Winter in Minnesota starts early, and so does the fun. Every December, anglers, families and outdoor fans head downtown for one of the biggest ice fishing events in the Midwest. The St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show returns on December 4–6, 2026. Therefore, now is a great time to plan your visit.
This guide covers the dates, hours, admission, exhibits and a simple weekend plan. Additionally, you will find parking tips, a packing list and answers to common questions. Read on, and you will arrive ready to enjoy every minute.
Quick Facts at a Glance
Here is a fast overview before the details. Use it as your cheat sheet.
| Detail | Information |
| Event dates | Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6, 2026 |
| Location | Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Event type | Consumer trade show for ice fishing and winter sports |
| Size | Last year’s show listed more than 190 exhibits |
| Tickets | Sold online in advance or at the door |
| Parking | RiverCentre Parking Ramp with skyway access |
Please note that organizers had not posted every 2026 detail at the time of writing. However, the venue and the show follow a steady yearly pattern. Therefore, this guide uses the most recent published information as a planning tool. Check the official show website before you go to confirm final hours and prices.
Event Dates and Venue
When the Show Happens
The show runs for three days, from Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6, 2026. The timing is smart. Lakes across the state begin to freeze, and anglers want new gear before the ice is thick enough to drive on. As a result, the show doubles as a kickoff to the season.
Where to Find It
The event takes place at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in the heart of downtown. The address is 175 West Kellogg Boulevard. The building sits near the Mississippi River and close to hotels, restaurants and the Xcel Energy Center. Consequently, you can easily combine the show with a full day downtown.
Show Hours for the Weekend
Official 2026 hours may change slightly. Still, last year’s schedule offers a reliable guide. The show opened with early access sessions on Friday and Saturday, followed by regular public hours. In addition, Sunday ran as a shorter day that closed in the afternoon.
| Day | Early Access (2025 pattern) | Regular Hours (2025 pattern) |
| Friday | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Saturday | 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Sunday | None listed | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
Expect a similar layout for 2026, but confirm each time before you leave home. Meanwhile, plan to arrive early if you want the best deals and the smallest crowds.
Admission and Ticket Information
Regular Tickets
Tickets are available online ahead of time and at the door. Buying early usually saves a few minutes in line. Additionally, many shows offer discounts for kids, so ask about youth pricing when you book. Children under a certain age often enter free, but the rule can change each year. Therefore, read the ticket page closely.
Early Access Tickets
Serious anglers often want first pick of the new gear. For that reason, the show has offered an early access option. Last year, those tickets cost 25 dollars and went on sale only at the door. They give you a quieter walk through the aisles and a head start on show specials.
| Ticket Type | What You Get | Where to Buy |
| General admission | Entry during regular hours | Online or at the door |
| Early access | Entry during early hours, plus first look at exhibits | At the door (2025 pattern) |
| Youth and family | Discounts may apply; check the official site | Online or at the door |
Prices can change from year to year. Hence, treat the figures above as a guide and check the official site for the final 2026 rates.
What to See: Exhibits and Vendors
Size is the main draw. Last year’s show filled the RiverCentre with more than 190 exhibits. You can walk the floor, touch the gear and talk with the people who build and use it. Below are the main categories.
Fish Houses and Shelters
Fish houses sit at the center of the show. You will find portable flip-over shelters, pop-up hub shelters and larger wheelhouses with beds and bathrooms. Brands such as CLAM and Ice Castle Fish Houses have appeared at past shows. Moreover, you can step inside, compare layouts and ask about heaters, floors and towing.
Augers, Rods and Reels
Next, head to the gear aisles. Exhibitors show gas, propane and electric augers in many sizes. Rod makers display short, sensitive ice rods in every color. In addition, reel makers explain the small changes that help you feel light bites on a cold morning.
Electronics and Underwater Cameras
Technology keeps changing the sport. Sonar units, flashers and underwater cameras let you see fish before they bite. Several vendors run live demos, so you can watch how the screens work. As a result, you can pick the right tool for your budget instead of guessing.
Lures, Tackle and Bait
Tackle sellers offer jigs, spoons, tungsten bait and custom lures. Many are small local brands. Some sell show-only packs at a discount. Therefore, bring a list and a little cash for impulse buys.
Clothing and Cold-Weather Gear
Staying warm keeps you on the ice longer. Apparel brands show bibs, jackets, boots, gloves and base layers. Additionally, some booths sell heated gear and hand warmers. Try items on at the show, because fit matters more than the label.
Winter Sports and Outdoor Fun
The show covers more than fishing. Visitors can look at snowmobile accessories, trailers, sleds, outdoor cooking gear and cabin products. Furthermore, resorts and lodges from Minnesota and nearby states promote winter trips. Collect brochures if you want to book a getaway.
Seminars, Demonstrations and Family Activities
Past shows have mixed shopping with learning. Many ice fishing events feature expert talks on locating fish, reading lake maps and staying safe on the ice. Organizers have not yet released a full 2026 seminar list. Nevertheless, you can expect talks and demos to appear on the official schedule closer to the date.
Families should plan for the younger crowd too. Shows like this often include kids’ fishing games, prize drawings and hands-on booths. Consequently, children can enjoy the day while adults shop. Check the official site for a final activity list.
A Simple Weekend Plan
Three days give you plenty of choice. Use this sample plan to match your goals.
| Day | Best For | Suggested Plan |
| Friday | Serious buyers | Arrive for early access, visit fish houses first, then compare gear |
| Saturday | Families and groups | Come mid-morning, catch a demo, then explore tackle and apparel |
| Sunday | Last-minute deals | Arrive at opening, revisit favorite booths, and buy before closing |
Friday: Start With the Big Items
Friday afternoon is often calmer than Saturday. Therefore, it suits shoppers who want to inspect a fish house or electronics without a crowd. Take notes and photos. Then decide what to buy before you leave.
Saturday: Enjoy the Full Experience
Saturday is the busiest day. The aisles fill with families, friends and club members. However, the energy is part of the fun. Arrive early, grab lunch downtown, and return for an afternoon demo if you wish.
Sunday: Hunt for Deals
Sunday closes earlier, so vendors often want to move stock. Consequently, you may find better prices. Come at opening, make your final choices, and head out before the afternoon rush to the highway.
Getting There and Parking
The RiverCentre sits in downtown Saint Paul, so driving is simple. Most visitors use the RiverCentre Parking Ramp on Kellogg Boulevard. It connects to the venue by skyway. Therefore, you can walk to the show without stepping outside in the cold. The ramp has used license plate reader payment, so follow the signs when you pay.
Alternatively, consider public transit or a rideshare. Weekend traffic can slow near downtown, especially on Saturday. In addition, nearby hotels let you stay close and avoid winter driving after the show. Book early, because December weekends fill quickly.
Plan Your Budget Before You Go
Shows like this make spending easy. Every aisle has something shiny. Therefore, set a budget before you walk in. Decide which items you truly need, such as a new auger blade, a warm pair of gloves or a better flasher. Then list the items you would like but can skip.
In addition, compare prices at the show with prices online. Show deals often beat store prices, but not always. Ask each vendor about bundles, since many booths discount sets of rods, lures or accessories. Finally, keep your receipts and warranty cards in one envelope. That small habit saves trouble later.
Ice Safety Basics for New Anglers
Many visitors come to the show to prepare for their first season. Safety should come first. Ice thickness varies from lake to lake and even across one lake. Therefore, never trust a guess. Check local reports, call a nearby bait shop and measure the ice yourself.
- Wear a flotation suit or a life jacket on early ice.
- Carry ice picks around your neck to pull yourself out if you fall in.
- Bring a rope, a whistle and a charged phone.
- Never fish alone during the first weeks of the season.
- Avoid areas near moving water, inlets and pressure ridges.
Additionally, ask the exhibitors and speakers for advice. Many are lifelong anglers who enjoy sharing safety tips with newcomers.
Things to Do Near the RiverCentre
You do not need to leave downtown after the show. The area has plenty of choices for a meal, a warm drink or a short walk. For example, Rice Park and the riverfront are close by. Moreover, local restaurants and cafes offer a break between aisles. Consequently, many visitors turn the show into a full weekend outing.
If you plan to stay overnight, book a hotel near Kellogg Boulevard. You can walk to the venue and skip the morning drive. Winter weather can change fast, so a short walk or skyway trip is a real advantage.
Tips to Get the Most From Your Visit
- Buy tickets online when possible to skip the line.
- Arrive early on Saturday for easier parking and smaller crowds.
- Bring a tote bag or small cart for brochures and purchases.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since you will walk for hours.
- Dress in layers, because the hall is warm and the walk outside is not.
- Carry some cash for small vendors and show-only deals.
- Make a short wish list before you go, so you stay on budget.
- Take photos of model names and prices, then compare at home.
- Ask exhibitors about warranties and show discounts before you buy.
- Check the official website for last-minute schedule updates.
Why This Show Is Worth Your Time
Buying gear online is easy. However, a show gives you something a website cannot. You hold the auger. You sit in the shelter. You ask the expert a question and get a real answer. Additionally, you see new products before most stores stock them. For many anglers, that hands-on view makes the trip worthwhile.
The event also brings the community together. Anglers swap stories and tips in the aisles. Beginners learn what to buy first. Meanwhile, veterans spot the latest trends. In short, the show is a winter tradition that welcomes every skill level.
Conclusion
The St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show runs December 4–6, 2026, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. It offers early access options, regular public hours and a short Sunday. Last year’s show featured more than 190 exhibits, including fish houses, augers, cameras, tackle and apparel. Therefore, you can expect a similar mix this year.
To prepare, confirm hours and prices on the official site, buy tickets early and plan your parking. Furthermore, use the weekend plan above to match your goals. Whether you want a new shelter or a fun family outing, this event is a strong way to start the season. Mark your calendar and get ready for the ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 show?
The show runs from Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6, 2026.
Where does the show take place?
It takes place at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.
How much do tickets cost?
Organizers had not posted every 2026 price at the time of writing. Last year, early access tickets cost 25 dollars at the door. Check the official website for current general admission rates.
Can I buy tickets online?
Yes. Tickets have been available online in advance and at the door.
What are the show hours?
Official 2026 hours may differ. Last year, the show ran Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and a shorter day on Sunday, with early access sessions on Friday and Saturday.
Is the show good for kids?
Yes. Families often attend, and shows like this commonly offer youth discounts and kid-friendly activities. Confirm details on the official site.
What kind of exhibits will I see?
Expect fish houses, augers, rods and reels, electronics, underwater cameras, tackle, apparel and winter travel booths. Last year’s show listed more than 190 exhibits.
Where should I park?
Most visitors use the RiverCentre Parking Ramp on Kellogg Boulevard. It connects to the venue by skyway.
Can I buy gear at the show?
Yes. Many vendors sell products on site, and some offer show-only deals. Bring a card and a little cash.
What is the best day to go?
Friday and Sunday are usually calmer. Saturday has the most energy and the biggest crowd. Choose the day that matches your goals.
