Thinking of a weekend trip but not sure where to go?

How about taking a trip to a magical ice castle that brings winter wonderland to life? The magical Ice Castle awaits at Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, N.H., about a three hour drive from Springfield.

It’s a manmade piece of art that’s made up of tens of thousands of icicles, and stand up to 40 feet at its highest point. It also features a waterfall and a water slide made up of only ice.

It’s a great winter activity for the whole family, a trip with friends, or maybe even a romantic date. At the door tickets for adults are sold for $20.00, but anyone can save by buying tickets ahead of time online for $15.95.

The castle, weather permitting, is set to remain open until Feb. 11.

Don’t be too upset if you cannot make it this year – there is always next year. The castle opens its season usually around December.

The Ice Castle in New Hampshire is one of five locations owned by Utah-based Ice Castles. They have other locations including Midway, Utah, Stillwater, Minn., Wisconsin Dells, Wis., and Edmonton, AB Canada.

After the sun sets is when the magic begins to happen.

It is after that when the castle is lit up with thousands of twinkling lights and numerous shades of color that light the icicles from within, making it definitely a sight to see. While wandering through the maze of the castle and the song “Let it Go” plays from the movie “Frozen,” you cannot help but feel enchanted in a magical land. Also, visitors cannot help but actually feel frozen.

If you get too cold there is a hot chocolate stand where for $4.00 you can purchase a small hot chocolate, walk, sip and enjoy the view.

Stepping into the castle is like stepping into a scene from “Frozen” and for a second you almost feel like Elsa or Olaf. Bundle up because even with its breathtaking beauty and fantastic views, it is quite cold. Visitors should wear very warm clothes and shoes, and if visiting with children bring a sled instead of a stroller.

The floor which the castle stands on is made up of crushed ice making it look almost like snow, but also making it very cold to walk on – that’s why proper footwear is important.

Every year hundreds and hundreds of people make their way to Lincoln, N.H. to see the Ice Castle.

One of them is Arina Watson, and AIC alumna who traveled from Charlotte, N.C. to New England for the holidays.

“We couldn’t miss up the opportunity and not get to go. The Ice Castle was a wonderful experience, something magical that has to be seen at least once,” Watson said of her experience at the castle. “My daughter and I had such a great time we would love to come back next year.”

Another local woman, Iesha Santo, said that she has never been to the Ice Castle but hopes to one day.

“I’ve heard of the Ice Castle and seen some pictures, and would definitely go if I had kids,” said Santo, a graduate of STCC.

Kids or no kids, the Ice Castle is definitely a sight to see.

The Ice Castle is not the only destination in Lincoln, either.

If you plan a visit to the Ice Castle and you are a fan of skiing or snowboarding, just down the road from the Ice Castle is the Loon Mountain. Loon Mountain Resort has 53 trails and 11 lifts.

So if you are ready for some frozen winter fun, visit the Lincoln, N.H. and hit the Ice Castle.