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Winter In The QC

Contrary to popular belief, winter is not a season to hide indoors, especially here in the QC! Bundle up and get outdoors with our favorite winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking.  Explore beautiful hiking trails in our local parks like Black Hawk State Historic Site, Scott County Park, Illiniwek Park, and Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. These parks are also great for cross-country skiing enthusiasts looking for challenging and easy trails.


Winter Activities

While you're out, make sure you stop and watch the QC's ultimate snowbirds, the Bald eagles! They migrate south from Canada and end up in our backyard. From December through February, these magnificent birds gather along the wooded bluffs along the Mississippi River to spend the winter. Visitors, birdwatchers and photographers come from around the country to see these amazing birds of prey in action. We've got some great spots to view these feathered friends

You will also find snowboarding, tubing, and skiing in the QC at Snowstar Extreme Sports. Even if the snow is minimal, no worries, Snowstar can make their own.

Go ice skating at the outdoor Frozen Landing Family Ice Rink that Bettendorf sets up for the winter season.

Just grab your sled and try the 10 top sledding hills in the QC.  Also who says adults can't go sledding?

The events don't stop when the warm weather does. Catch our festive holiday events, winter lights, or Icestravaganza in January! 


Keep Cozy

Warm up with a cocktail, local craft beer, or delicious meal in one of our beautiful outdoor igloos. You'll find cocktail castles and heated igloos at Mississippi River Distilling CompanyGreat Revivalist Brew Lab, and Tycoga Winery, to name a few. 

Whether the QC is home, you're here to visit family for the holidays, or making it a weekend getaway, our area hotels are ready to host your cozy winter stay. Check out our hotel packages.