When the temperatures drop and snow falls, Iowa is turned into a stunning winter wonderland. Enjoy this underutilized season by experiencing the snow-covered outdoors, or head inside and enjoy a thrilling adventure with the whole family. Plan your winter itinerary with the top destinations in Iowa's travel areas.
Capital Country
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, Boone
- Jester Park Nature Center, Granger
- Brenton Skating Plaza, Des Moines
- Pella Main Street, Pella
- K1 Speed, Grimes
Driftless Area
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, Dubuque
- New Day Dairy GuestBarn, Clarksville
- Waterloo Center for the Arts, Waterloo
- Cedar Falls Main Street, Cedar Falls
- Trout Run Trail, Decorah
Lakes & Land
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 Ice Fishing, Storm Lake
- King's Pointe Resort, Storm Lake
- Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, West Bend
- Metropolitan Theatre, Iowa Falls
- Cone Park, Sioux City
Loess Hills & Beyond
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, Council Bluffs
- Mt. Crescent Ski Area, Honey Creek
- Glenn Miller Birthplace Museum, Clarinda
- Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
- Walnut Antique Stores, Walnut
Storied & Scenic
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, Coralville
- Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Cedar Rapids
- Villages of Van Buren, Keosauqua
- The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia, Cedar Rapids
- Antique Archaeology, Le Clairie