Rare Winter Phenomenon Seen in Minnesota for First Time in Years

From the Northern Lights painting the sky to breathtaking waterfalls and serene lakes, Minnesota’s natural beauty never ceases to amaze.

Winter, in particular, works its own kind of magic, transforming the state into a landscape straight out of a fairytale. Sure, the cold can be harsh, freeze-your-face-off kind of harsh at times, but every once and awhile, that mean weather gifts us with something so extraordinary, it makes it all worth it.

The mesmerizing sight of a newly frozen lake for example. When the snow is falling, it feels like you're standing in your own personal snow globe. This past week, that magic reached another level when a rare treasure appeared for the first time in years.

Clusters of delicate ice crystals popped up across the surface of Lake Harriet, shimmering like tiny frozen flowers blooming - wait until you see the picture. It's AMAZING!

Also See: We Now Know What That Big Ball of Leaves is in Your Tree in Minnesota 

They’re called "frost flowers," a rare and short-lived phenomenon that only occurs when Mother nature gives the perfect combo of very cold and very still air!

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Water Quality staff posted a picture on their socials, saying it’s been years since Minnesota has experienced the ideal conditions for frost flowers to form.

Apparently, they’re more common on sea ice, which makes this display in Minneapolis that much more extraordinary! Sadly, they were mostly gone by mid-morning, as even the lightest breeze can wipe them out, according to Minneapolis Park and Rec.

Were you lucky enough to see them in person? If so, share your pictures with us on our app - we would LOVE to see them.

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