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Snow and cold have finally arrived throughout Minnesota. Here are some free ways to enjoy the outdoors.

 through Feb. 6. The warming hut offers skate rentals and hot chocolate. On certain days, skaters can take free lessons from figure skating pros and skate with Minnesota Wild players. Outdoor skating rinks will open everywhere when there's a steady stretch of cold. 
 

candlelight skiing, snowshoeing and hikes

 in Minnesota state parks from New Year's Eve through Feb. 27. Short trails will be lit with lanterns or luminaria, with opportunities to warm up by campfires. 

Learn to ice fish, cross-county ski and snowshoe

, a celebration of winter fun at Snelling  Lake Beach in Fort Snelling State Park on Jan. 9. The fun lasts from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Bonfires, hot chocolate, s'mores, skijoring and flamenco dancing are also planned. 

 is happening in International Falls on Jan. 14 through 17. The Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run takes place on Jan. 16. The race has never been cancelled because of extreme cold in 32 years, but was shortened in 1981 when the temperature fell to 28 degrees below zero. 

the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

 on Jan. 23 from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. The Bloomington hike is recommended for families with children ages 8 and up. Snowshoes are free. 

 has been going on since 1886 and there are a ton of free parades, contests and other outdoor events taking place Jan. 28 -Feb. 15. 

2016 Labatt Blue U.S. Pond Hockey Championships

, but the big outdoor tournament is scheduled to happen Jan. 28 through Jan. 31 on Lake Nokomis. 

 happens at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis on Jan. 30. Participants build and decorate elaborate cardboard sleds for one or more riders. 

 included a double-decker Lego couch, Chinese terracotta warriors, a snow snake, a narwhal and a giant birthday cake. 

 will be out on White Bear Lake this year. On Saturdays, from Feb. 6 until Feb. 28, the public can check out the collection of themed ice houses built by artists. This year's shanties include an AstroLounge Shanty, an Under the Lake/Sound Chamber Shanty, a Data Lab Shanty and a Dancy Shanty.

Jennifer Ehrlich

Author

Snow and cold have finally arrived throughout Minnesota. Here's a list of free events that will get you moving outdoors.

Get out there: Free winter fun in the Twin Cities

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