15 places to go for winter fun in Iowa

Discover the 15 top winter destinations in Iowa for skiing, ice fishing, shopping, and more. 

‘Tis the season for winter fun in Iowa! Whether you’re dreaming of an adventurous ski trip, a magical winter wonderland, delicious baked goods, or an indoor shopping experience, Iowa is the perfect destination to embrace the season. Not only do its small towns closely resemble a Holiday Hallmark movie, but each place’s unique and diverse character makes it an unforgettable place to visit. 

Looking for some snow fun? We got you.

Hit the slopes at Iowa’s ski resorts

Seven Oaks Recreation 

Located in Boone, Seven Oaks Recreation is a family-owned and operated recreation center offering everything from skiing to snowboarding to snow tubing. The slopes have 11 runs ranging from beginner to expert, and you won’t want to miss the terrain park and rail yard!

Sundown Mountain Resort 

Sundown Mountain Resort is located in Dubuque and is rightfully referred to as the Midwest’s premier ski destination. With 85 acres, 21 trails, and top-quality snowmaking, It is the perfect ski or snowboard destination for beginners and experts alike.

Mt. Crescent 

Tucked inside the Loess Hills, Mt. Crescent has been a Midwest ski destination for over 60 years! Originally founded by Olympian Stein Erikson, it has a variety of slopes to cater to both first-time skiers and seasoned snow masters.

Meander through snowy trails in Decorah

Decorah offers some of the best trails for winter recreation. Whether you’re searching for a weekend of snowshoeing, winter walking, or cross-country skiing, the diverse, groomed trails in Decorah are hard to beat.

Lace up your ice skates at the Brenton Skating Plaza 

Lace up your skates and head to Downtown Des Moines for a fun day or night of ice skating. Not only does the Brenton Skating Plaza offer open skating from November to March, but there are also learn-to-skate lessons and a variety of fun events to attend all season long, such as Iowa Wild takeover, family date nights, superhero and princess nights, and much more! Check out the list of events here.

Go ice-fishing at Clear Lake

Clear Lake has year-round fishing, so there’s no need to hang up your rod and put away your tackle just because it’s cold out. Head to Clear Lake for a destination ice fishing experience. If you time your visit right, you might even catch the Frozen Feather’s Ice Fishing Tournament.

How about some holiday shopping?

Shop til you drop in Pella 

Pella, also known as America’s Dutch Treasure, is the perfect place to find special and unique gifts for everyone on your list. From antiques to boutiques, decor shops, and outdoor stores, you won’t leave the streets of Pella empty-handed. 

Stroll the streets of Historic Valley Junction 

Historic Valley Junction is the heart and soul of West Des Moines. With some of the best shopping in the Midwest, you’ll fall in love with the incredible variety of choices, from locally owned boutiques and vintage shops to specialty gift stores and more! Plus, you’re almost certain to stumble upon delightful live music, a car show, or a farmers market.

Warm up with delicious food & drink

Sip on cider at Fishback & Stephenson

Located in the beautiful countryside of Fairfield, Fishback & Stephenson is an award-winning Iowa cidery. Their tap room offers all their premium ciders as well as a rotating selection of craft beer, specialty cocktails, and nonalcoholic options—there’s truly something for everyone!

Order a baked good at one of the many bakeries in Pella

Jaarsma 

Jaarsma Bakery provides an authentic taste of Holland. Start your morning with a warm butter danish or Dutch apple bread, and then take an order of St. Nick cookies home to share with all the people you love!

Vanderploeg 

Vanderploeg is famous for its fresh puff pastries and made-from-scratch Dutch letters, which are baked fresh every day. But that’s just the beginning. Alongside those signature treats, Vanderploeg also offers a delicious selection of homemade breads, donuts, cookies, bars, and other sweets.

Grab a bite to eat at the Ronneburg Restaurant 

Head to Amana for an unforgettable meal at the Ronneburg Restaurant. You’ll enjoy a delicious, authentic Bavarian meal while marveling at the restaurant’s beauty and rich history. The walls are decorated with art from local artists and photographs dating back nearly 100 years.

Enjoy some local entertainment

Escape the cold at King’s Pointe Waterpark  

No matter how much you love the winter season, sometimes you just need a break from the cold weather. King’s Pointe Waterpark offers a fun, family-friendly way to escape the cold. Located in Storm Lake, this resort has it all, from an indoor waterpark for the kids to fine dining and spacious suites for the adults. It’s truly hard to beat! 

Go to an Iowa Wild game 

Ignite your inner sports fan at an Iowa Wild game. Grab a cold one and a snack, and enjoy a night out with friends or family while cheering on the local team.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.