1/06/2026

EAGLE RIVER - A disappointing development despite having good snow and cold weather in the region, the annual Eagle River Ice Castle has been canceled due to unfavorable ice conditions on Silver Lake. Rain and warm weather before the recent major snowfall caused a layer of slush. Although it is now frozen, the Eagle River Fire Department determined shaving it off—necessary for structural integrity—would leave the ice blocks too small. The lake currently has about 10.5 inches of ice, short of the 14-15 inches required. 2025 was the first year in the last three that the weather was cold enough to build the ice castle. The castle is typically built in early January to coincide with the Snowmobile Derby World Championship. The department thanked volunteers and looks forward to next year.