11 Winter Attractions For The Family In Iowa That Don’t Involve Long Lines At The Mall
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Kim Magaraci
Author
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, there’s a lot on everyone’s minds. Take some time to skip the hectic crowds and lines at the mall and gather up your family for a winter adventure in Iowa like no other. Any of the following places will fill your heart with holiday cheer or winter wonder and you’re sure to make great memories with those you bring along.
Music Man Square in Mason City is home to one of the most charming Christmas displays in all of Iowa. You'll feel like a movie star when you get on set!
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park is one of the best places to hit the slopes in Iowa. Ski, board, or tube - you'll have plenty of terrain and plenty of snow to enjoy! This Des Moines sports park is all you need for a day of winter fun.
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Amana's Tannenbaum Forest is a great place to stroll and shop. Take in all the beautiful Christmas trees before heading out to explore the rest of the villages! Learn more about the Forest here.
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Mt. Pleasant's Festival of Lights is one of Iowa's best and brightest drive through light shows. Brew up some hot cocoa and hit the road to see this stunning display. Read about the festival of lights right here.
Amana is also home to one of Iowa's best Christmas shops. The International Christmas Market is bursting with holiday cheer, and you'll really want to see it in person! For an idea of what you'll find, click here!
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Reiman Gardens at ISU is fun to visit all year long, but during the holiday season, they set up a stunning holiday train trail! The village on display is a replica of the ISU campus, made with all natural materials.
Altoona lights up with this drive through display, and you'll love every second of your journey. All proceeds go to Make A Wish, so you can contribute to the spirit of the season while oohing and aahing at the glistening lights.
Grab a sled (or a cafeteria tray!) and hit the hills in your neighborhood. Everyone has a favorite place to fly down the slope - what's yours?
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Each neighborhood in Iowa decorates for the holidays in different ways, and you would be surprised at what you can find if you just get in the car and drive. It's so nice seeing all of the displays and decor!
This historic living farm is a great place to visit on a crisp winter day. This unique, open-air museum will tell the tales of Iowa's agricultural history. It's truly a one of a kind experience.
This enormous winter festival is the site of dozens of indoor and outdoor events in Northwest Iowa. There's broomball - the original event - along with snowball, flag football, a bike face, a polar plunge, and SO much more. The games start in January, but it's never too early to start training! Learn more here.
What’s your favorite way to spend a winter day in Iowa? Tell us in the comments below!
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