UPDATE: Due To Warm Weather Minnesota’s Frozen Ice Castle In Eden Prairie Closes Early [VIDEOS]

The unseasonably warm weather has been a detriment to many, cross country skiers, snowmobile enthusiasts, those that were hoping to see the Ice Caves again this year and anything that needs cold temps to survive like the ice sculpture in Superior and the Ice Castles in Eden Prairie.  Unfortunately, I received word that the Ice Castles would be closing early, here's the scoop.

They've had rain in the twin cities and really warm weather and that has caused the ice castle structure to deteriorate.  This is first time that they've had to close this early, but of course they are concerned about the safety of the guests so they knew they had to do it.  After their guests viewed the ice castles on Friday, February 19, they closed. If you have pre-purchased tickets and haven't been there yet you should get an email about how to get a redemption of your purchase.

It's so sad that the season got cut short.  There is so much preparation, planning and then talent and effort that goes into the beautiful ice structure that having to close early seems so unfair.  I want to send a personal thank you to all who were involved, including the volunteers that make the Ice Castles in Eden Prairie possible.

What is the Ice Castles?  It is massive and hand crafted of only ice, yup just frozen water that is molded into towers and tunnels, canyons and archways and is lit by thousands of LED lights.  Of course planning for the phenomenon starts months prior to the cold weather that preserves the castles once they get sculpted together.

In case you haven't gotten to enjoy them yet, here's what you can look forward to next year.

Ice Castles in the day:

Ice Castles at night: