Hunter Ice Festival is the main winter event in downtown Niles, Michigan. Held in mid-January, the festival pays tribute to the great history of Michigan's Hunter Brothers Ice and Ice Cream Company, which in particular was known for cutting ice blocks out of Barron Lake and shipping it throughout the land.
Hunter Ice Festival features a timed sculpting competition at the Riverfront Amphitheater. See world-class masters transform over 27 tons of Ice into beautiful sculptures. Other attractions include a historical Hunter Brothers exhibit, held at the Niles Library, and the Kids Art Activities Warming Station with face painting, games, crafts, balloon animals, and various fun. In addition to that, visitors can enjoy plenty of ice cream!
Overall, Hunter Ice Festival presents more than 150 ice sculptures on Main Street and in the downtown area together with free live music and entertainment. The festival runs from 5 to 9 pm on Friday, from 9 am to 8 pm on Saturday, and from 9 am to 6:30 pm on Sunday.
