Yes. Though, it is rare for the entire lake system to freeze over, ice coverage can still reach 90% or more. According to GLERL's records, two lakes have frozen over completely: Lake Superior in 1973 and 1996; and Lake Erie in 1978, 1979 and 1996.

The DNR says to make sure ice is 4” thick for walking, 5”- 7” for a snowmobile or a small ATV, 9”- 12” for a car, 13- 17” for a truck, 20” or more for a heavy-duty truck pulling a wheelhouse shelter.

CO Jack Lien (Walker) continued to check ice anglers and began snowmobile enforcement in his area. With the recent cold weather, the ice is getting thicker, and more anglers have been seen on the lakes. Lien would like to remind all snowmobilers to verify they are following regulations and that their machines are operational, safe, and registered.

Steven Glasford is popular on Reddit for his ice depth measurements on Minneapolis’ Bde Maka Ska, Isles, Harriet and Cedar lakes.

According to NOAA ice analysis updated this week, average ice cover across all five Great Lakes remains below 10%. This is tracking near average for mid-December. That’s not unusual. Historically, widespread ice growth does not accelerate until late December and January, when colder air has time to overcome the lakes’ immense heat storage.

It looks like the Great Lakes region might get another relatively normal ice year − a relief given recent trends. The U.S. National Ice Center released its 2025-2026 seasonal outlook this week, predicting near normal ice conditions across the Great Lakes.

As ice fishing gains traction in Central Minnesota, anglers are advised to tread carefully on slippery surfaces, with recent reports of 6 to 10 inches of ice across local lakes.