Michigan Tech's Winter Carnival Showcases Stunning Snow Sculptures

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Michigan Technological University's annual Winter Carnival featured impressive, large-scale snow sculptures created by student organizations. This year's theme was 'Through Ice and Snow, to Space We Go,' reflected in the detailed sculptures. The event also included a drone show, dog sled races, and ice bowling.

Why it matters

Michigan Tech's Winter Carnival is a long-standing tradition dating back to 1922, showcasing the university's engineering and technology prowess through the creation of these elaborate snow sculptures. The event draws visitors to the Upper Peninsula and highlights the region's winter activities and natural beauty.

The details

Each year, the Blue Key National Honor Society chooses a theme for the snow sculptures, which student organizations then build in month-long or overnight competitions. The attention to detail on these sculptures is remarkable, going far beyond a traditional snowman. This year's space-themed sculptures were crafted by the engineering and technology students at Michigan Tech.

• The 104th annual Winter Carnival took place from February 4-7, 2026.
• The snow sculpture competition has been a part of the carnival since 1934.

What’s next

The 105th annual Michigan Tech Winter Carnival is scheduled for February 3-6, 2027, with a new theme to be announced by the Blue Key National Honor Society.