Winter transforms Pottawattamie County into a beautiful backdrop for photography. Snow-covered landscapes, quiet trails, historic buildings, and one-of-a-kind roadside attractions take on a whole new look this time of year. Grab your camera and explore these unique spots for your next great winter photo.
County Parks & Conservation Areas
We can all agree that Pottawattamie County is home to beautiful natural landscapes. The county parks and conservation areas are great places to get those back-to-nature experiences and images.
- Arrowhead Park
- Crescent Wildlife Area
- Farm Creek Public Wildlife Area
- Honey Creek Conservation Area
- Olde Town Park
- Wheeler Grove Conservation Area
Agricultural Symbol
The agricultural symbol along Interstate 80 near Shelby is a 76-foot-tall steel sculpture that always turns heads! This piece of public art is unique and creates interesting photographs. Go check it out!
Octagon House
Located in Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, this unusual octagon building is a historic gem in Pottawattamie County. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a great architectural subject for a serene winter photo.
Crescent Hill at Hitchcock
If you’re looking to enjoy fast-paced winter recreation, hit the slopes at Crescent Hill! Not only will you have a great time burning off your cabin fever, but you will also be able to capture some gnarly action shots!
Eagle of Honor Statues
Did you know that each town in Pottawattamie County has an Eagle of Honor statue? These meaningful sculptures look beautiful in the winter and visiting each eagle is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Volkswagen Beetle Spider
Interested in photographing the most unique piece of public art in rural Pottawattamie County? You have to check out the menacing Volkswagen Beetle Spider in Avoca, Iowa! The sculpture is made of an old VW bug and other metal parts and is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Walnut's Mural Tour
Downtown Walnut is enhanced with beautiful murals and signs. While visiting, make it your mission to find them all and find the letter on each one to spell “Walnut”. This is a super fun family scavenger hunt, and the murals look beautiful next to a fresh layer of snow.
Keep Exploring & Capturing Winter
Pottawattamie County has plenty of unique places to discover and photograph during the winter months. Bundle up, hit the road, and see what scenic views, historic landmarks, and unexpected photo opportunities you can find along the way!
