ia: The best of Iowa arts and culture

A unicorn made from 36,000 pounds of ice showed up, as if by magic, in Davenport for Icestravaganza in 2022. Photo: Downtown Davenport Partnership

Cool! No, really: ice sculptures in Davenport

Dozens of intricate ice sculptures will be on display during this weekend's Icestravaganza in Davenport. According to this year's theme, you can marvel at a few “Mystical Monsters Under The Sea" as you wander through the downtown Freight House with warm hot cocoa or locally brewed beer.

Be sure to check out the ice carving demonstrations on Saturday. And stick around later to see the sculptures in a different light during the After Glow Party with DJ Buddha, black lights and a light show. Read more about this year's ice carvers and see the full event schedule online.

The national tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar" visits Ames on Jan. 30. Photo: Evan Zimmerman/MurphyMade

Broadway tours to visit Iowa's state universities

Broadway magic hits Iowa’s state universities this winter, when several national tours swing through campus.

First up is the stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” directed by Tony-winner Bartlett Sher, Jan. 19-21 at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City.

Next, catch the 50th anniversary tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar” on Jan. 30 at Stephens Auditorium in Ames. The hard-charging rock musical tells the story of Jesus Christ’s final weeks, as seen through the eyes of Judas.

Finally, relive the true story of 7,000 passengers who were stranded in a small Canadian town in the days right after 9/11. The heart-wrenching and -warming musical “Come From Away,” which runs Feb. 9 and 10 at the University of Northern Iowa’s Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls.

Remember summer? Dream of sunnier days at the RAGBRAI party later this month. Photo: Catch Des Moines

Any guesses where RAGBRAI will go next?

North? Or south? Or maybe central?

Wherever the Register’s 51st Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa rolls this year, you can be among the first to know at the (Register’s annual great) route announce party, set for 6-10 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

If you’re feeling lucky (or psychic), go ahead and enter the contest to guess all eight overnight towns on this year’s route. The winners will receive gift certificates for some RAGBRAI swag.

The ride itself is set for July 20-27, starting in Council Bluffs, then Atlantic, then — just kidding: We don’t know the route, either.

We just want any eagles reading this newsletter to know how much we appreciate you (and those very sharp talons.) Photo: Getty Images

Bald eagle fans circle in on Keokuk

The folks in Keokuk can’t actually guarantee that you’ll see bald eagles flying over their fair city during the 40th annual Bald Eagle Appreciation Day on Jan. 20. That’s really up to the birds themselves.

But, still, it’s a pretty good bet this time of year, when they swoop down for fishy snacks on the Mississippi River. You can drive the river road on your own or hop on a guided bus tour.

Otherwise, the day offers plenty of other activities, including Meskwaki cultural presentations, nature displays, a photo exhibition, live music and more. If you’d like to see a big bird up close, aim for one of the raptor programs the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis plans to present hourly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Eagle Way Southwest Hall.

Big band legend Glenn Miller grew up in Clarinda, where you can visit his childhood home. Photo: Billboard

Learn a little Iowa history, right at home

Calling all lifelong learners: “Iowa History 101” is back in session. The State Historical Society of Iowa’s series of free, one-hour webinars continues with a brand-new batch of presentations about fascinating not-so-new stuff.

State Curator Leo Landis kicked things off at noon today with a look back at the Iowa Caucuses. (Don’t worry if you missed it; recordings are posted a day or two after each event.)

Next up: Hanna Howard and a few award-winning students from Nashua-Plainfield will discuss their National History Day projects (Jan. 25), followed by sessions on quilts in the New Deal (Feb. 8), jazz legend Glenn Miller from Clarinda (Feb. 22), a search for servicemen lost during World War II (March 7) and some colorful characters from Pella (March 21). Registration is free but required.

Warmth is temporary. Glory is forever at the University of Okoboji Winter Games. Photo: University of Okoboji

Embrace the cold in Okoboji

Every year on the last weekend of January, the fabled University of Okoboji hosts its Winter Games.

Consider this your annual chance to join 40,000 of your closest, coldest friends for a weekend of competition. It all started on the frozen lake with a humble broomball tournament, but nowadays, the chilly shindig involves everything from flag football, ax throwing, a polar plunge, a massive bonfire and a chili cook-off. Sign up for the frosty events in advance, and remember to bundle up.

Pine Lake State Park in Hardin County rents out stone and timber cabins with wood-burning fireplaces. Photo: Iowa DNR.

Rent a cabin for a wintry getaway

Winter is a great time to hike trails, watch wildlife and go ice fishing in Iowa’s state parks. It’s even better when the chilly adventure ends in a cozy cabin.

Choose from more than 90 rental cabins across 20 state parks. Some can accommodate up to 10 guests, depending on the unit, and are available year-round, with two-day minimums. Find detailed photos and information about the cabin amenities on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ website.

Winter rental options include Backbone State Park near Strawberry Point, Black Hawk State Park in Lake View, Lake of Three Fires in Taylor County, Pine Lake in Hardin County, Union Grove in Tama County and Waubonsie in Fremont County.
You can learn more and make a reservation online.