Nina Taylor 
Winter starts early in Minnesota, and for many anglers it starts in December. That is when thousands of fans head downtown for the St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show. In 2026, the event runs from December 4 to December 6 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. You will find dates, hours, ticket details, exhibitor highlights, activities, parking tips and more. Additionally, a quick FAQ section at the end answers the most common questions.
Show Overview at a Glance
The show is a consumer expo for ice fishing and winter sports fans. Organizers promote it as the official kickoff to winter in the Upper Midwest. Visitors can shop, compare gear, meet experts and chat with other anglers. Therefore, it works well for both beginners and seasoned pros.
| Detail | Information |
| Event dates | Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6, 2026 |
| Venue | Saint Paul RiverCentre |
| Address | 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Exhibits | More than 190 in recent years |
| Best for | Anglers, families, hunters, campers and winter sports fans |
Dates and Show Hours for 2026
The 2026 show spans three days. Each day has different hours, so plan ahead. Friday opens in the afternoon. Saturday starts earlier. Sunday opens first thing in the morning but closes sooner.
| Day | Date | Regular Hours |
| Friday | December 4, 2026 | 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Saturday | December 5, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Sunday | December 6, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
VIP early entry has been offered in past years. It gives buyers a two-hour head start before regular hours begin. However, hours can change. Therefore, check the official website before you leave home.
Which Day Should You Pick?
Each day has its own feel. Here is a quick way to choose.
- Friday: Smaller crowds, so you can talk with exhibitors and test products easily.
- Saturday: The busiest day, with the most energy and the most families.
- Sunday: A relaxed pace and, in recent years, the day for expert speakers.
If you want to buy a big item, such as a fish house, go early. On the other hand, if you only want ideas and deals, any day works.
Tickets and Pricing
You can buy tickets online in advance or at the door. Advance tickets often save time at the entrance. Additionally, online buying lets you skip the line at the box office.
Organizers have not confirmed every 2026 price in the sources reviewed for this guide. Last year’s prices give a useful idea of what to expect.
| Ticket Type | Price in 2025 | Notes |
| Adult | $16 | Advance online price |
| Child, ages 6 to 12 | $6 | Advance online price |
| Child, ages 5 and under | Free | Must come with an adult |
| VIP preview | $25 | Sold at the door only |
Resale sites also list tickets, with some starting near $15 to $16. Even so, the official show website is the safest place to buy. Prices and fees can change, so confirm the final cost before you pay. The St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show also offers on-site registration for giveaways, which adds extra fun.
Exhibitors and Brands to Expect
The exhibit floor is the heart of the show. More than 190 exhibits filled the hall in recent years. Many were new each year. Consequently, you will likely see fresh products that are not in stores yet.
Popular Brands
The organizers have highlighted several well-known names in the past. These include CLAM, Ice Castle Fish Houses, Core Ice, Iron Decoy and Catch & Cook. CLAM is the presenting sponsor and a major name in portable shelters and ice gear. Expect updated lineups from these brands, plus many smaller local companies.
Product Categories
The table below shows what you can usually shop for on the floor.
| Category | What You Will Find |
| Fish houses and shelters | Portable flip-overs, hub shelters and full-size ice houses |
| Power tools | Augers, batteries and charging gear |
| Electronics | Digital fish finders, underwater cameras and flashers |
| Tackle | Rods, reels, lures, plastics and line |
| Apparel | Float suits, boots, gloves, hats and base layers |
| Comfort gear | Heaters, shelter lights, sleds and seats |
| Services | Guides, resorts, lakes, tours and outdoor clubs |
Prices vary widely. You can find small items for a few dollars and large shelters for thousands. Show deals are common, so bring a budget and a short list.
Activities, Speakers and Giveaways
The show offers more than shopping. It also gives you chances to learn, win prizes and support good causes.
Expert Seminars
In recent years, winter sports speakers took the stage on Sunday. Topics usually include finding fish, choosing electronics, reading ice conditions and improving jigging skills. These talks help new anglers build confidence. Meanwhile, experienced anglers pick up fresh tricks. Speaker lineups change each year, so check the schedule on the official site.
Giveaways and Prizes
Giveaways are a big draw. In 2025, the first 200 guests through the door on Friday and Saturday received a show-only prize. Guests who registered on-site earned a bonus entry in a prize drawing. Organizers may use a similar plan in 2026. However, the details are not confirmed, so watch for announcements.
Charity Support
The show has also recognized charities and nonprofit groups. Past examples include Folds of Honor and Fishing for Life. Additionally, a military-themed product line has appeared at the show in the past. This gives visitors a way to enjoy the event and give back at the same time.
Family Fun
Kids can join in too. Children five and under enter free, and the youth ticket price is low. Families can look at fish houses, see live demos and talk with guides about lakes near home. Therefore, the show makes a fun first step into winter fishing.
Getting There and Parking
The RiverCentre sits in downtown Saint Paul on West Kellogg Boulevard. It is close to the Mississippi River and many hotels and restaurants.
Driving and Parking
Organizers suggest the RiverCentre Parking Ramp on Kellogg Boulevard. It connects to the venue by skyway, so you stay warm in December. The ramp uses license plate reader technology, which speeds up payment. Arrive early on Saturday, because the ramp fills fast. Nearby street and ramp parking is a backup option.
Public Transit
Downtown Saint Paul has strong transit links. Buses and light rail run through the area, so you can leave the car at home. This option saves money and avoids winter driving stress. Check current schedules before you travel.
Where to Eat and Stay
Downtown Saint Paul has plenty of food and lodging within walking distance. Many restaurants, cafes and brewpubs sit within a few blocks. The skyway system links several buildings, so you can walk between them without stepping outside.
If you plan to stay overnight, book early. December weekends can fill up when big events overlap. In addition, hotel rates often rise close to the date. Therefore, a reservation made a few weeks ahead can save money.
Smart Tips for First-Time Visitors
A little planning makes the day easier. Use these tips to get the most from your visit.
- Buy tickets online: This saves time at the door.
- Make a shopping list: It keeps you focused when deals pop up.
- Set a budget: Show prices tempt even careful shoppers.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will walk and stand for hours.
- Bring a bag or cart: Lures, line and small gear add up fast.
- Carry a charged phone: Use it for photos, notes and price checks.
- Ask questions: Exhibitors love to share advice and demos.
- Check the speaker schedule: Plan your day around the talks you want.
- Bring a coat you can remove: The hall is warm, but the walk outside is not.
Additionally, compare prices before you buy. Walk the whole floor once, then go back for purchases. This simple habit helps you spot the best deals.
Gear Buying Guide for Beginners
New anglers often feel lost on a large show floor. Fortunately, a few simple rules make buying easier. Start with the basics and add extras later.
Your first priority is safety. Buy a float suit or a flotation vest, and carry ice picks around your neck. Next, choose a hand auger or a power auger. Hand augers cost less and work well on small lakes. Power augers save effort when the ice is thick.
After that, pick a shelter. Portable flip-over houses are easy to tow and set up. Hub shelters fold small and fit in a car trunk. Meanwhile, full-size fish houses offer beds, heaters and cooking space. They cost more, but many families love them.
Finally, consider electronics. A digital fish finder shows depth, structure and fish. An underwater camera lets you watch fish react to your bait. Therefore, both tools can improve your catch rate. Ask exhibitors for a live demo before you buy.
Why the Show Matters to Minnesota Anglers
Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes. Ice fishing is a deep part of local culture. Because of that, this show has become a yearly tradition for many families.
Local businesses also gain a lot. Resorts, guides and small tackle makers meet new customers face to face. In turn, visitors learn which lakes are active and which guides know them best. This direct contact is hard to find online.
In addition, the event marks a turning point in the season. After the show, many anglers start checking ice reports and planning trips. As a result, early December feels like the true start of winter.
Ice Safety Reminders
Safety matters as much as gear. Ice thickness changes from lake to lake and even across one lake. Therefore, never assume the ice is safe.
Local agencies often suggest at least four inches of clear, solid ice for walking. Thicker ice is needed for snowmobiles and vehicles. Always check conditions with a local bait shop or the state wildlife agency. Additionally, fish with a partner and tell someone your plan. Exhibitors and speakers at the show often share useful safety advice, so take time to ask.
Who Should Attend?
The show fits many types of visitors. Anglers will find new gear and local lake advice. Families get a fun, low-cost day out. Hunters, campers and snowmobile fans can browse outdoor gear and apparel. Likewise, resort owners and guides use the show to meet new customers.
If you are new to ice fishing, the show is a great starting point. Staff can explain what you need, what to skip and how to stay safe on the ice. As a result, you can leave with a clear plan.
Conclusion
The St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show returns December 4 to 6, 2026, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. Expect more than 190 exhibits, big-name brands, expert talks, giveaways and family fun. Regular hours run Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ticket prices from 2025 offer a helpful guide, but confirm 2026 pricing on the official site. Plan your parking, set a budget and pick the best day for your needs. With a little preparation, you will enjoy a full day of gear, tips and winter excitement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the 2026 show?
The show runs Friday, December 4, through Sunday, December 6, 2026.
2. Where does the show take place?
It takes place at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.
3. What are the show hours?
Friday runs from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4. How much are tickets?
In 2025, adult tickets cost $16 and ages 6 to 12 cost $6. Children five and under entered free. Check the official site for 2026 prices.
5. What is the VIP ticket?
In past years, VIP tickets cost $25 and were sold only at the door. They allowed early entry before regular hours.
6. Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes. Tickets are usually available online in advance and at the door. Online tickets can save time.
7. How many exhibitors will attend?
Recent shows featured more than 190 exhibits. The final 2026 number may differ.
8. What products can I buy?
You can shop for fish houses, augers, underwater cameras, fish finders, rods, reels, tackle, apparel, heaters and more.
9. Where should I park?
Organizers suggest the RiverCentre Parking Ramp on Kellogg Boulevard. A skyway connects it to the venue.
10. Is the show good for kids?
Yes. Kids enter at low prices, and young children enter free. Families can enjoy demos, displays and giveaways.
