Four Seasons of Fun

Spring

April and May are favorite months for many of us in Polk County as the calendar transitions us to warm weather sports such as 5K and 10K races, golfing, biking, and hiking. Local nurseries welcome homeowners and others who want to add a splash of color to their homes after a long winter.

Summer

Our 431 lakes and many streams and rivers attract anglers and boaters. There are 36 officially designated trout streams in the county. Parks and beaches swell with campers and swimmers. Popular attractions include a zipline park and wildlife education park. Your bucket list should include Interstate Park and its fabulous gorge flanked by rocky cliffs. ATVers can explore three trails. Numerous summer festivals spring up across the landscape.

Fall

At the height of Colorama, the reds, oranges, and yellows of leaves create picture-perfect scenery to be enjoyed from about mid-September to mid-October. Be sure to check with the Polk County Information Center or local chambers for the latest color reports. We recommend visits to local farmer’s markets and apple orchards for fresh produce and the award-winning wineries to tour and sample their selections.

Winter

Bundle up and frolic in the snow — sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding are among the favorite activities. Enjoy the bonfires, hot cocoa, cookies, and toasted marshmallows that warm you up. Polk County has 365 miles of state-funded snowmobile trails that network with other counties’ trails for days of riding adventures. Ice fishing has a long tradition in Polk County, and you can spot small villages of ice shanties over popular fishing spots.