Brrrrr! Things are cooling down here in Altoona, that’s for sure. And while staying inside and binge-watching your favorite shows seems reeeally tempting right about now, it’s not the only way to keep yourself entertained.
Sure, it’s cold out there. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop playing outside! In fact, winter is the PERFECT time to discover (or rediscover) life in the great outdoors.
Grab some extra layers and start exploring!
Go Ice Skating at the Iowa Wild Outdoor Rink
Nothing says “winter’s here” quite like ice skating. Speaking of which, the Iowa Wild’s outdoor rink is now open for the season at Ironwood Park in Altoona! Admission is 100% FREE and the rink will stay open as long as weather permits and the ice remains frozen.
It’s BYOS (bring your own skates) so be sure to, well…bring your own skates.
Send Your Sled Down the Hills at Ironwood Park
You’re already making the trip to Ironwood Park to carve up the ice. Why not go sledding while you’re at it? Whether your ride of choice is a classic plastic sled, a vintage metal saucer, an inflatable snowmobile or what have you—this is the perfect place to put it to the test!
Fun fact: Ironwood Park’s sledding hills are a “happy accident” of sorts. Altoona Mayor Dean O’Connor gives the backstory in this “Off the Beaten Path” feature from a few years ago.
Ride Your Bike…
You heard us right. Winter cycling is a thing, and Altoona is a great place to do it!
It takes some extra gear and a little bit of practice, but it’s totally worth it once you start cruising through the serene winter scenery. Besides, can you really consider yourself a true Iowa cyclist if you haven’t at least given it a try? We’ll let you decide.
Click here for winter cycling tips, tricks and fun spots to ride in Altoona!
…Or Take a Hike
Picture this: You’re hiking along one of Altoona’s trails on a brisk winter afternoon. The trees are covered in a fresh blanket of snow. Everything’s quiet. All you can hear are your footsteps and birds chit-chatting in the distance…and perhaps the occasional winter cyclist saying, “On your left.” Miles and miles of adventures lay ahead of you. Life is good.
Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
Download our parks & trails map to start exploring!
More Things to Do in Altoona, Iowa this Winter
It’s time to bid adieu to cabin fever. With delightfully different events, restaurants, shopping destinations and so much more to experience right here in Altoona—there’s snow reason not to make this winter the best one yet!
Have fun and stay warm. We’ll see you out there!