Midwest Ice Climbing

Climb a cascading frozen waterfall? In the Midwest? Yep. Ice climbing creates another opportunity to climb outside of rock climbing season. Throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois there are opportunities to climb frozen water in all of it’s forms: tall freestanding ice pillars, frozen seeps of ice cascading over cliffs, and even tame stair-step climbs for the uninitiated.

If you are not an experienced climber, consider hiring a guide service or finding an experienced mentor to evaluate your safety. Climbing is dangerous with no room for error and cannot be learned simply by reading online and watching video tutorials. Learning the ropes with an experienced climber allows for a second look at your safety systems and is paramount to a safe climbing experience

Browse our extensive, guides to ice climbing areas of the midwest:

Wisconsin Ice Climbing Areas

Wyalusing State Park Ice

Wyalusing State Park offers a plethora of ice climbing opportunities – from the tall Main Flow and Quarry Monster to several milder climbs in the ravines and gullies in the park.

Learn more about Wyalusing State Park Ice Climbing >>

Governor Dodge State Park Ice

Lone Rock, WI Ice formations

Other Areas

Illinois Ice Climbing

Starved Rock State Park Ice Climbing

Ice climbing near Chicago! Within an hour and a half drive, you can be out ice climbing the beautiful canyons of Starved Rock State Park!

Read Our Quick-Guide: Starved Rock Ice Climbing

Minnesota Ice Climbing

Winona, MN Ice Climbing

Duluth Area Ice Climbing

Sandstone, MN Ice Climbing

North Shore Minnesota Ice Climbs

Michigan Ice Climbing

Munising Ice Climbing (Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore)


The Midwest’s (and one of the country’s) best ice climbing destinations.
Read the Quick Guide>>