Winter in Iowa opens up a whole new world of possibilities. In a state where we enjoy four distinct seasons, winter means sledding, snow days when kids get to stay home from school, lots of hot chocolate, and wonderful cold-weather comfort food. Whether your idea of the perfect cold-weather adventure involves heading somewhere cozy or exploring the great outdoors, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest on this list of our favorite things to do in winter in Iowa.
- Snow Tubing in Boone
Seven Oaks Rec/Facebook Our list of the best winter day trips in Iowa begins with something truly exhilarating. Head to Boone in central Iowa for some epic snow tubing at Seven Oaks Rec. There’s even a lift so you won’t waste all of your energy getting back up the hill. Seven Oaks Recreation, 1086 222nd Dr, Boone, IA 50036, USA
- Visit Iowa’s winter wonderland
SD Dirk/Flickr Dubuque is a completely charming town that’s all dressed up for winter. This place produces instant holiday spirit. Dubuque, IA, USA
- Winter hiking trails
Mark Evans/Flickr There’s nothing like a winter hike in Iowa. The crisp air, snow crunching under foot, and amazing white scenery are simply amazing. Here are some winter hikes in Iowa to check out.
- Cuddle up at a winter retreat
Red Cedar Lodge/Facebook After the holidays (or during the holidays) you may need a break from all of the excitement. Try one of these winter retreats in Iowa
- Winter festivals
University of Okoboji Winter Games/Facebook There are many winter festivals that will help you enjoy all that this chilly season offers. Start with these unforgettable winter festivals.
- Sledding hills
keeva999/Flickr Sledding is one of the greatest winter activities in Iowa, and very town has a great sledding hill, but these sledding hills are the absolute best.
- Try ice fishing at Storm Lake
schramroyal/Flickr When the temperatures are below zero, it’s the perfect time for some outdoor fun. Check out some ways to really enjoy an Iowa winter. Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA
- Go for a sleigh ride in Granger
Pete Markham/Flickr At Jester Park equestrian center you can experience winter all curled up in the back of a horse-drawn sleigh. Jester Park Equestrian Center, 11171 NW 103rd Ct, Granger, IA 50109, USA
- Check out Iowa’s indoor playground
Zoom Indoor Website There’s more than enough here to keep you busy for a few of the coldest days. Blow off some steam at this amazing indoor playground. 1120 33rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
- Sometimes the best fun is in your own backyard.
Steve Evans/Flickr Here are 10 things you need to know about winter in Iowa.
Where are your favorite winter day trips in Iowa? Did any of your go-to adventures miss the list? If so, be sure to share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
Seven Oaks Rec/Facebook
Our list of the best winter day trips in Iowa begins with something truly exhilarating. Head to Boone in central Iowa for some epic snow tubing at Seven Oaks Rec. There’s even a lift so you won’t waste all of your energy getting back up the hill.
Seven Oaks Recreation, 1086 222nd Dr, Boone, IA 50036, USA
SD Dirk/Flickr
Dubuque is a completely charming town that’s all dressed up for winter. This place produces instant holiday spirit.
Dubuque, IA, USA
Mark Evans/Flickr
There’s nothing like a winter hike in Iowa. The crisp air, snow crunching under foot, and amazing white scenery are simply amazing. Here are some winter hikes in Iowa to check out.
Red Cedar Lodge/Facebook
After the holidays (or during the holidays) you may need a break from all of the excitement. Try one of these winter retreats in Iowa
University of Okoboji Winter Games/Facebook
There are many winter festivals that will help you enjoy all that this chilly season offers. Start with these unforgettable winter festivals.
keeva999/Flickr
Sledding is one of the greatest winter activities in Iowa, and very town has a great sledding hill, but these sledding hills are the absolute best.
schramroyal/Flickr
When the temperatures are below zero, it’s the perfect time for some outdoor fun. Check out some ways to really enjoy an Iowa winter.
Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA
Pete Markham/Flickr
At Jester Park equestrian center you can experience winter all curled up in the back of a horse-drawn sleigh.
Jester Park Equestrian Center, 11171 NW 103rd Ct, Granger, IA 50109, USA
Zoom Indoor Website
There’s more than enough here to keep you busy for a few of the coldest days. Blow off some steam at this amazing indoor playground.
1120 33rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
Steve Evans/Flickr
Here are 10 things you need to know about winter in Iowa.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
winter day trips in Iowa December 27, 2021 Beth C. What are the best winter hiking trails in Iowa? If you’re willing to bundle up and brave the elements, you’ll find that winter hiking is one of the very best seasonal experiences you can have. Here are a few of the best spots for a winter hike in Iowa.
Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor Yellow River State Forest Gray’s Lake Park in Des Moines Bruce Shomaker Recreational Area in Boyden Ledges State Park in Madrid Dolliver State Park in Lehigh Lake MacBride State Park in Solon
The OIYS Visitor Center
winter day trips in Iowa
December 27, 2021
Beth C.
What are the best winter hiking trails in Iowa? If you’re willing to bundle up and brave the elements, you’ll find that winter hiking is one of the very best seasonal experiences you can have. Here are a few of the best spots for a winter hike in Iowa.
Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor Yellow River State Forest Gray’s Lake Park in Des Moines Bruce Shomaker Recreational Area in Boyden Ledges State Park in Madrid Dolliver State Park in Lehigh Lake MacBride State Park in Solon
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re willing to bundle up and brave the elements, you’ll find that winter hiking is one of the very best seasonal experiences you can have. Here are a few of the best spots for a winter hike in Iowa.
- Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor
- Yellow River State Forest
- Gray’s Lake Park in Des Moines
- Bruce Shomaker Recreational Area in Boyden
- Ledges State Park in Madrid
- Dolliver State Park in Lehigh
- Lake MacBride State Park in Solon
