posted
on Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Rent or purchase snow shoes for some winter fun!
Cedar Falls is a year-round destination with outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Take the family outside and visit Hartman Reserve Nature Center and George Wyth State Park, rent snowshoes, and cross-country ski on Cedar Valley Trails...
Sledding
Bundle up the kids and head to the sledding hill next to the Cedar Falls Visitor Center. Need a restroom or a place to warm up? Stop in and see us. The visitor center is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. We also have all kinds of brochures of fun things to do in Iowa and in the Cedar Valley.
Ice Skating
When temps are consistently below freezing and the ground is frozen, the ice skating rink will be prepped at Gateway Park (located at Lincoln and East Main Street) in Cedar Falls. Once the layers are frozen on the rink, skating will be available and lit until the park closes at 10:30 pm. “Heated” restrooms are available and a shelter gives skaters a break from the elements. Recent weather conditions have been optimum for Parks crews to maintain the ice rink which includes pumping in water and keeping it smooth for use.
Cross-country Skiing
When the trails are covered in snow, enjoy the peace that comes from skiing wooded, Cedar Valley Trails. George Wyth State Park and Byrnes Park are groomed to support both classical skiing and skate skiing. Please mind the signs and stick to the proper side of the trail. Need to rent skis? Visit CrawDaddy Outdoors in Waverly or contact UNI Recreation Services. Want to learn to cross-country ski? Free ski lessons in classical and skate styles will be offered at no charge by Cedar Valley Nordic Skiing throughout the winter depending on weather. Be sure to read all their Facebook posts for information about renting skis and who to contact if you're interested.
Snowshoeing
Take a leisurely pace on Cedar Valley Trails or make it challenging on the hills within the Hartman Reserve Nature Center. Snowshoeing is good for beginners but it can be a workout, burning 600 calories per hour depending on the intensity of your workout. Want to give snowshoeing a try? CrawDaddy Outdoors, Hartman Reserve Nature Center, The Runner's Flat and UNI Recreation Services all rent snowshoes.
Ice Fishing
Pick up your fishing license and pack your bucket, rod and jigs. It’s time to fish and one of the most popular spots is George Wyth Lake in George Wyth State Park. No matter the temperature, always check the ice. The Iowa DNR recommends a minimum of 4 inches of clear blue ice. Need a fishing license? Stop in at SCHEELS in Cedar Falls or at Cook’s Outdoors.
Fat Biking
Head out on more than 100 miles of snowy trails on your fat bike! Don't have a bike? Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, bike rentals are not available. Stop in Bike Tech, Hall Bicycle or Andy’s Bike Shop if you're interested in seeing their selections of fat bikes.
Trails cleared after a snow event include:
• 12th Street, from Birdsall Park to Union Road
• Center Street, from Clair Street to Lone Tree Road
• Lone Tree Road, from Center Street to Hiawatha Road
• Trail connecting Pfeiffer Park to Waterloo Road
• Trail from Center Street Bridge to Main Street Bridge
• University Avenue from east city limit to College Street
• Hudson Road From 1st Street to 19th Street connecting to UNI trail
• Greenhill Road From 27th Street to east city limits
• Union Road from 1st Street to 12th Street
• 1st Street from Union Road to Hudson Road
• Main Street from University to Paw Park
Winter weather in Iowa can be unpredictable. Be sure to check links for weather related announcements on the day you want to travel. Road conditions can be found at Iowa 511.
If you need more ideas of Things to Do and Places to Eat & Drink while you’re in Cedar Falls, contact the Cedar Falls Visitor Center at 319-268-4266 or stop in and see us at 6510 Hudson Road. Find events taking place this winter on our online calendar at CedarValley365.com.
We’d be happy to help!
George Wyth State Park
