A couple weeks ago we went to see the Ice Castles at Silverthorne and it was really neat!
Now you can get half off tickets from Groupon.
We took the scenic route to get there- Highway 24 to Highway 9 to I-70. It was a beautiful clear day like so many we have here in Colorado, and just lovely. If you go to the Ice Castles and you’re coming from Colorado Springs, I highly recommend this drive.
First stop: Happy Meadows, our favorite summer camping spot. The campground isn’t open in the winter but we walked around on the frozen stream awhile anyway.
Happy Meadows in winter
Happy Meadows, Colorado
There are many scenic stops along the way.
Scenic point along the way on Highway 24.
Made a stop in Fairplay for a snack. There are lots of little cafes in Fairplay but the best cinnamon roll in the whole world can be found at the Brown Burro Cafe. Two coffees and this huge treat was only $4!
Cinnamon roll from the Brown Burro Cafe in Fairplay, CO
The recreated old west town of South Park is also in Fairplay. It’s really neat, kids and adults will like it, there are lots of good photo opportunities and its’ definitely worth a stop. We’ve been there before so didn’t go this time.
South Park recreated old west town, Fairplay, CO
The rest of the drive is also really pretty but it was getting late and we wanted to get to the Ice Castles before it got dark.
We drove thru Breckenridge and debated hitting up Breckenridge Brewery because we love the delicious Vanilla Porter they make. But we decided maybe we’d come back thru later and go there.
On to the Ice Castles, which is about 20 minutes north of Breckenridge. The Ice Castles is a man made art exhibit. They run sprinklers all night long, the water freezes, and these neat sculptures are formed. You can walk all around them and even inside some of them.
Ice Castles at Silverthorne, CO.
Ice Castles at Silverthorne, CO.
Ice Castles at Silverthorne, CO.
Ice Castles at Silverthorne, CO.
Ice Castles at Silverthorne, CO.
Ice Castles at Silverthorne, CO.
Ice Castles at Silverthorne, CO.
Ice Castles at Silverthorne, CO.
Ice Castles at Silverthorne, CO.
Ice Castles at Silverthorne, CO.
Ice Castles at Silverthorne, CO.
Ice Castles at Silverthorne, CO.
We didn’t know when we got there, but it’s open at night, too. It looks totally different at night and they let you come and go on one ticket, so we wound up going to Breckenridge Brewery afterall and then went back to the Ice Castles later.
Vanilla Porter at Breckenridge Brewery, Colorado.
Then back to the Ice Castles. By now it was pretty cold so we didn’t stay as long, but it was really pretty with the lights they use.
Ice Castles at Silverthorn, at night
Ice Castles at Silverthorn, at night
Ice Castles at Silverthorn, at night
Ice Castles at Silverthorn, at night
Ice Castles at Silverthorn, at night
So go get these half off tickets from Groupon and go check it out. And be sure to tell us what other interesting things you find along the way!