These Towns in Iowa Come Alive in Winter

While it may not boast the spectacular mountain slopes of states such as Colorado or Vermont, there are plenty of fun things to do in Iowa when the snow flies. And the best winter fun can be had in some of the state’s best small towns, which come alive in the colder months as outsiders flock here to enjoy everything from skiing and snowboarding to ice fishing and romantic sleigh rides.

If you’re looking for fun stuff to do in the USA’s Midwestern region, check out our list of these towns in Iowa that come alive in winter. 

Boone

Its location 45 miles north of Iowa’s state capital, Des Moines, makes the small town of Boone an excellent choice for a winter day trip or weekend getaway. A highlight of Boone’s winter offerings is Seven Oaks Recreation, a popular outdoor leisure area with skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. It features slopes of various difficulties, catering to both beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders on its well-maintained and groomed slopes. Equipment rentals are available.

Ledges State Park features a range of fun-to-explore trails for those who prefer cross-country skiing. Ice fishing enthusiasts should head to Don Williams Lake, a lovely spot for winter fishing that’s a favorite among local anglers.

Decorah

Located halfway between Rochester, Minnesota, and Cedar Rapids on the Iowa River, Decorah is another small town that finds a new lease of life in winter. The townsfolk’s Scandinavian heritage ensures they're especially well-prepared to handle the cold months, with no end of Scandinavian-style fun things to do in Decorah in winter, including Nordic skiing. The best places to do this fun activity are Trout Run Trail and Palisades Park, which feature scenic trails perfect for this sport.  The same trails also provide suitable conditions for snowshoeing.

Ice fishing on the Upper Iowa River is also fun, with anglers braving the cold to fish for trout and other local species. You can also learn more about the town’s Scandinavian roots at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum with its extensive collection of artifacts from Norway.

Orange City

Orange City is another small Iowan town known to celebrate its European heritage. Founded in 1870 and named after the Dutch king, William of Orange, Orange City boasts plenty of fun activities for residents and visitors during the colder months. Highlights include ice skating at the town’s community ice rink, which provides a perfect setting to enjoy skating under the open sky. Follow this up with hot chocolate and winter treats, and you’re looking at the perfect winter pastime. 

Another popular winter activity in Orange City is the Sinterklaas Festival. This delightful event celebrates the town's rich Dutch heritage in early December, marking the start of the holiday season. The festival is centered around the arrival of Sinterklaas, a traditional Dutch figure similar to Santa Claus who comes dressed in colorful, bishop-like attire and parades through the town, greeting children and adults alike. Traditional Dutch treats, music, and dancing make it an event popular with visitors.

Okoboji

The tiny town of Okoboji, with a population of just 772 residents, is located just off the I-90 in the northern part of the state and has become a hub for winter sports and leisure activities in winter. Popular things to do in Okoboji in the cold season include ice fishing on West and East Okoboji Lakes, both of which consistently freeze over. These lakes also provide a perfect setting for anglers to catch various fish, such as walleye and northern pike, especially during the town’s famous ice fishing tournaments.

For those who love a thrilling ride, snowmobiling is another favorite activity. The area around Okoboji has numerous trails groomed by the Dickinson County Snowhawks that are designated for snowmobiling, offering a fun way to explore the region’s snow-covered landscapes. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular in places like Gull Point State Park. 

Storm Lake 

Located in west Iowa, Storm Lake is a perfect winter destination for those looking for ways to keep the kids happy, especially in the lead-up to Christmas. One of the city's most enchanting winter attractions is Santa's Castle, a seasonal wonderland that opens its doors each winter. Tracing its roots back to the 1960s, Santa sets up his Storm Lake home in the town’s historic Carnegie Library, transforming this heritage building into a festive display of Christmas magic.

Highlights include an impressive collection of animated characters and beautifully decorated trees, creating an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. It's not just a visual treat; the castle also offers interactive experiences, making it a beloved holiday tradition in Storm Lake. The frozen Storm Lake itself offers opportunities for ice fishing and skating, while the surrounding areas provide an ideal setting for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Oskaloosa

There’s no denying the townsfolk of Oskaloosa get a little excited when it begins to look a lot like Christmas is around the corner. Located just an hour’s drive east of Des Moines, this quaint town dresses up its picturesque downtown core in time for the Holidays… and does it so well that people travel long distances to see them.

It all culminates in the Oskaloosa annual Lighted Christmas Parade, a festive and visually stunning event that brings the community and out-of-town visitors together to celebrate the season with an array of brightly lit floats, marching bands, and performers creating a magical atmosphere in the heart of the town. Other fun things to do in Oskaloosa in winter include ice skating at local rinks, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the town's parks and trails, including Glendale Access and Edmundson Park.

The Final Word

While Iowa is a state that’s well known for its rolling plains and cornfields, it’s also making a name for itself as a place to enjoy a winter day trip. As the temperature drops and snow blankets the landscape, the state’s small towns roll out the carpet to visitors looking to explore and have fun. Find out more with this list of towns in Iowa that come alive in winter. For more ideas, visit the official Travel Iowa website.