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For more than 75 years, the city of McCall has been celebrating their winters with an annual homage to snow called Winter Carnival. It all started in 1924 when a train carrying about 250 passengers, including Idaho’s governor Charles Moore, arrived in McCall for three days of snowy fun, including dog sled races and snow shoveling contests. About two hours north of Boise, McCall continues to be a favorite recreational playground year-round. Its close proximity to the Treasure Valley makes McCall an ideal day trip destination for families, especially during this popular winter event.
This year’s Winter Carnival will be held January 28–February 6. There are many family-friendly activities planned, most of which are free. The Friday night kickoff includes a children’s torch light parade and fireworks over Payette Lake. Each weekend features a kids’ mini-carnival at Alpine Village, which includes vendors, rides, and (of course!) cotton candy. The main attraction of the Winter Carnival, though, is the array of intricate and whimsical ice sculptures that can be viewed at various locations all around town. The sculptures are created by artists from near and far and are sure to delight everyone in the family. They are different each year; this year’s carnival theme is 100 Years of McCall.
Keep in mind that parking in downtown McCall is limited, so it’s best to park once and walk. Since you’ll be outside for a good majority of the day, dress appropriately and don’t forget your winter boots. If you have small children, be sure to bring a sled—pulling your kids around town is part of the fun. If you don’t have one, you can pick one up at Paul’s Market; it’ll also come in handy for spontaneous sledding down the various public hills around town.
Other family favorites include skating at the downtown Manchester Ice and Event Centre (skate rentals available) or hitting the tubing hill at The Activity Barn. While you’re strolling around the winter wonderland, be sure to grab hot cocoa at Mountain Java. When the need to nosh hits, family-friendly locales include Toll Station Pizza and Pasta, Bistro 45 for soup and sandwiches, and My Father’s Place for burgers of all kinds.
So, bundle up, grab your camera, and enjoy the wonderland of McCall’s Winter Carnival.
Amy Pence-Brown loves exploring different Idaho communities with her family, particularly when their festivals include hot coffee and giant animals made of ice.
RESOURCES & INFORMATION
McCall Winter Carnival
www.mccallwintercarnival.com
The Activity Barn
www.activitybarn.com
Moonridge Rd., McCall
(208) 634-2222
Alpine Village
www.alpinevillagemccall.com
600 N. 3rd St., McCall
(888) 634-3430
Bistro 45
www.bistro45mccall.com
1101 N. 3rd St., McCall
(208) 634-4515
Manchester Ice and Event Centre
www.manchester-icecentre.com
200 E. Lake St., McCall
(208) 634-3499
Mountain Java
501 Pine St., McCall
(208) 634-2027
My Father’s Place
901 N. 3rd St., McCall
(208) 634-4401
Paul’s Market
132 E. Lake St., McCall
(208) 634-8166
Toll Station Pizza and Pasta
www.tollstationpizza.com
409 Railroad Ave., McCall
(208) 634-7818
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