Hey, look, you live in Iowa. In the winter, it is going to snow. So, you might as well have fun in it. But, yes, you can still complain because that is one of our favorite seasonal pastimes.

After you shovel yourself out, here are some things to do while enjoying the season in Marshalltown.

Enjoy the winter scenery

Everything looks cooler (literally and figuratively) with a coat of snow on it.

Grimes Farm is usually good for a stop to see various snow-covered trees, walk bridges and trails. I was around town taking some photos during a recent morning of snow-covered trees and they turned out pretty cool, too. I also zoomed in on some snowflakes and got some cool shots of those unique shapes.

Build an awesome snow fort

Help your kids build a mega snow fort. What a fun bonding experience as you construct a mega fort to the envy of your neighbors. If you build a big enough one, your local tourism director would love to stop by and take your photo!

Sledding

While there are various places in Marshalltown to go sledding, the two main areas are the northeast portion of the Iowa Veterans Home campus and the lot just west of St. Henry’s Church on Olive Street. Each spot has its own benefits. IVH has taller hills, but St. Henry’s has some smaller ones if you are bringing kids with a range of ages. Be on the lookout as sometimes those crafty kids will build a ramp in the snow down on one of the hills. You might get much more air than you bargained for (I have first-hand experience). Please sled safely.

Snowshoe rentals

Snowshoeing is something I want to try soon and you can borrow shoes from the Marshall County Conservation Board. Snowshoes are available for rent at $5 a day plus a $50 deposit per set. At size 13 shoes already, some might say I’m already walking around in snowshoes.

Ice fishing

Speaking of county conservation, they are offering an ice fishing clinic on January 21 from 10 a.m.- noon at Green Castle Recreation Area in Gilman. Register by calling 641-752-5490, emailing mccb@marshallcountyia.gov, or texting only 641-758-9777 by January 16.

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Andrew Potter is tourism director with the

Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce.