This Valentine’s Day, my good friend was kind enough to agree to be my valentine and let me drag her to whatever my idea of fun is. February 14, 2016 was the coldest day on record in the Northeast United States this year, with temperatures plummeting below zero. This is the type of cold that you feel in your bones, that makes your eyes water, and chills your lungs. But that didn’t stop these native New Hampshire women from bundling up and making the trek to the Ice Castles in Lincoln, NH!

The Ice Castles, which were started in Utah and have locations there as well as in Minnesota and Alberta, Canada, add another element of mystique to Lincoln. The tiny, unassuming town is nestled in the White Mountains of NH and is already home to Clark’s Trading Post, Hobo Railroad, Mount Pemigewasset Trail (aka Indian Head, the “other” Old Man in the Mountain, may he rest in peace), among others. It’s also a popular destination for skiers, with Loon Mountain close by.

Lincoln is an easy drive north on I-93, and we were there in about 90 minutes, coming from the Manchester, NH, area. Tickets for the Ice Castles can be purchased online or onsite, but keep in mind that you need to choose the time slot at which you will arrive. You pick a 30 minute window but can stay as long as you want once you’re there.

Our slot was for 12:30 to 1, and we arrived just after 12:30. The Ice Castles are actually built at the site of the Hobo Railroad, which is closed during the winter. My heart sank when I saw there was a line out the door, it being -35 degrees with the wind chill and all, but thankfully, it moved quickly. Checking in is easy: staff scan your QR code on your phone or your paper ticket, you then sign a waiver (you can read more on that in their FAQ section), and you’re ready to go.

The ice sparkled in the bright sunshine that day, which seemed to define every nook and crevice of the sculpture. I can imagine that many young girls (and some boys) think this is a life-size replica of Elsa’s ice palace in Frozen. Once you walk through the entrance of the structure, it is pretty wide open, with a few small tunnels for children to crawl through and larger ones that adults can walk through standing up (see above).

Speaking of Frozen, as my friend and I walked on the packed snowy ground, a string ensemble version of “Let It Go” began playing. A wise choice, as many grown-ups are probably nauseated by that song by now, but the wordless string version was a pleasant backdrop for strolling through the castle.

The Ice Castles pack plenty of sass while educating its guests about the castle-making process, as shown in the handful of signs placed around the structure:

By far, though, the best part of this attraction was the ice slide! Adults and kids alike grab mats and slide down a roughly 50 foot long slide made of ice. There was a line, but it moved quickly, plus you’re surrounded by gleaming icicles to marvel at while you wait. The slide is a nice touch; it’s fun for even the most thrill-averse person.

After about 30-40 minutes wandering through the Ice Castle, my feet were getting numb. I wore wool socks, but without an insulated pair of boots at home, I opted to wear sneakers. Sneakers are fine for walking in the Ice Castle; you won’t slip. But if you visit on a day with subzero temperatures, I suggest warm boots.

The Ice Castles are a great alternative to more extreme winter activities and a lot of fun for the kids. It also may be best to go at night when the castle is lit up in different colors. The Ice Castles are not the kind of attraction at which you can spend hours upon hours, but it is a nice place to stop if you are in the Lincoln area. Take a break from your ski trip and enjoy a stroll through a frozen wonderland.