We booked tickets to visit the ice castles and was a little tricky to get on when tickets were released online. It all worked out and booked for a Thursday eventing at about 6pm. The drive into Geneva National was beautiful as it was snowing and the winding roads to get to the Ice Castles was getting us excited for the visit. It was organized upon arrival and social distancing and health safety was in place and all were wearing masks. The ice castles were impressive and walking in was really cool as you walk through a ice cave to enter. I really liked being there at night so that the lighting made it cool to see all the massive ice walls illuminated. They are some cool tunnels both big and small to explore and had plenty of time to walk around to take everything in. We had fun going down the ice slide on sleds they give let you use - this is a must do. There were some tiny tunnels to check out as well but didn't do those. This was a great escape for my family and I to visit the Ice castles. I would Recommend weekdays if you can swing that... but not sure ticket availability at this point. My teenage kids and wife and I all enjoyed the visit! Tips: What to wear Do wear winter boots, snow pants, gloves and jacket- we saw a women come in jeans and gym shoes and she bit it hard since there are some icy patches. The staff does maintain the paths but you do need to be careful. Safety I wasn't sure how that would go with the health crises but needless to say we felt very safe the entire visit. Mask are required - please be considerate and insure everyone safety by being safe. Hand sanitizer was available at check in... there are bathroom inside available and they were very clean. read more

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This is the saddest place on earth and I've been on a tour of Auschwitz. Maybe a child that has never seen snow would find this place mildly interesting or another child might find minimal joy in the 10 foot long sledding experience while the theme from Lord of the Rings plays throughout this parking lot sized collection of snow mounds they call "Ice Castles". But do yourself and your loved ones a huge favor and just take the family to a Jewel or Target parking lot after it has been plowed and let them climb a top what in comparison to the ice castles would be the Mount Everest of snow and entertainment. Then take the $80 per person you saved and buy them all something nice. This place is the Fyre Fest of Wisconsin without the crappy sandwiches and tents. read more

Ice Castles - Festivals Near Me - Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

We drove about an hour and a half to get here at $18 a ticket. Our hopes were pretty low as not to be disappointed. They are very strict about coming close to your ticketed time. Fair enough, we had dinner and came close to the ticketed time in another hotels shuttle. Worked great for us!! The experience was pretty magical,colorful and cold. Many photo opportunities. You literally are at times surrounded by walls of ice. The ground is fully covered in ice and ice shards. Very easy to fall, which is expected. The slides and tunnels were fun too! However the line for the adult slide was over 45 minutes on a weeknight... late. We skipped it but seems unfair to pay so much for a ticket and not be able to do it. Waiting in line in the cold was not a practical idea for that long. Many fires burning and concessions are available for sale out here. Do not forget the best photo opp at the end of the experience!!! This is definitely a lot of fun if you like the cold. read more

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I reserved the tickets as soon as I heard of the presale. We selected our time for 7pm. We checked in and went to the line to get in. Our line was shorter but there was a huge line next to us. I thought we reserved a time so they would be able to control traffic. This was not the case and it wasn't enjoyable because there were so many people. Some of the areas are very small and they had people going in all directions making it impassable. Hubby smacked his head pretty hard and my oldest daughter took a spill because walkways are poorly lit and slippery. For the price I thought it was ok. read more

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They did a great job of creating snow since it's been a really warm winter. There was plenty to do at the Ice Castles for all ages. I suggest going at night because it's even more beautiful. read more

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This review is for the 2020 Ice Castle at Geneva National Resort and Club. (The address on this page is for 2019's Ice Castle.) Being so close to one of the handful of ice castles in the States is pretty neat, so I never miss a chance to see them in person! It's a highlight of the winter season for me. This year, the Ice Castles moved from downtown Lake Geneva to the Geneva National Resort. This change allowed for a lot more space. The castle wasn't as tall as I expected, but with our weather, we're lucky to have what we got, which was still a pretty neat structure! There were slides, towers, wishing wells and a lot of nooks and crannies to explore. Some of the walkways were a bit narrow, but if you're careful and courteous of others, they're no problem. There are fire pits and a few snack stations with small food items to purchase. A few tips: The best time to visit the Ice Castle is at dusk so you can see the hidden LEDs work their magic. We had to leave before it got dark enough, but next year, for sure, I'll be waiting to see the LEDs light up these towers of ice. Also, be prepared for uneven ground. Tread carefully if you have mobility issues. Another tip is to buy your tickets when they open up the pre-sale, which happened around November of 2019 this past year. It makes it so much easier to get your desired ticket times. Overall, I would highly recommend the Ice Castles to people of all ages. They're totally worth it! read more

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WAY overrated!! I was expecting to walk through castles, but honestly it was just ice walls with a couple of attractions like a slide, and a few mini tunnels. This seems like an activity that would be more enjoyable for kids. I was greatly underwhelmed. If I had driven from far away, and paid a lot for tickets I would be very disappointed. The entire attraction takes about 5 minutes to walk through, with many photo opportunities along the way. The slide was fun, and the walls were cool to look at, but after that and taking a couple pictures there was really nothing else to do. You're not missing out if you can't get tickets! read more

Ice Castles - Festivals Near Me - Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

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This review is for Geneva National 2022. Beautiful scenery with Ice Castles, a couple ice slides, and tunnels. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience with my wife. Kids would have fun here too. read more

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Overrated. We stayed about 10 minutes so they definitely got the better end of this deal. It's not worth the price and there nothing special about it. It's just nice to look at. Best suited for families with small kids. Put the kids in full snowsuits and there are slides and little caves for them to crawl through. We got a few pictures and left. Too cold and not entertaining enough to ignore it. read more

This was something I've wanted to do for several years, as tickets sell out quickly. While I enjoyed it, this is probably more fun for under 12 aged group , since they offer 2 or 3 small ice slides. However, counting that not too many activities are fun to do in the dead of winter ... I recommend this for anyone trying to find something fun to do ! read more

I had tickets for the ice castles for Saturday at 10PM. We did get there about 9:30.. and its a good thing we did.. Having never been there I didn't know what to expect.. the first thing I learned is they close at 10:30. That immediately made me furious. All that money and they close in 30 min. Anyway.. it was pretty lame and not much to do or see.. the outside bars were closed, no people. It wasn't crowded for being sold out. But back to the frozen ice. It's like someone just sprayed water to make block of ice.. there was definitely no casstles... never again.. maybe you hae to go earlier for all the activities. We saw none at 9:30. Very dissapointing read more

Took my two daughters to the Ice Castles in 2023. Ice castles consist of a few tunnels and two slides. Not worth the expensive ticket price. Additionally, we waited in line for the sleigh ride for over an hour. With only 4 people ahead of us, they stopped for a planned 5 to 6 pm break. However, they failed to communicate this plan to the 50 people already still in line. After they paused, they informed the group we could reach out for a refund. However, customer no-service rejects any refund request. Poorly run, won't be coming back. read more

was fun but i expecting more but worth the $19 free parking social distance great for kids read more

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Severely downgraded!! I visited the Wisconsin's Ice castles in 2019 and let me tell you, they are def not worth the money now. First off, they changed their location. They used to be near the lake now its seems the attraction was bought out by a resort. The Ice castles three years ago featured way more tunnels, slides, and even fountains. Everything was so nicely lit up. Now they have about two slides, no fountains, just some ice and a few lights. Huge disappointment. read more

No cash excepted during check out! Also hotel has all ice castle tickets so you can't by online sounds controlling

Too small would not go back, these are not ice castles they are more like Icicles ( seems like they just grabbed a hose and waited for water to freeze) I've been to the Ice castles in Canada which are way better, bigger and more entertaining . Would not go back! read more

Mediocre. If you're on the fence, don't bother. Might be a bit fun for a family as there are a couple slides and areas you can climb through. But if you are planning to go as a couple or as an adult with friends, prepare to dodge kids runnings and rolling around, parent not caring if there kids break the icicles or not, and everyone blocking every area because you have to get a picture of everything. I expected an exciting "castle" like experience where you went through twists and turns, instead it's mostly an outdoor area of ice walls and a large open area inside. Not worth the money. I was pretty let down. read more

It was pretty but very overrated. Maybe some of it had to do with the weather, since it was warmer than average there was a lot of slush and melting/regrew zing. We went in the evening so it was pretty crowded didn't have pre bought tickets and had to wait a ridiculously long time. Someone ended up giving us tickets so our entryway free. If we had to have paid it would have been disappointing. read more

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Waste of time and money. The ice is dirty looking and nothing special special and certainly not anything to do with castles.

When you invite people on to your property to walk around and charge them a healthy fee I think you should provide a reasonable walking surface. Outdoors in winter I don't expect the best but this was terrible. The ground was uneven and had icy spots. Then the whole thing was covered by a few inches of loose snow so you can't see where to step. I am a regular hiker on different terrains and I found it awkward. I slid around. I brought a couple friends one of who can walk OK but is a bit unsteady at times. I thought it should be OK. He fell a few times. The other got tired ankles. It was so bad we skipped most of it and left early. It was a long drive and high price just to be disappointed. read more

Got there at 4 pm on Monday, it was busy, with families and small children. 2 short ice slides (no line) and 1 long ice slide with a line. Would be better if there was some ice sculptures inside, or costumed characters from "frozen" for the kids. Hot chocolate expensive $6.00. (buy commemorative cup for $15.00 and get free refills). I would suggest going at night so you can see the colors read more

Buyer Beware!! We purchased 9 presale tickets and they sold out for the season within days. They will not refund our tickets! Customer service is rude! Over selling tickets is a scam! I give them 0 stars, site requires at least 1. read more

The Ice Castles were absolutely gorgeous! The lights added into the ice really made it pop. Loved that they had little stops to grab drinks before you entered the castle. Due to it being made out of ice it was a little slippery, but if you take your time and with the right shoes you'll be fine. As for parking-- it was quick and easy, but it was mainly because they were only allowing cars that were close to their ticket time through the gated community. Overall, I would say that I was a great experience! read more

Ice Castles - Festivals Near Me - Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Drove here this past Saturday from Indiana. I didn't know quite what to expect. It's nice but in my opinion definitely meant for families with children. Our group consisted of 3 women and a 13 yr old. My niece really enjoyed the slide and going through the openings. I appreciated that they didn't charge extra for parking like a lot of other places. Be sure to dress warm and have good boots on. I wiped out and fell on my knees but it's to be expected when you're walking in snow which can easily turn icy. They definitely do a good job trying too keep the snow from turning into ice. They also had Elsa from Frozen there taking pictures with kids. They sell hot chocolate and cookies too. read more

Great girls getaway, was looking for something to do, really cool to look at. Highly recommend a visit!!

Totally disappointing because the ice castle started melting and the entire construction was closed early Saturday evening. Can't help mother nature I know, and safety is always first, but the set up was very off putting: pricey tickets that sold out ahead of time with the lure of standby tickets, whatever they were. The worst thing was the slushy, slick, sidewalks. Hey folks, ever heard of shovels and a bit of traction. I spent more time looking at my feet than I did the snow sculptures. What was once a unique and wonderful Lake Geneva event has turned into a bit of a money racket. read more

I have seen them start building the ice castles down by the beach and it looks cool, hopefully it opens soon!! You can buy presale tickets up until 12/13 for $15.00. General admission is: weekdays 15.95, weekend 18.95, ages 4-11 weekdays $10.95, weekends $15.95. kids 3 and under are free. I couldn't add the business without adding a review, so I will update my review ASAP!! read more

They were beautiful. My kids loved them. However, the large slides had a 1 hour wait to go down. That was the only downside.

SO disappointIng! This was just a big blob of ice with a few lights frozen into it. Much smaller than expected, nothing creative at all. Save your money. The free snow sculpting completion in town was much more interesting. read more

Ice Castles can't help the weird weather in WI.. My girlfriend and I had tickets for Jan 24... the big snow storm since we live 2 1/2 hours away in 2 different directions. I read the rules and emailed and called 24 hrs prior and switched to Jan 21st the second coldest day with only -40 wind chills... We dressed warm, went To Popeyes across the street to stay warm.... went at our assigned time.. everyone was friendly, yes it wasn't as high as it could have been .. people were having fun! we went down the slide ... fun! and we are 60's plus.. the lights, the running water fountains , the design on the ice, the open water with a fountain in the middle, it was very much fun! Winter fest was ready to start, and the snow for sculpting was amazing and it wasn't perfect for them either. Popeyes after for dinner and a warm drink... We had a fantastic time, little cold... but it's winter in Wisconsin ! If u would have read all the info, it did say no refunds.... they can't help the weather ... it had to cost them plenty to try and salvage what they could... We would go again, it's a beautiful site! read more

100% overrated. Lots of screaming children so I would recommend going on a weekday. We thought it would be cool to go at night and it was, however you will get better pictures if you go during the day. 20$ for admission was fair, but to call it "castles" is definitely a reach...more like man made ice forts. read more

I had a great time with my sister. Parking close and free. I would alert people visiting with the elderly. Not good place to walk for them. We were having some difficulty walking around and we are in our 60's. Fun for kids. My sister even went down the slide. read more

Overrated. Period. Not a good value for the $ and effort. Lots to do near Lake Geneva. Not this.

One star just so I can comment. These are NOT castles. It's like a little cave. Terrible customer service. I bought pre- paid tickets a week in advance. When I realized the weather would be bad I went through the protocol to change my ticket time to earlier in the day. Never heard back. Still drive 2 hours. Paid $200 for a hotel for the night. When we got there at 6 they told us it's closed for the season. No refund as of yet. Not one person could talk to me about getting a refund. The weather had rolled through at this point. I want my money back but more than anything I want you to train your folks on how to handle this. You could have checked weather radars and determined you could not operate much earlier in the day. Given a heads up to your customers it may cancel. Not cancel after 6pm and never send anything out until that moment! That is pure and simple greed. Your employees were laughing and patronizing my 3 year old who was throwing a major tantrum and was super broken hearted about being right in front of these "castles" and yet not being able to go in. I know these kids wanted to go home and are over working their minimum wage job in the cold but poor customer service also causes bad reviews. read more

Family enjoyed the area. Slide had a long line that was a fun for the kids. Great photo opportunity for the fam and fun areas to climb and go through. read more

Great place to bring the family; however you better buy your tickets ahead of time, or you'll end up waiting in the line outside. Tickets are sold in increments of 30mins, so plan ahead! read more

Our family had scheduled a date in February for the whole family including our small grandkids. Several days prior to our date the weather dropped below zero which was too much for our grandkids. I called and asked if we could exchange our tickets for another date, we were told they were sold out until additional dates opened. However, the gal mentioned the upcoming Monday she was pretty sure the dates we wanted were going to be available. Monday arrived and I called really early, I was told they were already sold out and no further dates available at that time. Basically, we were now going past dates that would work out for all of us. I asked for a refund because they provided inaccurate information to me for ticket availability. And, my original issue addressed a situation of severity in cold for my grandkids. I wrote a complaint about getting a justified refund and it took forever to get a response and address a situation needing to be handled properly on their end. Today, I was just told that unfortunately no refund and wishing me the best. That's the kind organization you are dealing with folks especially in getting a justified refund. It appears once paid, their money is in the bank and tough crap for those that rightfully should be reimbursed for our situation listed above. The moral of the story is, if you buy tickets and need a refund under an unfortunate circumstance, good luck in getting one and you just donated to the Ice castle organization on their behalf, not yours........ read more

Kids loved it; teens mostly loved taking pics with the pretty scenery. Parking was so close and free. Line was short and the staff was so accommodating. I reached out to them on FB with a question and they got back to me right away and helped me. I would suggest, if the drive is over an hour, to spend some time in lake Geneva. Go to dinner before or after. We spent about an hour in the castle. Went at 7:30 at night. A lot of people, but not too bad. We showed up before our scheduled tine and it wasn't an issue. I think the night time is probably the best time to see it. We loved all the lights. read more