INDIANAPOLIS — A one-of-a-kind tradition has returned to central Indiana, thanks to the freezing cold temperatures.
Every year, the Veal family creates a massive ice sculpture upwards of 50 feet using nearby pond water and decorated with a variety of different colors.
It all started by a mistake in 1961, when the Veals wanted to go sledding and there was no snow. Vierl G. Veal decided to make an ice hill for his family in 1961, when an ice tree was formed instead. The tree has now been created almost every year for over six decades.
Now, it serves as a tribute to the late Vierl. The Veals wrote on their website that they also "enjoy seeing things grow in warm weather, so in cold weather, we delight in growing a dazzling ice tree."
While it may look like a giant tree with ice over it, it's not. The family takes old tree limbs from dead trees and adds them as a base. When it gets cold enough outside, they shoot the limbs with a hose and let the ice form.
The ice tree is open for visitors at 6445 Mimosa Lane, near Interstate 74 and Acton Road on Indy's southeast side. Visitors are asked to remain on the pavement. People are welcome to park and take photos in front of the tree. Pets on leashes are also welcome.
There's no entry fee, and the family said it doesn't accept donations.