Iowa is known for its rolling cornfields and its lush valleys. In between, there are several breathtaking attractions that effortlessly transform the Hawkeye State from bland to bold. This easily disproves the regrettable myth that Iowa is boring. From Clear Lake, whose every corner is mindblowing, to a number of amazing caves and caverns that only a few people know are in Iowa, the state has several interesting attractions. Here’s the truth: Iowa is not just the birthplace of sliced bread.

Its capital, Des Moines, is a small, slow-paced town, with an amazing downtown where residents enjoy living on the cheap while uncovering several hidden gems. And while Iowa is not among the snowiest states, Iowa’s winters can still be quite snowy. It may therefore come as a surprise to many that Des Moines is actually a winter wonderland where winter lovers can enjoy spending a weekend.

Here’s What Makes Des Moines A Winter Wonderland

First, winters in Des Moines are not that brutal. For those used to cascading mountains of snow such as are common in places like Vermont and Massachusetts, Iowa may almost look like Florida. Still, the weather is unpredictable and can swing from sunny to chilly in no time.

While ice is a frequent winter feature in Des Moines, snow is increasingly becoming erratic, inconsistent, and irregular. That said, Des Moines has several attractions and sites, particularly between November and March, that are known to dramatically transform the city into a winter wonderland well worth visiting.

For starters, winter lovers know that there’s really no winter without a chance to go ice skating. As many might agree, gliding on slippery ice is half art and half sport and excitingly combines the best of both worlds.

It’s the quintessential adrenaline treat that defines any winter weekend. For those in Des Moines, several delightful ice skating options abound.

There’s the Brenton Skating Plaza, for instance, a cool downtown ice rink and a pretty fine place to fill one’s lungs—and those of children—with some super crisp winter air. Brenton Skating Plaza also opens out to some of the most gorgeous views of Des Moines’ skyline. It’s a place where cameras are sure to be kept busy during a weekend trip.

• How Much Is The Admission To Brenton Skating Plaza? Adults pay $9.5 for admission while children (6-12) and seniors (60+) are charged $5.75.

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