Top 10 Winter Activities in Cedar Rapids

Snowshoeing/Cross Country Skiing

For just $10-15 per person, rent snow shoes at Indian Creek Nature Center as long as there is five or more inches of snow cover. Check out the City of Cedar Rapids trails located at Ellis Golf Course, Jones Park, Seminole Valley Park, Twin Pines Golf Course, and the Sac and Fox Trail. They are opened, marked and groomed when they are completely covered with snow and conditions allow grooming. Call the Winter Sports Hotline, 319-286-5700, for trail openings and conditions.

Linn County Conservation trails that are available for cross-country skiing include: Matsell Bridge Natural Area 5 miles; Morgan Creek Park 3.8 miles; Wanatee Park 3.5 miles; Wickiup Hill Learning Center 3.3 miles; Pinicon Ridge Park 1.5 miles. 4” of snow is required for our equipment to be able to groom trails. Tracks are first “rolled” and then “groomed”. Hikers, horses, and dogs are encouraged to stay off the Nordic ski track. Find more information here by scrolling to Winter Activities.

Hockey Action

The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders are back in action at the ImOn Ice Arena for the season! The RoughRiders are part of the USHL, offering exciting hockey action the entire family will enjoy. For tickets and their home schedule, click here.

Ice Skating

Skate outdoors! Bundle up and practice your skating skills this winter at one of Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department's free ice rinks. The rinks are open when weather conditions permit — so don't miss out! There are two free rinks available to the public in Cedar Rapids. One located at Hughes Park Basketball Court, 2100 Wilson Ave. SW and the other at Noelridge Park Tennis Court, 4900 Council St. NE. Visit the City of Cedar Rapids website to check if the ice rinks are open.

Indoor Playground

The Fun Station is located just off Collins Road in Cedar Rapids. This 3-story indoor playground designed for kids 12 & under is Iowa’s best indoor playground. Spend quality time together, playing, pretending, challenging, and giggling!

Hatchet Throwing

Learn a new trick - hatchet throwing! Hurling Hatchet in northeast Cedar Rapids is a popular spot in the winter for indoor, adult fun.

Sledding

Sledding hills are located at Bowman Woods, Jones and Shawnee Parks. Find park information here and safety tips here.

Throughout Linn County the area next to Red Cedar Lodge at Wanatee Park and a hill by Woodpecker Lodge at Pinicon Ridge Park in Central City are popular for sledding during the winter months.

Warm Up!

Warm up with your favorite fancy coffee or hot chocolate at a local coffee shop - view a few suggestions here.

Shop, Dine, Explore

While you are out, take time to explore a new neighborhood – Uptown Marion, Czech Village / New Bohemia Main Street, Kingston Village, The MedQuarter – support the local shops and restaurants that make each of the districts unique.

Jump Around

At AirFX Trampoline Park, you’ll enjoy 40,000 square feet of family fun! Including wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball court, trampoline basketball, 18- and 24-foot tumble tracks, jumping pits, and more!

Photos courtesty of the following: Indian Creek Nature Center, @stewgetsbuckets, Liz Zabel, The Fun Station, Uptown Marion, Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation, CRVR, Hurling Hatchet