Winter Comes Alive at Twin Lakes: Twinterfest 2027

At Twin Lakes in Calhoun County, winter isn't something to endure—it's something to celebrate. Twinterfest brings people together for a uniquely Iowa winter celebration filled with outdoor adventure, friendly competition, great food and plenty of reasons to bundle up and head to the lake.

Twinterfest has become a winter tradition at Twin Lakes, transforming the frozen lake and surrounding community into a playground for all ages. Past celebrations have featured everything from motorcycle, ATV and UTV racing on the ice to ice skating, tobogganing, broom ball, ice bowling, barrel rides and even "Snowga"—yes, yoga in the snow.

One of the signature events is the Lake Poker Run, where participants make their way around Twin Lakes collecting cards at stops along the route. And in true Iowa fashion, organizers don't particularly care how you get there. Past participants have traveled by ATV, UTV, snowmobile and even by car along the roads surrounding the lake. It's less about speed and more about enjoying the journey—and perhaps putting together a winning poker hand along the way.

Then there are those brave souls who apparently look at an Iowa lake in February and think, I should jump in that.

The Twinterfest Polar Plunge invites adventurous participants to take a bone-chilling dip in North Twin Lake, with costumes encouraged and spectators welcome. For those who prefer to keep their winter coats securely zipped, watching from the sidelines is an equally respectable Twinterfest tradition.

Of course, no Iowa celebration would be complete without plenty to eat and drink. Previous Twinterfest weekends have offered pancake breakfasts, chili and cinnamon rolls, barbecue, pizza, an ultimate hot dog bar, mini donuts, campfire s'mores, hot cocoa and other treats scattered around the lake. Warm-up stations provide a welcome place to thaw out before heading back outside for the next adventure.

But perhaps the most memorable part of Twinterfest happens after the winter sun begins to disappear.

As evening settles over Twin Lakes, the celebration culminates with Fireworks on the Ice. Fireworks launched over the southern bay of North Twin Lake illuminate the frozen landscape while music and festivities continue nearby—a spectacular winter version of the lake celebrations usually associated with summertime.

Twinterfest is also a reminder that Twin Lakes isn't simply a summer destination.

There is something special about the lake in winter: the quiet shoreline, crisp air, frozen water and the sight of neighbors, families and visitors gathering together in the middle of an Iowa February simply because it's fun.

So dig out the snow pants. Find the warmest gloves you own. Bring the kids, invite some friends and plan a winter getaway to Calhoun County.

Whether you're racing across the ice, stretching through Snowga, cruising around the lake, warming your hands around a fire, cheering on a Polar Plunger or simply enjoying the view, Twinterfest offers something you won't find on an ordinary winter weekend.

Come experience Twin Lakes in a completely different season.

Because at Twin Lakes, we don't wait for summer to have fun.

Twinterfest 2027 — Twin Lakes, Iowa

Watch for the official 2027 date, schedule, registration information and event updates at the official Twinterfest website.