Visiting Veal’s Ice Tree in Indianapolis With Kids

Every winter, my family jumps at any chance to bundle up and get outside. There are so many things to do in the winter in Indianapolis, and we love them all!

We are the family that loves ice skating, snow tubing, sledding, and even taking the long drive to Pokagon for tobogganing. But there is one winter tradition in central Indiana that feels unlike anything else. Visiting Veal’s Ice Tree in Indianapolis has become one of our family’s favorite cold-weather adventures. It is magical, it is unpredictable, and it is completely created by nature. If you have never taken your kids to see this incredible sculpture of ice and color, you have to add it to your winter list.

The first time we visited, my kids could not believe the size of it. They kept asking how something like this even exists in someone’s backyard. The secret is a mix of creativity, patience, and perfect winter weather. Every year, the Veal family builds the foundation and then lets the freezing temperatures do most of the work. When everything lines up just right, the Indianapolis ice tree begins to grow into a huge, sparkling tower of ice that looks like something from a winter storybook.

What Is the Ice Tree in Indianapolis?

If you have ever driven near exit 99 on I-74 during the winter, you might have seen what looks like a cloud of frozen mist rising beside the highway. Kids often think it looks like a frozen geyser or a giant icy volcano. That is the famous Ice Tree. For more than 50 years, the Veal family has created this winter landmark by spraying water over a growing frame of lumber, tree branches, twine, and scrap metal. The freezing temperatures do the rest. Layer by layer, the ice builds up until the whole structure transforms into a huge, colorful mound of glittering icicles, a massive ice sculpture.

The very first ice tree happened in 1961 when Vierl Veal and his family noticed how beautiful a honeysuckle bush looked when it was coated in ice. That simple moment turned into a tradition that has lasted for generations. Now, families from all over Indiana come to see Veal’s Ice Tree every winter. It is one of those unique local traditions that make our city feel special.

The outcome depends completely on the weather, which is part of the fun. Some days, the ice tree looks bright and smooth. Other days, it looks jagged and wild. My kids love pointing out the new shapes every time we visit. What you see in person will always look a little different from photos because the ice changes all the time. From the moment they turn on the water to the moment the ice starts to melt, the sculpture is constantly growing and shifting.

How Veal’s Ice Tree in Indianapolis Is Created

The Veal family usually begins work on the tree in early January. They wait for a stretch of cold days where temperatures stay below freezing. You would think temperatures below zero would be even better, but the creators prefer not to stand outside in that level of cold. When the weather cooperates, they start building the structure. Wooden boards and tree branches are stacked and tied together, creating a frame that looks a bit like a pyramid. Then they attach pipes that spray water into the air. When the water hits the freezing temperatures, the ice begins to form. The family continues to add more branches and adjust the spray as the sculpture grows taller.

One of my kids’ favorite parts is the color. Once the tree grows to a good size, the family adds bright colors to the water using a hand sprayer. The colors freeze beautifully into the ice, creating streaks of blue, pink, green, and orange. When the sun hits the ice just right, everything sparkles. It feels like walking up to a frozen castle.

At its peak, the ice tree can reach nearly 60 feet tall and sometimes even more. They have built one as tall as 75 feet before, and they keep trying to get it taller to break a record. Seeing something that large, built entirely from freezing water, is amazing for both kids and adults.

The ice tree sits on the edge of a pond. The water they spray comes from the pond, and the melted ice returns back to it. It is a beautiful mix of creativity and nature working together.

Where to Find Veal’s Ice Tree

This winter attraction sits at a private residence on the southeast side of Indianapolis.

Veal’s Ice Tree Address:
6445 Mimosa Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46259

Because this is someone’s home, the family asks visitors to be respectful when visiting. The area can be very slippery. You should park on the blacktop and stay off the snow and ice. Trust me, the pavement gets slick. My kids shuffle like penguins every time we walk up, and even then, they sometimes slide a little.

Even though this is a private creation, the family loves sharing it with the community. There is no cost to visit. Families are welcome to come, take photos, and enjoy the view.

When Is the Best Time to See the Indianapolis Ice Tree?

The weather is everything when it comes to the ice tree. Most years, you can expect to see Veal’s Ice Tree from January through March. February is usually the best month because the temperatures tend to stay cold enough to keep the ice strong and tall. In some winters where temperatures drop early, the family can start building in December. Those years are extra special because the ice tree season is longer.

The appearance will change depending on the day. On a sunny day, the colors look brighter, and the ice glows. On cloudy days, the ice tree looks big and dramatic. If it snows, it becomes this soft, fluffy iceberg. You never know what you are going to get.

Directions to the Ice Tree in Indianapolis

GPS sometimes struggles with the exact location, so here are the directions taken directly from the Ice Tree Facebook page. These tend to be the most accurate:

• From I-465, take I-74 east toward Cincinnati
• Exit at #99, Acton Road
• Go south to Southeastern Avenue and turn left
• Turn left at the first drive after the sharp curve

These steps have always gotten us right to it.

What to Expect When You Visit Veal’s Ice Tree

The first time we visited, I thought we would stay for maybe ten minutes. I was very wrong. My kids wanted to walk around and take photos from every angle (stay on the pavement). They kept noticing new details. Some of the icicles look like giant frozen waterfalls. Some look like columns. Some are thin and sharp, and others look like melted candles. Every layer is different.

Families usually gather in the parking area or along the blacktop, which gives you a great view. You can get close enough to take amazing pictures without being near the slippery areas. If your kids love winter or like seeing how things are built, this is a wonderful outing. It also makes for fun before-and-after photos if you visit more than once in a season.

This is also a great free activity. A lot of winter outings require tickets or gear or extra costs, but the ice tree is simply there for everyone to enjoy.

Tips for Visiting the Ice Tree With Kids

Even though the ice tree is a quick stop for many families, a little planning makes it more fun.

• Dress warm because you will be outside the whole time
• Visit during daylight for the best photos
• Go in February if you want to see the largest version
• Follow the posted parking signs
• Stay on the blacktop because the ice is very slippery
• Visit more than once because it grows and changes often
• Bring grandparents or friends who love unique Indiana traditions
• Share the experience with out-of-town guests because it is something they won’t see anywhere else

The Ice Tree Is a Must-See Winter Tradition

There are so many winter activities around Indianapolis that we love, but the Ice Tree is special because it isn’t a big attraction or a ticketed event. It is something one family creates for joy and community. Bringing my kids to see the Ice Tree reminds me that some of the best experiences are the simple ones. Watching their faces light up when they see how huge it is or trying to guess what’s underneath it all and how it was made always makes the cold trip worth it.

It is also a tradition that connects generations. The Veal family started it more than fifty years ago, and new families discover it every season. When we visit, I always see kids bundled up, teenagers taking selfies, and adults pointing out memories from past years.

Address
6445 Mimosa Lane
Indianapolis
Indiana

Visit Visiting Veal’s Ice Tree in Indianapolis With Kids

Upcoming Events

<li>No events in this location</li>