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Ice Castles in Excelsior delay opening due to warm weather

The estimated opening date is Jan. 11.

EXCELSIOR, Minn. — This weekend, more sunshine is in the forecast. Temperatures are even predicted to reach the upper 30s!

For January in Minnesota, that’s considered warm weather - and warm weather can cause winter activities to be delayed.

This isn't the first time the Ice Castles delayed its opening. The attraction was expected to open in late December but was eventually scheduled for Jan. 4. Opening day was later rescheduled to Jan. 11.

“We plan on opening on January 11th if everything goes to plan, but keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for updates,” Event Manager Ben Millard said.

RELATED: Ice artisans begin crafting Ice Castles in Excelsior

He says employees are used to dealing with weather delays, and visitors seem to understand.

“People typically understand that there is nothing we can do about the weather, so the delay hasn’t been too difficult to handle,” Millard said. “In fact it gives us more time to prepare everything to make sure it’s an amazing experience for everyone once we do open!”

Jan. 11 would not be the latest the Ice Castles have opened in Minnesota. Three years ago, in Eden Prairie, opening day was toward the end of January.

“That year we weren't able to turn on water until the day after Christmas,” Event Director Amanda Roseth said.

As employees wait for temperatures to drop, they work on projects in the shop.

“Today and over the warm stretch coming up they will be building a privacy fence to veil the back of house area from where our guests enter the Castle,” Roseth said.

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