Five Fun Winter Activities in Iowa

By Taylor on November 23, 2012 in Blog

Regardless of if there’s snow on the ground or not, it’s always fun to start planning fun seasonal activities that get you outdoors, enjoying nature.

Check out our five favorite winter activities perfect for enjoying the seasonal beauty of the Hawkeye State!

1. A sleigh ride together for you! – Get those sleigh bells jingling with a 45-minute carriage ride through Jester Park, located in Granger, to fully enjoy the beauty of the season. Rides are $10 per person with a $50 minimum fee for registration.
2. Go snowshoeing or cross country skiing – Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean that you have to give up your love of Iowa’s great trail systems. Strap on a pair of snowshoes, grab a partner and head out to your favorite natural area. Don’t worry if you don’t own your own snowshoes – Polk County Conservation & Rasmussen Bike Shop both offer weekly rentals.
3. Build a critter-friendly snowman – This year when you bundle up to build the obligatory annual snowman consider leaving something for your favorite furry friends. Use the traditional carrot for a nose, but also consider including birdseed and other veggies!
4. Dog Sledding – Just because Iowa’s chilly winters aren’t as severe as life on the Alaskan tundra doesn’t mean you can’t pretend! Dog sledding enthusiasts can take full advantage of the winter months on Iowa’s trails when bikers are replaced by dogs. Don’t believe us? Check out this Iowa Outdoors segment about dog sledding. Or, for the less ambitious adventurer, Howling Hills Canine Campus in Cumming offers sled dog rides during the winter months.
5. Ice fishing – You may not know this, but among its other wonderful qualities, Iowa also has a great environment for ice fishing. Learn more with these USA Today tips for ice fishing in Iowa!