S6 E2: Michigan Ice Fest – Where Adventure Meets Community – An Interview with Bill Thompson

Winter can be a sleepy time at the National Parks on Lake Superior, but at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore near Munising, Michigan, visitors come to snowmobile, mush dogs, snowshoe, fish and cross-country ski. But the biggest event to bring folks into the park is the Michigan Ice Fest. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Ice Fest organizer Bill Thompson about the event and what makes Pictured Rocks such a Mecca for the sport. 

Key Takeaways:

• The Michigan Ice Fest has grown from a small gathering in 1991 to an internationally recognized event, drawing over 1,100 participants from 38 states and seven countries.
• Ice climbing at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with ice formations over open water that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
• Ice Fest caters to all skill levels, from beginners as young as eight to seasoned climbers, with professional athletes providing instruction and inspiration at the event.
• Even in warmer winters with limited ice, the festival continues as an educational and community event, showcasing presentations and fostering camaraderie.
• The event’s unique location, accessibility, and passionate community make it a cornerstone of adventure tourism in Munising, Michigan.

Notable Quotes:

• “With the advent of social media and a few professional athletes spreading the word, there’s nowhere in the world that you can go ice climbing over open water, with crashing waves and the beauty of Lake Superior.”
• “Ice climbing is a sport for anyone looking to go out, have an adventure, and try something new.”
• “Ice climbing takes you places that not a lot of people in this world can get to.”
• “Our safety system is really thought out. Instead of focusing on, ‘Oh man, I’m high,’ I’m focusing on the ice in front of me. You have all of these interesting patterns of ice, you can hear the water trickling behind it, so the sounds are very unique. It’s just really, really special."

Resources:

• Michigan Ice Fest Website (michiganicefest.com) – Learn more about the event, clinics, and presentations.
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm) – Explore the beauty of this unique park.
• Ice Climbing Safety and Equipment (michiganicefest.com/information/festival-planning/safety/) – Better nderstand the gear and precautions used at the festival.

Connect With Us:

• Website: (nplsf.org/podcast)
• Facebook: (facebook.com/NPLSF)
• LinkedIn: (linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation)

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports: Supporting environmental sustainability in coffee-growing regions since 1993. (cafeimports.com).
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: Support vital projects by donating at (nplsf.org).

Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Bill Thompson’s incredible stories of adventure, community, and ice climbing at one of the most unique national parks in the world.