Detroit Lakes Polar Fest
Feb 6 - Feb 22
2026 Detroit Lakes Polar Fest
2026 Detroit Lakes Polar Fest
Join us for the 30th Annual Detroit Lakes Polar Fest on February 6-22, 2025. Polar Fest is a 17-day winter festival that features a multitude of both indoor and outdoor winter activities. It is held in mid-February with the Polar Plunge and Frozen Fireworks on the last Saturday of Polar Fest.
Polar Fest was started by local residents who loved winter and wanted to a celebration of winter by the lake. They had heard of people jumping into a hole in the lake to raise money for an organization. Taking that idea to the Boys & Girls Club, “Polar Fest Plunge” and the annual much-loved event was born!
Most events are in Detroit Lakes and center around the lakes, with some at nearby Detroit Mountain Recreation area. Refer to the featured Polar Fest events below with links to event details. Following the featured events is a link for the full Polar Fest schedule. Photo Credit (above): Jack Davis Photography
Featured Polar Fest Events
Video Credit: Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes | Polar Fest Plunge Short Recap
About Detroit Lakes Polar Fest
Detroit Lakes Polar Fest is is a 17-day winter festival that features a multitude of outdoor winter activities. It is held in early and mid-February with the plunge and fireworks on the last Saturday night of Polar Fest. Polar Fest was started in 1996 by Erika Johnson, previous owner of Lakeside Tavern. She loved winter and wanted to see some sort of celebration of winter by the lake and outside her restaurant. Coincidentally, Ron Zeman, former Develop DL board member, heard of people jumping into a hole in the lake to raise money for an organization. He took that idea to the Boys & Girls Club and the “Polar Fest Plunge” was born. Unfortunately, in 2002 a lack of support left Polar Fest with only its key event, the Polar Plunge.
In 2005, a group of crazy, winter-loving citizens came together to reinvigorate and warm up Polar Fest. Since then, Polar Fest has since continued with the pinnacle event being the Polar Fest Plunge into Little Detroit Lake. However, many other activities including golfing on the lake, polar explorer presentations, dances and more have been added. In 2008, fireworks on the last Saturday evening were added, becoming one of the highlights of the week-long winter celebration. Don’t miss one of Minnesota’s most fun winter festivals!
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in February!
Tags: Detroit Lakes Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Ice Palace, Detroit Lakes Beer Tasting, Polar Fest Plunge, Vern Turner Memorial Bonspiel, Detroit Lakes Winter Activities
Best Polar Fest Hotels in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
The Lodge on Lake Detroit & The Spa Within
The only way to improve Polar Fest is staying in one of the best Polar Fest Hotels in Detroit Lakes. However long your stay, you will find our Detroit Lakes Minnesota lake resort the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. What better way to relax than in The Lodge’s beautiful Fireside Lobby and LoLa D’s Lobby Bar & Bistro? Nestled in a lovely tree-filled setting on a private sandy beach, you’ll find the latest hotel style and amenities. The Lodge is independently owned and operated by Holland Hospitality, Inc., now providing a generation of hospitality excellence.
With our modern amenities and thoughtful design, we stand out among other lodging choices in Detroit Lakes, MN. For couples or family getaways, we offer a variety of rooms and suites with king, queen or two queen beds. Our free daily hot breakfast, indoor heated pool and fitness center make the hotel a great place to recharge between enjoying Detroit Lakes attractions and activities. View Hotel Detail
Your room features lakefront views, free Wi-Fi and wired internet, flat-screen TVs with extended channels. It is also equipped with mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, and is pet and smoke free. View accommodation detail.
Detroit Lakes Day Spa: You will experience extensive menu of select spa treatment services at The Spa Within at The Lodge, many of which are exclusive signature treatments. A variety of facials and massage therapies will provide you a deeply relaxed state as part of your spa experience. Some of these revitalizing treatments include the use of warm and cold basalt stones for face and body.
