Whether you love it or hate it, winter is here in the Hawkeye State! It’s time to make the best of it by embarking on a winter adventure in Iowa that the whole family will enjoy. Plan a time to enjoy outdoor ice skating in Iowa and suddenly the cold won’t be bothering you so much.

Related Stories

Enjoy A Sense Of Peace At This Incredible Waterfront Restaurant In Iowa

Enjoy A Sense Of Peace At This Incredible Waterfront Restaurant In Iowa

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Iowa Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Iowa Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

This Is The Most Iowa Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It

This Is The Most Iowa Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It

Visit the Brenton Skating Plaza website to see when holiday happenings, curling clinics, and Broomball games are scheduled. There’s something fun happening almost every day of the week! Here are eight free winter activities in Iowa that your whole family will love! If you have any favorite Iowa winter locations, let us know about them in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Winter In Iowa

What is winter like in Iowa?

This is what winter is like in Iowa:

  • Winter temperatures in Iowa range from highs of 31-36°F to lows between 14-19°F.
  • Average snowfall in Iowa is from 18 to 42 inches per year, with the capital city of Des Moines averaging 36.5 inches of snow per year.
  • The coldest recorded temperature in Iowa was -47°F in Elkader in 1996.
  • Winter lasts for 3.1 months, from November 30 to March 2. 

Here are ten survival tips for surviving what winter is like in Iowa

What are the most popular winter activities in Iowa?

These are the most popular winter activities in Iowa:

  • University of Okoboji Winter Games - Taking place in Arnolds Park, this collection of winter activities like polar plunges, chili cook-offs, and broomball tournaments is an extremely popular winter activity in Iowa.
  • Skiing at Sundown Mountain Resort - Located in Dubuque, this resort has 21 different ski trails and is free of avalanches. 
  • Snowmobiling at the Snow Pioneers Trail System - This well-kept snowmobile trail system has scenic views and is surrounded by many quaint small towns.

Here are 11 more popular winter activities in Iowa for the whole family.

What are the best winter destinations to visit in Iowa?

These are the best winter destinations to visit in Iowa:

  • Seven Oaks Recreation - Located in Boone, Iowa, this place offers ski and snowboard rentals for all ages and has 11 runs for every age and skill level.
  • Orange City - Every year in December, this town celebrates Sinterklaas, a Dutch Christmas tradition. St. Nicholas arrives on horseback to commence the revelry.
  • Grumpsters Log Cabins - McGregor is home to these log cabins which are a popular winter getaway to enjoy a remote cabin in the snow.
  • Jester Park Equestrian Center - Locals enjoy going to the town of Granger to go on horse-drawn sleigh rides throughout the winter season in Iowa.

Here are 11 cozy winter retreats that make for some of the best winter destinations to visit in Iowa.