Discover the wonder of the season with winter science and one of the museum’s longest-running traditions—Igloo Build!
Dubbed the #1 Way to Winter Fun by Yankee Magazine and a “Top 10 Winter Event” by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Montshire’s Igloo Build is guaranteed fun for the whole family.
NOTE: The Igloo Build activity outside is weather dependent. Please check our website for event changes due to weather conditions.
Learn how to build an insulated, sturdy house strong enough to support the weight of a polar bear!
Dr. Bert Yankielun, engineer and author of the book How to Build an Igloo and Other Snow Shelters, will be on hand to offer a lesson on the structural secrets of building with snow—from making an initial snow angel to placing the final block on the dome and sawing your way out. After his quick lesson on how to build an igloo, Dr. Yankielun will be on hand to assist igloo-builders with the process.
Inside the Museum, stop by the Science Discovery Lab for hands-on activities that explore the science behind ice and frost.
| Time | Activity | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30am—3pm | Igloo Build | Join engineer Dr. Bert Yankielun for a quick lesson on building an igloo. Then build your own! | Outside, by the Hughes Pavilion |
| 11am | Fun with Ice | Experiment with a variety of ice using color, lights, and salt. | Science Discovery Lab |
| 1pm | Frosty Science | How cold can you go? Create sub-zero temperatures inside as we create our own frost. | Science Discovery Lab |
| 3pm | Ice Fishing | Use a variety of tools and methods to extract a little fish from a block of ice. | Science Discovery Lab |
| All Day | Snowshoe Exploration | Explore the Montshire's winter trails! Snowshoes are available at the Admissions Desk for visitors to borrow. | Montshire Trails |
