MTU Winter Carnival 2025 in Midwest

Michigan Technological University Winter Carnival is an annual February celebration in Houghton, Michigan, showcasing the region's abundant snowfall. Students and the community embrace winter with activities like broomball, sleigh rides, comedy skits, and the coronation of the Carnival Queen. The event's highlight is the display of massive, intricately designed snow statues across campus and the town, transforming the area into a winter wonderland of creativity and fun.

Snow Statues

The most prominent feature of the MTU Winter Carnival is the dozens of colossal snow statues around campus and town. Blue Key National Honor Society chooses a new theme every year, and students compete for the best statue award. Some statues take up to a month to build, while others are made overnight. Many of them are monumental and quite impressive. The 2025 theme of the carnival is Dragons, Knights, and Legendary Sights.

Competitions

In addition to winter sports, Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival celebrates the performing arts with the long-standing Stage Revue competition, a tradition since 1946. Participants compete for the Winter Carnival trophy, judged on acting quality, technical production, originality, theme, and entertainment value, with an Audience Choice award decided by attendees.

Parking

Free parking is available for guests at Lots 5 and 9 near the Rozsa Center and Lot 27 between the Administration Building and MUB.

History of Michigan Tech Winter Carnival

Michigan Tech Winter Carnival began in 1922 as a one-night Ice Carnival featuring circus-style acts, student performances, and ice skating contests at the Amphidrome in Houghton, Michigan. Over the years, it evolved into a beloved multi-day event, including parades, snow sculpture competitions, and hockey games. The introduction of snow statues in 1936 brought a creative hallmark to the festival, showcasing intricate designs by students and the local community. Though paused during World War II, Carnival returned in 1946 with new traditions like skits and expanded winter sports. Today, it stands as a cherished celebration of creativity, community, and Michigan’s winter wonderland.