Back to All Events

MINNESOTA NEW YEARS ICE FISHING WEEKEND


MINNESOTA NEW YEARS ICE FISHING WEEKEND

THURSDAY DECEMBER 31ST 2026 - SUNDAY JAN 3RD, 2027

TOTAL COST: $795 | DEPOSIT: $295 (THIS IS NON-REFUNDABLE) 

REGISTRATION OPENS: FRIDAY 10/02/2026

COORDINATOR: TONI PARNELL

There is no better way to ring in a new year than bundled up on a frozen Minnesota lake with a fishing rod in your hand and an incredible group of women beside you! We’re heading back to the frozen lakes of Otter Tail County for one of our favorite Her Wilderness traditions! We have been hosting this trip for years, and there is something pretty special about coming together at the start of a brand new year to spend a weekend outside, learn something new, catch some fish, and make memories with women who love adventure just as much as you do.

With only 8 women total, this is a small group experience with plenty of time to fish, learn, connect, and soak up everything a Minnesota winter has to offer.

We’ll spend two full days on the ice chasing a mixed bag of some of Minnesota’s most exciting species. We’ll jig for trophy Crappies and Bluegills while keeping a close eye on our tip ups for Northern Pike and hard fighting Largemouth Bass. There is nothing quite like hearing someone yell “FLAG!” and watching the whole group come running! Our guides spend countless hours scouting lakes throughout Otter Tail County, following fish movements and locating the best bites throughout the winter. Conditions are always changing on the ice, so we’ll go where the fish are and give ourselves the best opportunity for a successful weekend.

Whether this is your very first time ice fishing or you have spent years on frozen lakes, this trip is designed for you. Our guides will teach you how to jig for panfish, dial in your presentation, read electronics, set and fish tip ups, and become a more confident and independent ice angler.

All of the fishing equipment you need is provided, including rods, tackle, tip ups, and Vexilars. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience live imaging sonar and see firsthand how modern technology is changing the way we fish through the ice. If you already have gear you love, you are more than welcome to bring it along.

Multiple heated hub shelters will be set up throughout our fishing area, giving us warm places to fish, relax, warm up, and swap stories throughout the day. And because a winter adventure is always better with good food, we’ll gather together for a hot, hearty lunch served right on the ice each day before heading back out for the afternoon bite. But if you have traveled with Her Wilderness before, you already know these weekends become about so much more than what we catch.

It’s the laughter inside the fish house. The excitement when a flag goes up. Cheering for another woman when she lands a personal best. Learning new skills. Sharing stories over dinner. Meeting women who may arrive as strangers and leave feeling like old friends. It’s about starting a brand new year doing something adventurous, outside of your comfort zone, surrounded by women who are willing to do the same.

Eight women. Two days on the ice. One of our favorite Her Wilderness traditions.

Come ring in the New Year with us in the Minnesota outdoors. We can’t think of a better way to start it.


WHY HER WILDERNESS

Her Wilderness delivers professional, women-focused outdoor experiences that are organized, intentional, and built with care. Each trip provides flexible payment options, access to a private trip group, a pre-trip video call, and a comprehensive participation guidebook to ensure you arrive informed and confident. Each adventure is led by a Her Wilderness coordinator who supports you throughout planning, travel, and the experience itself.

Since 2019, Her Wilderness has been redefining outdoor adventure for women. Our mission is to provide growth-oriented outdoor opportunities, whether fishing, hunting, hiking, or travel, within a community that encourages strength, personal development, and connection. Our trips are designed for comfort, learning, and camaraderie, welcoming women of all backgrounds and experience levels into safe, supportive environments where confidence can thrive.


WHAT SETS US APART

  • Flexible payment plans

  • Private trip group for communication & connection

  • Pre-trip video call for preparation & introductions

  • Dedicated coordinator support before, during & after travel

  • Detailed guidebook sent well in advance

  • Women-only community built on respect & encouragement

  • Trusted outfitters, guides & lodging partners

  • Transparent pricing

  • Safety-driven planning & procedures

  • Expert gear + packing guidance

  • Strong culture of friendship & community

  • Alumni priority access to future trips


LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS

All lodging is thoughtfully selected to provide a comfortable, welcoming environment that encourages rest, connection, and community. Accommodations typically include shared bedrooms, shared bathrooms, and communal living spaces that allow guests to gather, socialize, and unwind. Please note that room and bed sharing may be required depending on the trip structure. Specific lodging information will be provided by your trip coordinator once your group is finalized, along with packing suggestions and expectations to ensure you feel fully prepared.


EXPECTATIONS + GROUP CULTURE

Outdoor travel requires flexibility. Weather conditions, guide recommendations, and environmental factors may lead to schedule adjustments, activity changes, or alternate species pursuits. These decisions are made with safety, conservation, and experience quality in mind. Her Wilderness maintains a strong, positive group culture. We are committed to a drama-free environment built on mutual respect, encouragement, and professionalism. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior toward participants, staff, or guides will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the trip without refund.

What You Can Expect:

  • Plans may shift due to weather or conditions

  • You may share lodging spaces

  • Remote locations may have limited amenities

  • No harvest or catch is guaranteed

  • We work diligently to deliver the best experience possible

What We Expect:

  • A respectful, flexible, collaborative attitude

  • Willingness to adapt when conditions require it

  • Commitment to a positive team environment


Travel insurance

If you are planning to purchase travel insurance for your Her Wilderness trip, PLEASE purchase it NOW and do not wait until right before departure. Many travel insurance policies require coverage to be purchased within just a few days of your initial trip registration or first payment in order to qualify for the best and most comprehensive coverage options. Waiting too long can limit what is covered or completely remove eligibility for certain protections.

We highly encourage ALL Her Wilderness participants to purchase travel insurance shortly after registering for a trip. Ideally, travel insurance should be purchased within just a few days of booking in order to maximize your coverage options and help protect your investment.

Travel insurance can help provide protection for things such as:

• Flight cancellations or delays

• Lost or delayed baggage

• Rental car issues

• Unexpected medical emergencies

• Additional lodging expenses caused by travel disruptions

• Trip interruptions or cancellations

• Weather related delays

• Emergency transportation needs

While we sincerely hope every trip goes perfectly smoothly, travel is unpredictable and unexpected situations can happen. Having travel insurance in place can provide peace of mind and financial protection should something outside of your control arise before or during your adventure.


REGISTRATION & COMMUNICATION

All registrations are completed through the WeTravel platform, where you will receive confirmation and payment management support. After booking, your coordinator will contact you with next steps, access to your private trip group, and invitations to scheduled virtual meetings. To ensure communication is efficient and organized, coordinators will provide their preferred contact method and will not communicate through personal social media accounts. For general questions or assistance, please email questions@herwilderness.co. We can’t wait to adventure with you!

© Her Wilderness LLC. All written content, trip structure, descriptions, images, formatting, and branding contained on this page are the intellectual property of Her Wilderness and are protected under U.S. copyright law. Copying, reproducing, distributing, or adapting any portion of this content for commercial or competitive use without written permission is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action. Her Wilderness protects all digital material under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Any unauthorized copying or use of our trip language, itinerary structure, or web content will result in an immediate DMCA takedown request and may include further legal action for damages and financial loss.