Join us for the Annual Polar Fest DL Pond Hockey Classic on February 7-8, 2026 on Little Detroit Lake in front of Hub41/Pavillion. Nothing quite represents the State of Hockey better than a pick-up game on a frozen pond! Assemble your team of 8 skaters and register for the DL Pond Hockey Classic and see how you measure up to the others!

Tournament Location
Little Detroit Lake in front of Hub41/Pavillion

Tournament Contacts
info@DLpondhockey.org
Face Book Page

Event Schedule:

Friday, February 6
Registration and welcome event

Saturday, February 7
Pool play/round robin (3 games per team)
First game time: 9am
Last game time: 3pm

Sunday, February 8
Single-elimination tournament OR 4 team final + consolation games
First game time: 9am
Championship game time: 3pm

Registration:

• $40/player
• $250/team
• Register Online

Hockey Rules & Regulations:

• Game play is 4-on-4 with a maximum of eight-person teams (no goalies).
• Rinks measure approx. 70′ x 140′ with 18” boards.Goals are six feet wide with 12″ openings on each side.
• In true pond fashion, the ice is to be shoveled by the two opposing teams before the game starts.
• Games consist of two 15-minute halves with a two-minute break.
• Each team will be guaranteed four games.

Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Polar Fest DL Pond Hockey Classic in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in February. Be sure to enjoy other Detroit Lakes Polar Fest events as well!

Tags: Detroit Lakes Pond Hockey Tournament, Detroit Lakes Polar Fest, DL Pond Hockey Classic, Detroit Lakes Winter Activities

DL Pond Hockey Classic

The DL Pond Hockey Classic is a tournament presented by DL Pond Hockey, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to keeping the spirit and tradition of pond hockey alive in Northern Minnesota. DL Pond Hockey Classic website.

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 Lakes Curling Club Vern Turner Memorial Bonspiel in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in February. Be sure to enjoy other Detroit Lakes Polar Fest events as well!

Tags: Detroit Lakes Curling Tournament, Detroit Lakes Polar Fest, Vern Turner Memorial Bonspiel, Detroit Lakes Winter Activities

Join us on Little Detroit Lake for the 2026 Polar Fest Cool Kites on the Lake event on February 15, 2026 at 10am for some colorful, Polar Fest fun! Watch from West Lake Drive or drive or walk out onto the lake to visit with the professional kiters and be amazed at the beauty and variety of these large kites. Bring your own kite to fly along with the pros! Kites start flying at 10 a.m., depending on the wind. (Timing is approximate based on wind speeds and weather, but kites should be flying by 10:00 a.m. and will fly as long as possible!)

Giant kites take the lake as seven international kite flyers bring their spectacular giant kites to color the skies. Kites range in size from 10 to 100 feet!

FREE event! No pre-registration is necessary. PLUS Cool Kites & Cool Kids with Early Childhood Family Education. Bundle up and join us on the ice to watch the International Kites on Ice Festival. Bring a kite of your own to fly, or make a kite with us.

This event is in partnership with Early Childhood Initiative, Polar Fest, and Project 412.

What to expect at Polar Fest Cool Kites on the Lake?

Mark your Calendar Today

You don’t want to miss the next Polar Fest Cool Kites on the Lake event, or any of the other great events of the annual Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in February!

Tags: Polar Fest Cool Kites on the Lake, Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Polar Fest Cool Kites on the Lake, Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Winter Activities, Detroit Lakes Winter Guide

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!

About Propel DL

Propel DL is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advance and promote Detroit Lakes and the surrounding region. This goal will be achieved through educational, charitable and recreational programs, festivals and events like the Detroit Lakes Polar Fest.

Detroit Lakes Polar Fest is held annually in mid-February. The Propel DL Board is responsible for the overall branding, advertising, and administration of Polar Fest. We work to bring more events like this to the area and the look committee members, sponsors and event volunteers.

This year, the Detroit Lakes Polar Fest Frozen Fireworks show is back and better than ever! We’re having two days of fireworks (beginning and ending of festival) so you can come to the one that best fits your schedule (or both).

What to expect at Polar Fest Frozen Fireworks?

Mark your Calendar Today

You don’t want to miss the next Polar Fest Frozen Fireworks or any of the other great Polar Fest events in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in February!

Tags: Polar Fest Frozen Fireworks, Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Frozen Fireworks, Polar Fest Ice Palace Lighting Ceremony, King Isbit’s Ice Palace, Detroit Lakes Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Winter Activities, Detroit Lakes Winter Guide

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!

About Propel DL

Propel DL is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advance and promote Detroit Lakes and the surrounding region. This goal will be achieved through educational, charitable and recreational programs, festivals and events like the Detroit Lakes Polar Fest.

Detroit Lakes Polar Fest is held annually in mid-February. The Propel DL Board is responsible for the overall branding, advertising, and administration of Polar Fest. We work to bring more events like this to the area and the look committee members, sponsors and event volunteers.

Polar Fest Polar Palooza on February 21, 2024 at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area offers a fun night of tubing races. Groups of 4 people can register as a team. Team check in and practice is between 5-6pm, with the race starting at 6:30pm. Polar Fest Polar Palooza is a double elimination format! Awards for the top three team finishers and top two team costumes will be presented at the end (around 9pm). Polar Palooza is for a good cause, with funds going to the Ski Angel Program.

Polar Fest Polar Palooza Features & Information

Polar Palooza Registration Form

Mark your Calendar Today

You don’t want to miss the next Polar Fest Polar Palooza, or any of the other great Detroit Lakes Polar Fest events in February!

Tags: Polar Fest Polar Palooza, Polar Fest, Detroit Mountain Polar Palooza, Polar Fest Ice Palace Lighting Ceremony, King Isbit’s Ice Palace, Detroit Lakes Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Winter Activities, Detroit Lakes Winter Guide

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!

About Detroit Mountain Recreation Area

Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, located just minutes from Detroit Lakes is Minnesota’s newest ski destination. Complete with a main lodge and tubing park lodge and 15 runs for alpine skiing and snowboarding, it represents the growing popularity of ‘tubing’ with designated runs for that purpose.

The Landslide Tubing Park, a recent addition at Detroit Mountain, has its own 2500 sf lodge siting astride the tubing hill. It also offers one of the two Magic Carpet lifts. This tubing hill lodge features a cafe with a variety of food options and the Ace’s Wild Bar that is perfect for indoor Apres Ski socializing (outdoors a large fire pit warms you while you gather with friends).

Detroit Mountain Details

Polar Fest Ice Tee Golf Tournament is a fun, festive 4-person team golf scramble held on the ice on February 20, 2026, between 12p-7p in front of the Holiday Inn on Highway 10. Proceeds from the Polar Fest Ice Tee Golf Tournament will benefit the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center. This Polar Fest social sporting event is a great way to build camaraderie in your company (and earn bragging rights!) or get a group of friends together and enjoy the opportunity to be involved in a unique event, celebrating winter fun in Detroit Lakes.

Ice Tee Golf Tournament General Information

Ice Tee Golf Tournament Team Details

While 2026-specific registration forms often list “TBD” for certain final details, traditional tournament structures include the following (contact Polar Fest Detroit Lakes for updated information at polarpetedl@gmail.com or 218-234-2501):

Mark your Calendar Today

You don’t want to miss the next Polar Fest Ice Tee Golf Tournament, or any of the other great events that begin with the Ice Palace Lighting Ceremony in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in February!

Tags: Polar Fest Ice Tee Golf Tournament, Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Ice Tee Golf, Ice Tee Golf, Polar Fest Ice Palace Lighting Ceremony, King Isbit’s Ice Palace, Detroit Lakes Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Winter Activities, Detroit Lakes Winter Guide

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!

About Propel DL

Propel DL is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advance and promote Detroit Lakes and the surrounding region. This goal will be achieved through educational, charitable and recreational programs, festivals and events like the Detroit Lakes Polar Fest.

Detroit Lakes Polar Fest is held annually in mid-February. The Propel DL Board is responsible for the overall branding, advertising, and administration of Polar Fest. We work to bring more events like this to the area and the look committee members, sponsors and event volunteers.

This year, the Detroit Lakes Polar Fest Frozen Fireworks show is back and better than ever! Be on time for parking and a great viewing spot.

The fireworks fun will begin at 7 PM or dusk.

What to expect at Polar Fest Frozen Fireworks?

Mark your Calendar Today

You don’t want to miss the next Polar Fest Frozen Fireworks show, or any of the other great events during Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in February!

Tags: Polar Fest Frozen Fireworks, Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Frozen Fireworks, Polar Fest Ice Palace Lighting Ceremony, King Isbit’s Ice Palace, Detroit Lakes Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Winter Activities, Detroit Lakes Winter Guide

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!

About Propel DL

Propel DL is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advance and promote Detroit Lakes and the surrounding region. This goal will be achieved through educational, charitable and recreational programs, festivals and events like the Detroit Lakes Polar Fest.

Detroit Lakes Polar Fest is held annually in mid-February. The Propel DL Board is responsible for the overall branding, advertising, and administration of Polar Fest. We work to bring more events like this to the area and the look committee members, sponsors and event volunteers.

Join us on Little Detroit Lake for the 2023 Polar Fest Kitefest and some colorful, Polar Fest fun! Professional Show Kite Flyers will dazzle us with their kites of all shapes and sizes!

What to expect at Polar Fest Kitefest?

Mark your Calendar Today

You don’t want to miss the next Polar Fest Kitefest, or any of the other great events that begin with the Ice Palace Lighting Ceremony in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in February!

Tags: Polar Fest Kitefest, Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Kitefest, Polar Fest Ice Palace Lighting Ceremony, King Isbit’s Ice Palace, Detroit Lakes Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Winter Activities, Detroit Lakes Winter Guide

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!

About Propel DL

Propel DL is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advance and promote Detroit Lakes and the surrounding region. This goal will be achieved through educational, charitable and recreational programs, festivals and events like the Detroit Lakes Polar Fest.

Detroit Lakes Polar Fest is held annually in mid-February. The Propel DL Board is responsible for the overall branding, advertising, and administration of Polar Fest. We work to bring more events like this to the area and the look committee members, sponsors and event volunteers.

Kick off Polar Fest 2025 in style at Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance on February 6, 2026 from 6-9 pm. Yeehaw! A dream come true event for sweethearts (ages 2-12) and their dads, grandfathers, or special friends. Line dance your boots to the Historic Holmes Theatre for a night of music, dancing, food, and activities any cowgirl will love!

Ticket prices go up on January 31st. Get your early bird tickets today at dlccc.org/holmes-theatre or calling 218-844-7469

What to expect at Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance

Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance Schedule

Tickets

Mark your Calendar Today

You don’t want to miss the next Polar Fest Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance, or any of the other great events that begin with the Ice Palace Lighting Ceremony in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in February!

Tags: Polar Fest Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance, Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Polar Fest Ice Palace, Polar Fest Ice Palace Lighting Ceremony, King Isbit’s Ice Palace, Detroit Lakes Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Winter Activities

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!

About Propel DL

Propel DL is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advance and promote Detroit Lakes and the surrounding region. This goal will be achieved through educational, charitable and recreational programs, festivals and events like the Detroit Lakes Polar Fest.

Detroit Lakes Polar Fest is held annually in mid-February. The Propel DL Board is responsible for the overall branding, advertising, and administration of Polar Fest. We work to bring more events like this to the area and the look committee members, sponsors and event volunteers.

Don’t miss the annual Detroit Lakes Polar Fest Poles n Holes Fishing Derby on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Poles n Holes is the ‘kick off’ for the overall Detroit Lakes Polar Fest that opens February 6-22, 2026. Whether you’re a hard-core ice fishing enthusiast or someone who just enjoys some winter fun, this derby is for you! Enjoy the opportunities for spectators to join in the ice fishing fun. These include large warming areas, expanded food and beverage offerings, and vendors to share their wares.

The Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary Club Poles n Holes sponsors this annual Detroit Lakes fishing tournament. While it is certainly fun for all participants and spectators, its goal is to raise funds to support area literacy, youth sports, senior citizens programs and other community and international projects. Since the beginning of Poles n Holes, well over $250,000 has been raised for these worthy causes. Food and beverage service will also be available on the ice, so bring your friends, family, and appetite! Once again spectators will be allowed on the ice.

Poles n Holes Location

The ice fishing derby official area will be on the north side of Little Detroit Lake out in front of the Rossman Avenue access. This location is subject to change due to ice conditions or other factors. Please check back to this website for updates. Parking on the ice is prohibited for safety reasons.

Contact & Web Info

Poles n Holes Facebook Page
Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary Club Poles n Holes Website
Email: icefishingdl@gmail.com

Fishing Derby Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased to fish from one hole or two, with no age restrictions on participation. Participants may move to other unoccupied holes in the designated derby area. Derby participants are only allowed to fish in the designated area. Any participant fishing outside the area will be disqualified. Your ticket must be visible at all time.

One-Hole Tickets:
* $30 on-line in advance
* $35 in advance at area ticket vendors
* $40 day of on the ice.
Two-Hole Tickets:
* $50 on-line in advance
* $55 in advance at area ticket vendors
* $60 day of on the ice.
* Get Tickets Online

Poles N Holes Prizes:

2025 prizes TBA.

Detroit Lakes Polar Fest Poles N Holes Schedule:

* 9am: Gates Open
* Noon: Fishing Begins
* 3pm: Fishing Ends
* 3:30pm: Awards Presented & Post Party at The Holiday Inn

This Derby will be a release/kill derby.

After weighing, live fish will be released. Fish that die during the weighing process will be counted towards that angler’s daily possession limit, and release will not be attempted. This does not change the requirement that fish must be alive to be weighed. Derby officials have the final authority in determining whether a fish is alive. The leader board in the verification area will be updated regularly. Results are unofficial until verification by head judge. Judges shall have the right to verify all fish are legally caught. The decision of the judge is final. All prize winners may be required to take polygraph exam as part of the contest requirements. In the event deception is detected or the contestant refuses to take the exam, his/her prize will be forfeited. When transporting fish to the weight verification site, please keep the fish submerged in water. Please bring your own bucket/bag for transporting the fish.

Official Poles N Holes Fishing Derby Participant Rules

Fishing Derby Prize & Raffle Prize Rules

Prizes Galore! – from big catches to lucky draws, there are plenty of chances to win.

General Rules & Features

Mark your Calendar Today

You don’t want to miss the next Polar Fest Poles n Holes Fishing Derby, or any of the other great events that begin with the Ice Palace Lighting Ceremony in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in February!

Tags: Polar Fest Ice Palace, Detroit Lakes Polar Fest Ice Palace, Polar Fest Ice Palace Lighting Ceremony, King Isbit’s Ice Palace, Detroit Lakes Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes Ice Palace, Detroit Lakes Winter Activities

About The Detroit Lakes Polar Fest

Detroit Lakes Polar Fest is held annually in mid-February with the plunge and fireworks on the Saturday night of President’s Day weekend. 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, at the same time, Ron Zeman, former board member for Develop DL, heard about 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. Polar Fest continued until 2002 when lack of support left Polar Fest with only its key event — the Polar Plunge, but no other activities.

In 2005, a group of crazy, winter-loving citizens came together to reinvigorate and warm up Polar Fest. Since then, Polar Fest has continued with the pinnacle event being the Polar Fest Plunge into Little Detroit Lake plus many other activities ranging from golfing on the lake to presentations by polar explorers to dances in the sand. In 2008, fireworks on the last Saturday evening were added and that has become one of the highlights of the week-long winter celebration.

About the Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary Club

The Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary Club is one of the 35,000 clubs world-wide who are affiliated with Rotary International. Like other Rotary Clubs, we are dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. We work in the community volunteering with United Way, local nursing homes, community events, ditch cleaning, and wherever we are needed, as a club and as individuals as we live “service above self”.

We are a group of over 60 members who gather both in person and via Zoom each Tuesday morning at 7 am with programs that are entertaining and informational. It’s a wonderful way to get to know your community and other like-minded service oriented folks.