While some events and activities are more limited during the times of COVID, being outdoors can be a welcome relief. Ample snowfall and moderate temperatures have all added to the potential fun. Here are a few outdoor activities that folks in Wright County and beyond could try.
Ice skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing
If you have your own equipment, you are all set. If you do not, the Wright County conservation employees could help with ice skates, snowshoes and cross-country skis. “We have the equipment which people can borrow for free,” said Director Eric Rector. “All people have to do is give us a call sometime during the week (they’re not staffed weekends in the winter). And we will get it set out for you.” A call ahead helps with their planning and finding the right sizes (ice skates) in advance. The conservation phone number is 515-532-3185.
Rector said there is ample room for cross country skiing in the park area, north of Lake Cornelia, for winter adventures. “Lots of times the quiet water (harbor area) is good for ice skating,” he said. “When it first froze, the surface was really nice, before it thawed. It’s a little rougher now but could still work.” The county does not clear snow off the surface, but a snow shovel and/or broom could clear a nice area.
Ice fishing
There are several nice areas in Wright County good for ice fishing: rivers and lakes. Lake Cornelia is a popular spot with the ice being 6 – 10 inches thick. Ice fisherman Mark Hill said, “There are a lot of fish in the lake. They aren’t necessarily big ones, but it is fun to catch them. Typical catches are pan fish and small yellow bass. Adults need to have an Iowa fishing license; youth under 16 do not need a license and can fish for free.
Skiing
Snow skiing in Iowa is more limited, as there are currently only three slopes open for winter enjoyment. The nearest one is Seven Oaks near Boone. The resort is not just for skiing; also offered is snowboarding and tubing. Because of COVID and many other activities being limited, all three areas are seeing many more individuals and families using the facilities. Tubing is one very popular activity. Boone has 75 tubes with two-hour rentals on a first-come, first-served basis. Many times, especially on weekends, all the tubes are out and on the hills. For more information on the Boone facility, check out its web site sevenoaksrec.com. Normal hours are Wednesday – Friday, 4 – 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. The other Iowa ski areas are located near Council Bluffs and Dubuque.
Snowmobiling
For a few weeks, snowmobile conditions have been ideal. Lenny Watts, president of Iowa River Riders snowmobile club said, “Our conditions have been good for riders.” He said the club is excited to have a ‘new-to-them’ trail groomer.
“When trails are groomed, it makes a much nicer ride,” he said. “Otherwise, we are at the mercy of snow drifts.” A weekend ago, three club volunteers worked 20 hours to get road ditches readied to ride.
Their membership includes snowmobilers and corporate sponsors. “We try to have Fun Rides, one in December and two in both January and February,” Watts said. “Typically, we start in Coulter; ride to Dudley’s; and then Donna’s in Meservey. We keep moving to two stops in both Belmond and Clarion. Then to Dows and back to Coulter. There is an entry fee, and we get our poker hands. Half of the dollars are given to the top three places; the rest we give away to worthy causes. It is always a lot of fun.” The Fun Rides are not limited to just Iowa River Riders members.
So pull on your winter coat, hat, mittens, snow boots and go outside to have a good time. Outdoor activities aren’t limited to just summertime!
