The first Winter Carnival--then a one-night show called "Ice Carnival"--was held at what is now Michigan Technological University in 1922. The first three Winter Carnivals were presented as circus acts with costumed students playing the part of animals. Over time, the circus was supported and supplanted by a series of other events, including the coronation of a Carnival Queen beginning in 1928 and a hockey series in 1934.

Snow sculptures, a cherished and competitive fixture of Winter Carnival, were introduced in 1936. Initially, the competition was open to the college's students, student organizations, and local schoolchildren, with a prize offered to the latter. Later, only students of the college and their associated organizations were permitted to compete. Sculptures became increasingly elaborate and inspired by a theme given to Winter Carnival.

Today, Michigan Technological University students compete in two divisions of snow sculptures each Winter Carnival, one for month-long creations and one for the best sculpture created in a single night of construction.