Step Into a Winter Wonderland: Monica Breckenridge at the Colorado Ice Castles

Winter in Colorado is not just a season, it is an adventure. For outdoor lovers, snow is not a chore to shovel but an opportunity to play. From skiing and snowboarding to sledding and snowshoeing, the state has no shortage of ways to enjoy the cold. But sometimes you stumble across something truly magical that makes you stop, look around, and feel like a kid again. That is the kind of experience Monica Breckenridge shared on American Dream TV when she explored the Ice Castles in Cripple Creek, Colorado.

Imagine glowing towers of ice, tunnels you can crawl through, slides made from frozen water, and walls that shimmer with colored lights. That is the Ice Castles, a seasonal attraction that combines art, engineering, and pure winter magic.

This blog will take you through Monica’s journey, explain what the Ice Castles are, share insider tips for visiting, and show you why they represent the best of Colorado’s adventurous spirit.

Monica Breckenridge’s Frozen Adventure

On her American Dream TV segment, Monica invited viewers along as she wandered through the Ice Castles. Her excitement was contagious. You could almost feel the crisp air and hear the crunch of snow underfoot. The glowing walls, playful tunnels, and interactive slides gave the scene a fairy-tale feel.

What made the segment powerful was not just the visuals but the emotions behind them. Monica reminded viewers that winter is about more than cold weather. It is about finding beauty in the frost and joy in experiences that only happen when the temperature drops.

Watching her explore reminded viewers that winter can spark wonder, if we let it.

What Exactly Are the Ice Castles?

The Ice Castles are walk-through art installations made entirely of ice. Teams of artists grow and place thousands of icicles by hand, sculpting them into soaring towers, tunnels, slides, and archways. Water is sprayed and frozen layer by layer until the structures reach heights of 20 to 30 feet. At night, colorful LED lights turn the walls into glowing blue, green, and pink masterpieces.

The attraction feels part sculpture, part playground, and part fantasy world. During the day, you see the incredible detail of the icicles. At night, the castles transform into a glowing dreamscape.

In Colorado, the Ice Castles are currently located in Cripple Creek, a historic mountain town about an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. Sitting at nearly 10,000 feet in elevation, the area has the perfect cold, dry conditions to keep the castles frozen for most of the winter.

Because the entire attraction depends on weather, the Ice Castles are temporary. They usually open in late December and close by early March, but exact dates vary each year. That makes them even more special. Each visit is unique, and no two seasons look exactly the same.

Planning Your Visit

If you are ready to follow Monica’s footsteps and see the Ice Castles for yourself, here is what you need to know.

Getting There

From Colorado Springs, take Highway 24 west before turning south toward Cripple Creek on State Highway 67. The scenic drive takes about 90 minutes. Once in town, parking is available near the Ice Castles site, though spots can fill quickly on weekends. Some hotels also provide shuttle service. Walking from town is not recommended since the road is busy and often icy.

Tickets and Timing

The Ice Castles use timed-entry tickets to keep the crowds manageable. Buy tickets online in advance, especially if you are visiting on a weekend or holiday. When you purchase, you will choose a 30 to 60 minute arrival window. Once inside, you can stay as long as you like, though most people spend about 45 minutes to an hour exploring.

For the best experience, plan your visit around sunset. This timing gives you the chance to see the castles in daylight and then watch them transform into a glowing light display after dark. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, which means shorter waits for slides and tunnels.

What to Wear

Remember, you will be surrounded by ice. Dress like you are headed to the ski slopes. Wear warm base layers, insulated jackets, waterproof pants, and sturdy boots with good traction. Gloves, hats, and scarves are essential. Hand warmers are also a good idea, especially if you plan to take photos.

What to Bring

Bring your camera or phone to capture the experience, but keep in mind that batteries drain quickly in the cold. Extra power packs help. Families with young children sometimes bring sleds to pull them through the snow since strollers do not work well inside.

Why the Ice Castles Are Worth It

You might be wondering, why make the trip just to look at ice? The truth is, the Ice Castles are so much more than that.

They are temporary. Knowing the castles only exist for a few short months makes the experience feel rare and unforgettable.

They are interactive. Unlike a museum where you just look, here you can crawl through tunnels, race down slides, and touch the frozen walls. It feels playful and adventurous.

They celebrate Colorado’s winter spirit. This state is about embracing the outdoors in every season. The Ice Castles highlight how beautiful winter can be when we lean into it.

They are memorable. Whether you are sharing on Instagram, making a family memory, or just taking it all in, the Ice Castles give you a story to tell long after the snow melts.

Why Monica’s Segment Matters

Monica Breckenridge’s American Dream segment did more than just showcase the Ice Castles. It reminded viewers that winter is a season to be celebrated. Too often, people see snow as something to survive. Monica showed that with the right mindset, snow and ice can be magical.

Her visit also reflects the Colorado lifestyle. Living here means embracing adventure year-round. From summer hikes to autumn colors and winter ice castles, there is always something to explore. Monica’s excitement captured that spirit perfectly and inspired others to get out and experience it for themselves.

So grab your warmest coat, pack your sense of wonder, and get ready to walk through glowing tunnels of ice. Colorado’s Ice Castles are waiting to make your winter feel like a dream.