching, and lutefisk on the menu for many families, one Minnesota town has the distinction of being called the "Lutefisk Capital of the Country."
According to the Smithsonian Magazine and Britannica, eggnog has British roots.
With the time-honored tradition of gift giving comes gift concealing.
The story of "The Wizard of Oz " is 125 years old, yet still reinventing itself in all kinds of forms.
It's the time of year when we accumulate the most stuff. When we do, people often throw around the word "hoarding." But it turns out it's a frequently misunderstood term.
Why do we have oily or dry skin? A dermatologist explains the root cause and how it can change over time.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
A mix of fog and icy conditions are possible early on Friday, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso said there's a potential for freezing drizzle and icy roads in northern and central Minnesota from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning.
A NEXT Drive Alert is in effect due to the potential for icy roads with possible freezing drizzle in northern and central Minnesota.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says it could drizzle in the evening on Christmas.
A former University of Minnesota Gopher football player found a new way to feed his competitive itch in his older years. But he had no idea this sport would lead to a life-saving gift for him. WCCO’s Marielle Mohs explains.
Thursday was a perfect December day for tailgating outside U.S. Bank Stadium ahead of the matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. Mike Max caught up with fans from both teams.
Anyone who goes to the pickleball courts at Life Time Bloomington North may run into Minnesota Vikings season ticket holder Dan Muraski. Mike Max explains how he uses this passion for the sport to cope with the loss of his wife of 47 years.
A mix of fog and icy conditions are possible early on Friday, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
Christmas gives many a much-needed break, including social service and shelter workers. But people who need those services don't get a break for the holidays. Our Frankie McLister shows how Catholic Charities Twin Cities is filling the gap.