ia: The best of Iowa arts and culture

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says anglers tend to catch more fish curing the colder months. (Photo: Getty Images)

Ice fishing season is here

As temps drop with the onslaught of Arctic air from the polar vortex, bodies of water all over Iowa will begin to freeze over, making ideal conditions for ice fishing. Travel Iowa shared some of the best spots to snag some winter catches:

Spirit Lake in northwest Iowa is a large lake north of Okoboji. Anglers have reported black crappie up to 14 inches long, along with walleye, yellow perch and bluegill.

Brushy Creek near Fort Dodge is another large, deep lake. Submerged trees that poke through the surface provide ideal habitat that supports large populations of bluegill and crappie as well as walleye and perch.

Clear Lake in north-central Iowa attracts anglers even as far away as southern Minnesota. In fact, you might find more than 100 ice fishing shelters sitting on the lake for several weeks during the winter where anglers catch yellow bass, walleyes, bluegill, yellow perch and crappie.

Although fewer anglers fish in the winter, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says anglers often catch more fish through the ice than during the spring, summer or fall. More tips and safety protocols are available through the DNR website.

"Snowga" is a fun lakeside activity in Okoboji. (Photo: Tom Gustafson, courtesy of the Okoboji Tourism Committee)

Winter fun and games in Okoboji

The 45th annual University of Okoboji Winter Games outdoor event is happening Jan. 23-26. Get ready to compete for all the marbles in all kinds of cold weather-centric events including bags, human dog sled races, snowga (snow yoga), a chili cook-off, broomball and more. Of course there will be traditional sports like flag football, volleyball and softball tournaments too.

The Polar Plunge on Jan. 25 features a parade of bare-skinned souls diving into the lake. Proceeds from registration are donated to Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue. Though it’s not for the weak of heart, the cool dip is supposed to boost circulation. Warm up with a giant bonfire and fireworks display Saturday night.

See a full schedule of events online.

Test your mettle and your snow tires during the Triple D Winter Bike Race Jan. 18 in Dubuque. (Photo: Bob Edwards)

Extreme sports glory in Dubuque

Looking for a challenge? Dubuque’s Triple D Winter Race Jan. 18 offers the ultimate adventure for winter mountain bikers.

The race offers three routes of 17, 35 or 70 miles for racers to choose their own difficulty level. Bikers begin at the 7 Hills Brewing Co. and head east through snow and ice to Heritage Trail … where more snow and ice await. Find routes and registration info online.

Raclette is traditionally served over potatoes and often includes little pickles and onions. (Photo: Getty Images)

A cheesy good time in Swisher

Cedar Rapids pastry chef Sandrine Wallace is partnering with Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher to host a special raclette tasting event Jan. 26.

Raclette is a dish from the Swiss and French Alps. The word comes from a French verb meaning “to scrape,” as the dish involves scraping melted cheese from a heated wheel over potatoes or bread. The tasting event, led by Wallace, includes authentic raclette cheese imported from Savoie, France, served with Cedar Ridge’s popular Atlas white wine blend made from locally grown Brianna and Edelweiss grape varietals. Tickets for the tasting are still available.

Wallace is an Iowa transplant originally from the south of France. She moved to Cedar Rapids and in 2018 opened her bakery, French Pastry by Sandrine, where she bakes goodies based on family recipes.

Icestravaganza in Davenport gets lit on Saturday night, when hand-carved ice sculptures glow with LED light. (Photo: Downtown Davenport Partnership)

Really cool art in Davenport

Bundle up for the annual Icestravaganza Jan. 17-19 in Davenport, an ice sculpture festival where artists will carve sculptures inspired by this year’s theme: “Art in Ice.” The event also offers a farmers market and plenty of food and drinks.

As you wander through the downtown Freight House with hot cocoa or locally brewed beer, be sure to check out the ice-carving demonstrations on Saturday. Stick around in the evening to see the sculptures in a different light during the After Glow Party with DJ Buddha, black lights and a light show.

America's national bird inspired an annual winter tradition along the Mississippi River. (Photo: Getty Images)

Muscatine music festival is for the birds

Birds of a feather and music fans flock together for the annual Eagles & Ivories Ragtime Fest set for Jan. 16-19 in Muscatine.

For 30 years now (just a few years longer than a typical bald eagle’s lifespan), this indoor-outdoor tradition has drawn loyal regulars and curious newcomers alike to a winter weekend of bird-watching events and ragtime concerts along the Mississippi River. And as the birds’ population has grown, so has the festival.

This year’s event offers a chance to watch birds from the Pearl City Station at Riverfront Park, with a few tips and presentations from local naturalists. Whenever you’re ready to warm up inside, you can heat up with a lineup of informal concerts and music-accompanied meals, including a kickoff cabaret, a soup supper at the local Methodist church, silent films accompanied by live music at the Muscatine Art Center, and a Sunday morning gospel service filled with ragtime and jazz. So go ahead: Shake those tail feathers!