Something magical is happening in Brattleboro this winter…
All across Vermont, artists, builders, and creative minds have been busy in garages, workshops, and backyards, crafting something unique.
They’ve been sawing, welding, painting, and dreaming up the most imaginative, unexpected, and downright quirky ice shanties you’ve ever seen.
And now, it’s time to see the results.
BMAC’s Artful Ice Shanties Exhibit is back for its fifth year—February 15–23 at Retreat Farm in Brattleboro — and trust us, this is not your average winter event.
Think ice fishing meets wild imagination.
Picture a village of artistic ice shanties, each with its own story and its own creative flair. Some are functional, some are whimsical, and some… well, you just have to see them to believe them.
What’s in store this year?
A Cosmic Energy Portal – A dome-shaped retreat designed for meditation and adorned with tinsel, metallic beads, and chimes that you can play with as an “activation rod of intention.” (Yes, really.)
The Yurt John – A handcrafted wooden yurt that turns waste into fertilizer. Because why not?
A Shanty for Vermont’s Endangered Species – Built by local fourth graders to raise awareness of the state’s at-risk plants and animals. Scan a QR code to learn more about their habitats!
The Soup Shack – An oversized can of tomato soup… but make it a shanty.
An Ocean-Themed Shanty – Created from repurposed household plastic, PVC pipes, and playground structure pieces. It is a stunning reminder of how art can be both beautiful and meaningful.
And that’s just a taste…
The best part of Artful Shanties?
The exhibit is completely free and open daily from dawn to dusk. Stroll through at your own pace, soak in the creativity, and vote for your favorites. On Saturday, February 22, at 2 pm, don’t miss the outdoor awards ceremony, where prizes will be handed out for the most inventive and eye-catching designs.
Bonus: A Weekend of Winter Fun
Plan your visit wisely: Brattleboro’s legendary Harris Hill Ski Jump is happening February 15–16—just a short hop from Retreat Farm. That means you can see world-class ski jumpers soar through the sky and take in the Artful Ice Shanties all in one weekend.
Read Next: Plan a Magical Winter Weekend in Brattleboro, Vermont
Why You Need to Go
This exhibit is pure Vermont magic. It’s where art meets winter, where creativity thrives in the cold, and where community comes together to celebrate the unexpected.
Whether you’re a local, a road-tripper, or just someone who loves a dose of quirky fun, Artful Ice Shanties is a must-see.
WHEN: February 15–23, 2025
WHERE: Retreat Farm, Brattleboro, VT
COST: Free!
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Vermont Explored and Back Road Ramblers, an American road trip blog. She is also the co-author of the 3rd edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont, released in May 2023, and the author of 100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont.