When the temperatures drop and snow falls, Iowa is turned into a stunning winter wonderland. Take this time to reconnect with loved ones or yourself by experiencing the snow-covered outdoors or thrilling indoor adventures. 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:

  • Enjoying skiing and snowboarding on 11 slopes plus tubing at Seven Oaks Recreation in Boone.
  • Practice archery, admire bison and elk herds or go cross-country skiing at Jester Park Nature Center in Granger.
  • Ice skate with stunning views of the Des Moines skyline at the downtown Brenton Skating Plaza.
  • Discover the perfect gifts for loved ones (or yourself!) throughout Pella Main Street's charming shops.
  • Test your high-speed racing skills at K1 Speed in 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 in Dubuque boasts 21 slopes for thrilling adventures for skiers and snowboards, and their adaptive equipment makes the slopes accessible for everybody.
  • Enjoy a weekend among the dairy cows at Clarksville's New Day Dairy GuestBarn, a unique loft Airbnb. 
  • Visit Waterloo Center for the Arts to admire diverse exhibits and the world's largest public collection of Haitian art.
  • Cedar Falls Main Street boasts an eclectic mix of boutiques, shops and entertainment for the perfect afternoon outing.
  • Discover some of Iowa's best cross-country skiing trails and scenery at Decorah's Trout Run Trail.
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:

  • When Storm Lake freezes over, it's transformed into the perfect destination for anglers of all skill levels. 
  • Say goodbye to the winter blues at King's Pointe Resort, Storm Lake's very own tropical oasis and indoor waterpark.
  • Known as one of Iowa's most unique attractions, West Bend's Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption is the largest man-made Grotto in the world.
  • Catch a movie at the Metropolitan Theatre in Iowa Falls, which was built in 1899 and is one of the area's most renowned buildings. 
  • At Cone Park in Sioux City, you can race down the 700-foot tubing hills, practice ice skating and relax by the outdoor firepits.
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:

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

  • Discover the learning labratory that is The Iowa Children's Museum in Coralville, where every exhibit is interactive.
  • At the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, you can explore over 2,000 years' worth of creations via temporary and permanent exhibits. 
  • Step back in time with a visit to the Villages of Van Buren, a collection of 12 German villages complete with antique stores, historic lodging, unique dining and more.
  • The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia in Cedar Rapids are home to a varied collection of boutiques, cultural attractions and locally-owned restaurants. 
  • Home to the famous American Pickers, Antique Archaeology in Le Clairie shows off their vast collection and merchandise.