Castle Danger lodge plans bar, chapel made of ice

• Grand Superior Lodge

Work is expected to begin next week on a one-of-a-kind attraction in Lake County: a bar made out of ice at Grand Superior Lodge.

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Work is expected to begin next week on a one-of-a-kind attraction in Lake County: a bar made out of ice at Grand Superior Lodge.

The resort wants to have the outdoor attraction ready for winter solstice celebrations Dec. 21.

Ice Bar and Lounge will remain open as long as the ice remains, perhaps as late as mid-March.

The bar will constructed with the help of Chris Swarbrick, a carving champion at the St. Paul Winter Carnival.

Grand Superior’s executive chef, Dan Lageson, will also be part of the creation. He has created many ice sculptures for weddings and other dinner events at Splashing Rock Restaurant.

BLÚ, as the lodge is calling it, will include more than 200 ice blocks weighing 350 pounds each. Rope lights in and around the bar will illuminate the entire area. A menu of specialty drinks will be offered in glasses made entirely of ice. There will also be two luges built into the bar that will chill your martini mixture as it is poured through the ice channel. Every Saturday, guests will enjoy entertainment and activities.

Grand Superior Lodge also has a fire pit and its nearby skating pond will be lit. The grounds will be festively lit and the music will play. Dog sledding, carriage rides and sleigh rides are all in the works.

Guests are encouraged to dress up for this true Minnesota experience. And by dress up, we mean your warmest boots, scarves, mittens and jackets.

BLÚ will be open every Saturday from 3-6 p.m. to start with additional hours to be posted. It is also available by reservation for business groups and private parties by calling (800) 627-9565

The lodge plans to also build an ice chapel, where couples can have wedding ceremonies performed through the winter.

Tags: castle danger, business