Nisswa is a beautiful and scenic town in North Central Minnesota. During the cold midwest winters, Nisswa becomes a hub for fun outdoor winter activities. The area has miles and miles of well-maintained, scenic trails that are perfect for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. You’ll even find opportunities for downhill adventures at a local ski and snowboard area. You’ll find ample businesses that offer equipment rentals, repair services, and guides so you can be fully outfitted and prepared for your outdoor winter adventure. The area is also home to some of the best fishing in the upper midwest, and even though the ice is frozen, you’re only a ice auger away from catching the “big one”. You’ll find tips, lures, bait, and guides at the area's local bait shops and sporting good outlets. When you’re looking to warm up during the winter months, Nisswa gives you plenty of options. Head to one of the local shops for a unique momento of your trip or stop by one of the restaurants for a delicious meal and good conversation. Perhaps the best way to experience the community in the winter months is by visiting during the Nisswa Winter Jubilee.
For over four decades, the Nisswa Winter Jubilee has been one of the top winter events in Northern Minnesota. Thousands of people from the city, region, and all over come to Nisswa to participate in this fun and unique event. You’ll find something to do for all tastes and backgrounds here. Some of the activities include meat raffles, live music, kids arts and crafts, a medallion hunt, storytelling, magic show, wood splitting contest, and so much more. The local restaurants are also participating in the event and will have special meals and deals. The jubilee wraps up on Sunday with Nisswa Fire Department’s extremely popular Ice Fishing Derby on Nisswa Lake and live music at the Nisswa American Legion. Bundle up the entire family and head north for a fun experience like no other at the Nisswa Winter Jubilee. ResortsandLodges.com got the opportuntity to talk with Shawn Hansen, President and CEO of the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce, to learn more about this fun winter event.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
SH: This is the 43rd annual Nisswa Winter Jubilee. We typically see between 2,000 and 4,000 people per year and are expecting no different this year. The demographic group we see the most at our event is families, but we encourage everyone to come down and enjoy all the fun.
RAL: What makes the event unique?
SH: We are a great Winter festival with many unique snow sculptures. Snow sculptures have a theme every year and continually impress everyone that sees them. During our 2016 event, Star Wars will be the main theme for the sculptures. We also have a commemorative button that will be released this year, similar to years past. People enjoy collecting the new designs each year!
RAL: Take me through a typical day at the event.
SH: We will have a range of activities that take place during the event including our always popular pancake breakfast, snow sculpture judging, a medallion hunt, kids mini carnival, wood splitting contest, live music, an ice fishing derby and more. For guest appearances will we have the Nisswa Citizen of the Year, Miss Nisswa. If you're feeling hungry, all the local restaurants will be open and serving delicious food during the event. The overall environment of the festival is a fun outdoor winter celebration, so dress warm and get ready to have a blast.
RAL: What will attendees find for local lodging?
SH: There are several resorts, hotels, motels and lodging options in the surrounding area. It’s Presidents Day weekend so expect to find deals on rates at the local lodging establishments. A few nearby options include: Good Ol’ Days Resort, Wilderness Resort Villas and Eagles Nest Resort.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
SH: This is a major boon to the local economy during the winter. While we have many people who visit for all the great outdoor activities during this season, the Jubilee attracts more people at once that any other gathering. The extra people visiting the community directly influence the sales at retail shops, restaurants, and resorts in our city. It is a welcomed winter event in our community and it's a great way to beat cabin fever while meeting new people. In addition, the event supports good causes in the area such as the Miss Nisswa Scholarship Program, loac 4-H Clubs, Nisswa Parks & Recreation programs, and the Nisswa Fire Department.
RAL: Why should people come to your event.
SH: We are used to cold weather in Minnesota and we absolutely know how to have a great time, even though the ground is covered in snow. Come out enjoy a great weekend in scenic and friendly Nisswa. There will be lots of fun throughout the celebration and the residents welcome people who are visiting. This is a family-friendly event, so bring your kids and get ready to have a fun winter experience that all will remember fondly.
For more information about the Nisswa Winter Jubilee, please visit their website.