11 Winter Activities in Iowa City
Winter in Iowa can trap us all inside with not many ideas on how to enjoy the outdoors in the cold temperatures. Here's a list of 11 winter activities in Iowa City to get you out and about!
1. Outdoor ice skating at Terry Trueblood. The lake at the heart of Terry Trueblood Recreation Area is a site to see in any season. Once the months turn cold and the lake freezes over, ice skaters take over. As one of the biggest lakes in the area, and since it's surrounded by a trail, a playground, & plenty of places to sit, the park becomes a great all-in-one outdoor winter destination. Be sure to visit icgov.org/rainoutline or call 319-356-5100 to check for the ice status on the lake.
2. Winter Farmer's Market. At the Johnson County Fairgrounds, you can find the summer farmer's market you know & love - inside! Every other Sunday in Building C, beginning January 9th and ending April 24th, get your farmer's market fix from 11AM-2PM.
3. Winter hike at F.W. Kent County Park. F.W. Kent Park is one of the largest parks in the area, and holds a beautiful landscape! Take in this 1,062-acre
park by following trails, ice fishing, or sledding!
4. Movies & bowling at FilmScene. Head to FilmScene for this season's latest movies and delicious popcorn! After the movie go across the hallway to SpareMe, and bowl to your heart's desire.
5. Performing Arts. Getting out of the cold and taking yourself to a different world is my favorite thing to do in the winter! Check out Englert Civic Theatre or Gabe's for concerts all winter long. Hancher Auditorium is a great spot to check out shows of all kinds, including dance groups and theater productions, or if you're just interested in theater productions, Riverside Theatre has multiple shows throughout the colder season!
6. Indoor ice skating at The Rink. Ice skating is the perfect winter activity - especially indoors! Come out for a date night or with your whole group of friends!! The Rink offers skate rentals for just $3 and has a various schedule of public skating hours, so be sure to check the website before heading over.
7. Watch one of Iowa's sporting events at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Carver-Hawkeye Arena comes to life in the winter. There is almost always a sporting event going on, between men's and women's basketball, wrestling, and gymnastics! Tickets and seating charts can be found online.
8.University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. Museums are a perfect way to gain knowledge and enjoy yourself - inside! Admission is free, but a $5 donation is recommended. Group tours are available for scheduling, but anyone is welcome to stop in and wander on their own. On your way out, stop in the gift shop for memorabilia, too!
9. Hatchet Jack’s. Hatchet Jack's is the perfect way to unwind with your friends or your significant other! Test your skills, and aim for the bullseye. Hatchet Jack's accepts reservations, and allows groups of all sizes! Students even get a discount on Wednesday's, so I'll see y'all there on Wednesday...right?
10. Iowa Heartlanders hockey games. Who doesn't love a little rough housing on ice skates?! The Heartlanders are a local team here in Iowa City - and it is SO fun to watch them play! They've got games through April - both at home and away, if you feel like traveling!
11. University of Iowa Museum of Art. An art museum is my favorite way to pass the time any season, but especially in the winter. There's so much more time to take in the art - and
avoid going back outside! UofI's art museum is currently in the process of switching buildings - and is supposed to be complete by fall of 2022. In the mean time you can head to the Figge Art Museum to see select exhibitions, or, if you'd rather stay inside, check out the Stanley Visual Classroom, an online exhibition!