The Best Winter Attractions Across Iowa

Iowa’s Lakes & Land area covers the north/northwest part of the state, where beautiful lakes dot the landscape. These winter destinations offer the best way to experience the area's frozen lakes and snow-covered prairies:
 

• Storm Lake - When the water freezes over, it's transformed into the perfect destination for anglers of all skill levels. 
• King's Pointe Resort - Storm Lake's very own tropical oasis and indoor waterpark, it offers the best place to escape the winter blues .
• Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption - Known as the largest man-made Grotto in the world and one of Iowa's most unique attractions, it also features a skating rink during the winter.
• Metropolitan Theatre - Catch a movie at Iowa Falls' 1899 theater, which is one of the area's most renowned buildings. 
• Cone Park - Located in Sioux City, it's a winter wonderland where you can race down the 700-foot tubing hills, practice ice skating and relax by the outdoor firepits.

Iowa’s Loess Hills & Beyond area covers the southwest portion of the state, where small towns and rolling hills dominate the landscape. These winter destinations offer the best way to explore the area's charming communities:
 

• Joe's Indoor Karting - Experience the thrills of speed in Council Bluffs at Iowa's fastest indoor racing track.
• Mt. Crescent Ski Area - Admire the views of the Loess Hills near Honey Creek, where you can enjoy over 2,400 feet of slopes and a Swiss-style lodge.
• Glenn Miller Birthplace Museum - Spend an afternoon in Clarinda diving into the legacy of America's favorite big band leader.
• Hitchcock Nature Center - Admire the Honey Creek area's natural beauty and sled down the nature center's Chute Trail sledding hill.
• Walnut Antique Stores - Known as "Iowa's Antique City," Walnut includes over 15 shops and one of the area's best bakeries.

Iowa's Capital Country covers the central part of the state, where Des Moines proudly sits. These winter destinations offer the best mix of urban and rural experiences:
 

• Seven Oaks Recreation - Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on 11 slopes plus tubing at this winter haven in Boone.
• Jester Park Nature Center - Located near Granger, this year-round destination features indoor archery,  roaming bison and elk herds and cross-country skiing trails during the winter.
• Brenton Skating Plaza - Ice skate with stunning views of the Des Moines skyline at this downtown skating plaza.
• Pella Main Street - Discover the perfect gifts for loved ones (or yourself!) throughout Pella's collection of charming shops.
• K1 Speed - Test your high-speed racing skills in Grimes.

Iowa’s Driftless Area covers the northeast part of the state, where rivers cut stunning valleys through the bluffs. These winter destinations offer the best way to experience the area's historical towns and cultural destinations:
 

• Sundown Mountain Resort - Located outside of Dubuque, this ski resort boasts 21 thrilling slopes for skiers and snowboarders, and their adaptive equipment makes the slopes accessible for all abilities.
• New Day Dairy GuestBarn - Enjoy a weekend among the dairy cows at Clarksville's unique loft Airbnb. 
• Waterloo Center for the Arts - Located along the Cedar River in Waterloo, this art center features diverse exhibits and the world's largest public collection of Haitian art.
• Cedar Falls Main Street - Discover an eclectic mix of boutiques, shops and entertainment for the perfect afternoon outing at this award-winning Main Street.
• Trout Run Trail - A popular Decorah attraction famous for its stunning scenery, this trail is also known as one of Iowa's best cross-country skiing destinations.

Iowa’s Storied & Scenic area covers the eastern/southeastern part of the state, where history and culture run deep. These winter destinations offer the best way to explore the area's past peoples, present attractions and future businesses:
 

• The Iowa Children's Museum - Discover Coralville's learning labratory, where every exhibit is interactive and offers the most thrilling indoor playground.
• Cedar Rapids Museum of Art - Explore over 2,000 years' worth of creations via the museum's temporary and permanent exhibits. 
• Villages of Van Buren - Step back in time with a visit to the this collection of 12 German villages that's complete with antique stores, historic lodging, unique dining and more.
• The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia - This Cedar Rapids district is home to a variety of charming boutiques, cultural attractions and locally-owned restaurants. 
• Antique Archaeology - Le Claire's star attraction is home to the famous American Pickers and shows off their vast antique collection and merchandise.