When you are visiting destinations along Interstate 93, you may want to check out “Ice Castles” in Lincoln NH.
Winter visitors traveling through the White Mountains often ask about ice castles in Littleton NH. While the Ice Castles attraction is located just outside of town in nearby Lincoln, it remains one of the most popular winter experiences for guests staying in Littleton and along Interstate 93.
The Ice Castles showcase massive, handcrafted ice structures built using a patented freezing process. Thousands of icicles are grown and layered into a single, interconnected ice fortress spanning more than an acre. Over time, the ice thickens and hardens, creating glowing tunnels, frozen slides, and towering walls strong enough to support enormous weight.
If Ice Castles are part of your winter itinerary, these tips will help you get the most out of your visit.
5 Tips for Enjoying Ice Castles in Littleton NH:
- Wear Boots! The walking surfaces inside Ice Castles are made of crushed ice and snow. Waterproof winter boots with good traction are essential. Sneakers, dress shoes, or smooth soles will make walking difficult and uncomfortable. Warm socks and insulated footwear will also help you enjoy your time inside longer, especially on colder evenings.
- Buy Tickets Before You Arrive! Tickets for Ice Castles are sold with specific arrival windows, and availability can fill quickly during peak winter weekends. Buying tickets online ahead of time helps you avoid long waits and ensures entry at your preferred time. Once you enter the Ice Castles, you are free to explore at your own pace for as long as you like.
- Save some trees! Ice Castles uses digital ticketing with QR codes sent directly to your email. There’s no need to print anything. Simply present your code on your phone at check-in, which helps reduce paper waste and speeds up entry. It’s a small detail, but one that makes the process smoother, especially in cold weather.
- Photos are encouraged. Photography is encouraged, and the glowing ice formations make for incredible winter photos. Cell phone photos are welcome, and visitors often share their experience using the #icecastles hashtag. However, tripods, lighting equipment, and other professional photography accessories are not permitted inside the attraction. Keep it simple and enjoy capturing the moment.
- Sleds are better. If you’re visiting Ice Castles with young children, a small sled is far more practical than a stroller. The uneven, icy surfaces make strollers difficult to push, similar to trying to navigate a sandy beach. A sled allows you to pull children comfortably while moving through the ice pathways.
Seasonal Entertainment & Special Features
Depending on weather conditions and scheduling, Ice Castles may offer special seasonal experiences such as character appearances for children or live fire performances on select evenings. These features vary by season, so it’s best to check the official Ice Castles site before your visit for current offerings.
To learn more, visit http://icecastles.com/
Directions to the Ice Castles
If you are traveling North or South on I-93:
Take Exit 33 on I-93,
Continue on US-3 South.
Take Connector Rd to Railroad St.
If you are in Lincoln, travel to Connector road and go west. The Ice Castles are a few hundred yards on the left.
Signs are placed between exit 33 and the Ice Castles directing you into the Ice Castles. Keep an eye out for these signs!
Please Note: GPS and other navigational aids do not always perform as they should in this area. In case of difficulties, please refer to the above directions.
Make the Most of Your Winter Stay in Littleton
Visiting ice castles in Littleton NH is a highlight for many winter travelers, even though the attraction itself is located just minutes away in Lincoln. Pairing this experience with nearby skiing, snowshoeing, and scenic downtown Littleton creates a well-rounded winter getaway.
After a night exploring glowing ice tunnels, return to the warmth and charm of Thayers Inn, conveniently located near winter attractions throughout the White Mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big are the ice castles? Each Ice Castle is a little over an acre, is all one giant piece of interconnected ice, and weighs more than 25 million pounds! The walls are 10 feet thick and strong enough to hold tall buildings.
- Are walk-ins allowed? Will there be availability? We recommend making reservations early because with a ticket you buy an arrival time. They request you arrive within your 30-minute time window. Once you are inside the castle you can stay as long as you’d like!
- Can I take photos for Instagram, Facebook and Twitter? Cellphone photos are encouraged (please use the hashtag #icecastles on social media)! Photographic accessories and equipment such as tripods and lights should NOT be brought with you.
- Are strollers allowed inside for small children? It’s highly recommended to bring a small sled instead of a stroller. It’s difficult to push the stroller through the castle (think of it like trying to push a stroller through a sandy beach).
- Do you have any activities for kids? In late January, Ice Castles in Lincoln will present an Enchanted Frozen Princess for kids to pose with, weather permitting, and fire performers are live on Friday and Saturday evenings.