12 Unforgettable Places In Iowa That Everyone Must Visit This Winter
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Michaela Kendall
Author
With winter just around the corner, and the first snow already here, it’s time to start planning all your snow day adventures and holiday fun. This season, ditch the mall Santa and check out these 12 unforgettable places to visit in Iowa in winter:
16991 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002, USA
What better way to spend a winter day than hitting the slopes? Sundown in Dubuque offers 21 runs, 2 terrain parks, 4 lifts, and 475 feet of vertical for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. And don’t worry, if you’ve never skied before, you can get some lessons from an expert before you hit the slopes!
1086 222nd Dr, Boone, IA 50036, USA
Another great place to check out is Seven Oaks Recreation in Boone. Seven Oaks offers 600 ski rentals and 120 snowboard rentals to winter adventurers of all ages. Hit the slopes here and check out their 11 runs that vary from beginner to expert, and take a ride on the ski lift.
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520 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Ice skating is one of the most perfect ways to spend your snow day. Glide around the ice at the Benton Skating Plaza in Des Moines, for a start.
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233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Don't want to freeze out in the cold but still want to have some wintery fun? Check out an Iowa Wild game at the Wells Fargo Arena! If you're like me (not a very good ice skater), then it can be more fun watching the experts race around the rink while you cheer them on with a snack in your hand.
11171 NW 103rd Ct, Granger, IA 50109, USA
There's no better way to enjoy the winter wonderland of Iowa than a horse drawn sleigh ride. Jester Park Equestrian Center in Granger offers sleigh rides throughout the season.
1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA 50156, USA
Ledges State Park in Boone is gorgeous in the summer, but in the winter it's absolutely magical. Next time there's snow, grab a pair of snow shoes and get to exploring.
201 4th Ave NE, State Center, IA 50247, USA
And you can’t forget about the joy of picking out your own Christmas tree at one of Iowa’s many tree farms, like Victorian Pines Christmas Tree Farm in State Center.
Orange City, IA 51041, USA
Every year, the Dutch Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) visits Orange City to bring Christmas tidings to the townsfolk. This year, he will be making his appearance on Saturday, December 3 - be sure to bring the kids and grandkids to witness his grand arrival.
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200 E 5th St, Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA
Located in the historic Carnegie Library, Santa's Castle is the perfect place to bring the kids this weekend. With Santa Claus himself there to take orders for Christmas gifts and a plethora of antique Christmas toys and gifts, there is plenty of magic to be experienced here.
Le Mars, IA 51031, USA
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride on a beautiful winter night, or check out the live nativity scene and musical performances. When you're done with that, roast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate around a campfire in the snow.
535 Ash St, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Need a getaway this winter but don't want to spend big bucks on an Aspen vacation? Check out Grumpsters Log Cabins in McGregor. After a good snow, these cabins nestled along the Mississippi will beat a crowded ski resort in Colorado any day.
225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, USA
The Santa Express is an absolute must for those with young children or grandchildren. Let the kiddos put their PJ's on and head over to Boone for your own "Polar Express" experience. The ride lasts about an hour, and during that hour you will be treated to cookies and cocoa, story time, Christmas carols, and a visit from Santa Claus - complete with your own gift. Don't miss out on this truly magical experience this holiday season.
16991 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002, USA
What better way to spend a winter day than hitting the slopes? Sundown in Dubuque offers 21 runs, 2 terrain parks, 4 lifts, and 475 feet of vertical for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. And don’t worry, if you’ve never skied before, you can get some lessons from an expert before you hit the slopes!
Advertisement
1086 222nd Dr, Boone, IA 50036, USA
Another great place to check out is Seven Oaks Recreation in Boone. Seven Oaks offers 600 ski rentals and 120 snowboard rentals to winter adventurers of all ages. Hit the slopes here and check out their 11 runs that vary from beginner to expert, and take a ride on the ski lift.
520 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Ice skating is one of the most perfect ways to spend your snow day. Glide around the ice at the Benton Skating Plaza in Des Moines, for a start.
233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Don't want to freeze out in the cold but still want to have some wintery fun? Check out an Iowa Wild game at the Wells Fargo Arena! If you're like me (not a very good ice skater), then it can be more fun watching the experts race around the rink while you cheer them on with a snack in your hand.
11171 NW 103rd Ct, Granger, IA 50109, USA
There's no better way to enjoy the winter wonderland of Iowa than a horse drawn sleigh ride. Jester Park Equestrian Center in Granger offers sleigh rides throughout the season.
1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA 50156, USA
Ledges State Park in Boone is gorgeous in the summer, but in the winter it's absolutely magical. Next time there's snow, grab a pair of snow shoes and get to exploring.
Advertisement
201 4th Ave NE, State Center, IA 50247, USA
And you can’t forget about the joy of picking out your own Christmas tree at one of Iowa’s many tree farms, like Victorian Pines Christmas Tree Farm in State Center.
Orange City, IA 51041, USA
Every year, the Dutch Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) visits Orange City to bring Christmas tidings to the townsfolk. This year, he will be making his appearance on Saturday, December 3 - be sure to bring the kids and grandkids to witness his grand arrival.
200 E 5th St, Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA
Located in the historic Carnegie Library, Santa's Castle is the perfect place to bring the kids this weekend. With Santa Claus himself there to take orders for Christmas gifts and a plethora of antique Christmas toys and gifts, there is plenty of magic to be experienced here.
Le Mars, IA 51031, USA
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride on a beautiful winter night, or check out the live nativity scene and musical performances. When you're done with that, roast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate around a campfire in the snow.
535 Ash St, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Need a getaway this winter but don't want to spend big bucks on an Aspen vacation? Check out Grumpsters Log Cabins in McGregor. After a good snow, these cabins nestled along the Mississippi will beat a crowded ski resort in Colorado any day.
Advertisement
225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, USA
The Santa Express is an absolute must for those with young children or grandchildren. Let the kiddos put their PJ's on and head over to Boone for your own "Polar Express" experience. The ride lasts about an hour, and during that hour you will be treated to cookies and cocoa, story time, Christmas carols, and a visit from Santa Claus - complete with your own gift. Don't miss out on this truly magical experience this holiday season.
This list is a start, but it just barely scratches the surface. Do you know of any seasonal gems to visit this winter? Take a look at 11 more things to do in Iowa in winter. Share your suggestions with us in the comments section!
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More to Explore
Winter In Iowa
What is winter like in Iowa?
This is what winter is like in Iowa:
- The cold season lasts for 3.1 months, from November 30 to March 2.
- Average low temperatures in winter range from 14°F to 31°F and high average temperatures range from 31°F to 48°F.
- Iowa's annual winter snowfall ranges from 18 to 42 inches per year.
- The coldest ever recorded temperature in Iowa was -43.9°F in Elkader in 1996.
Here are 10 ways to survive what winter is like in Iowa.
What are the best winter festivals in Iowa?
The best winter festivals in Iowa are:
- Winterfest in Amana. This festival includes sledding, a Best Beard Competition, a log-sawing competition, ice skating, a winter wreath toss, and much more.
- Ice Fest in Dubuque. This festival has snow and ice sculpting, historic ice harvesting techniques, winter crafts, and more.
- Frostbite Olympics in Algona. This event has a chili cook-off, ATV racing, snowmobile rides, an ice fishing derby, and several kid’s activities.
- University of Okoboji Winter Games in Okoboji. Several winter sports at these games include flag football, broomball, a polar plunge, and many others.
Learn more about these and several more of the best winter festivals in Iowa.
What are the best winter getaways in Iowa?
The best winter getaways in Iowa include:
- The Lodge Resort Hotel. This Forest City lodge is great for cross-country skiing, hiking, and biking, and has 47 miles of trails.
- Adams Street Country Lodge. Located near McKinley Lake, this bed & breakfast is surrounded by lush trees and several hills and ponds.
- Five Ridge Prairie Cabin. This is a remote cabin near Westfield that is rustic and no-frills and is perfect for someone who truly wants to get away from it all.
- Lorelei Cabins. These cabins near Dubuque are comfortable and remote with bonfires, hiking trails, and lots of wildlife to watch.
Discover more about these and a few more of the best winter getaways in Iowa.