2026 North American Ice Diving Festival

Patrick Cosgrove   Feb 17, 2026

Nestled in the heart of Minnesota's historic Iron Range, Gilbert is a charming small town (pop. ~1,700) where rugged mining heritage meets stunning natural beauty. Once a bustling hub for open-pit iron ore mining in the early 1900s, this welcoming community has transformed its past into something extraordinary.

At the center of it all is the crystal-clear, deep-blue wonder known as Lake Ore-Be-Gone — a 140-acre aquatic playground born from flooded former mines (including the Gilbert, Schley, and Pettit pits). With depths plunging over 400 feet and exceptional water clarity, it's one of the premier diving destinations in the Midwest — summer or winter!

We're thrilled to host the North American Ice Diving Festival right here on the frozen surface of Lake Ore-Be-Gone! Join us for an epic weekend of cold-water adventures, expert demos, and camaraderie among ice divers from across the continent. This year the US Freediving Federation will be on hand as our own Natalia and a team of Freedivers establish the North american Ice Freediving record! We will also have a team of Hyperbaric medicine specialists and Emergency physicians on hand conducting research on cold water impacts on freediver physiology.

Whether you're an experienced ice diver or just curious about this thrilling sport, Gilbert's friendly vibe, scenic trails, and that unbeatable Iron Range hospitality make it the perfect spot to dive in (literally!).

Bundle up, grab your drysuit, and head north — adventure awaits in Gilbert, MN! ❄️

 

If you are a certified Ice Diver, register here

If you would like to complete your Ice Diver certification at the festival, register here