Owatonna Igloo: Family Builds Giant, Colorful Shelter In Front Yard – WCCO

OWATONNA, Minn. (WCCO) — A southern Minnesota household is welcoming the cold in an innovative, dynamic method.

Ashley and Ryan Thorson developed a huge igloo in their front backyard for their 3 children.

“To keep three boys occupied and entertained takes some creative doing sometimes,” Ashley stated.

For 3 nights, they froze colored water in aluminum trays into numerous blocks of ice. Then it took more than 12 hours over 4 days to build the igloo, sticking the ice obstructs together with snow.

“You get about two thirds of the way through and you don’t want to do it anymore, but you’re way too invested so you kind of have to finish,” Ryan said.

(credit: CBS)

He says the roof was the most difficult part. He and his wife had to work as a team to make sure it held up.

“We only had one wall fall down when we were about five rows up, but since then, since it was nice and warm it kind melted and now it’s actually pretty solid,” Ashley said.

The Thorsons estimate more than 250 obstructs of ice are holding the igloo upright. It stands taller than six feet.

“Hopefully it brings as many smiles to other people as it has our family,” Ashley stated.

You can share your winter season enjoyable pictures with us too utilizing #WCCO on social networks.