Brooklyn Park Man Builds Ice Castle

Jeremy Van Kempen built an ice castle in his Brooklyn Park yard for his daughter and passersby to enjoy. It’s located in the 1900 block of Brookdale Drive.

Van Kempen has a background in construction, and says a lot of long, hard hours went into the project. He used large, plastic totes to build blocks of ice.  

“I didn’t have a blueprint. So, I sort of just winged it,” said Van Kempen. “I staggered each block so it would look like an actual castle.”

Brooklyn Park man builds ice castle in yard at 1900 Brookdale.

It’s truly a labor of love. The winter wonderment was inspired by his 5-year-old daughter, Violet. “She said, ‘Daddy, will you build me an ice castle’ because she knows I’m in construction, and I said, of course, I will,” said Van Kempen.

The ice castle turns magical at night as bright lights reflect off the snow blocks. He used Christmas lights to light up the sculpture.

“It’s fun to drive by and see somebody enjoying winter and all of the minus zero temperatures,” said Brooklyn Park resident Megan Tischler.

Van Kempen says he does indeed enjoy winters, and this castle is a way to celebrate it. 

“I love winter. I love all season. I mean, you couldn’t ask for a better state to live in.” 

Brooklyn Park