When it comes to welcoming spring in Iowa, some things are just certainties. Our “fool’s spring” will be broken by a random snowstorm, we’ll be surprised by early mosquitos, and a chorus of critters will begin to sing throughout the Hawkeye State. Much like the rest of the Midwest, you might be wondering if critters like spring peepers come out in Iowa, and the answer to that is a resounding yes.
As the snow begins to melt and the wildflowers start to bloom, spring in Iowa brings a sense of renewal and hope.
Flickr / Rich Hermann
Our wetlands, marshes, and woodlands come alive each year in April, when the weather begins to warm up for good.
Flickr / Rich Herrmann
One sign of spring that we’re all starting to hear is the call of the tiny but mighty spring peeper! These chorus frogs are a welcome sign of the season.
Flickr / Carl Mueller
Male spring peepers begin calling for their mates as soon as the snow begins to melt. They’re the first of the so-called chorus frogs to come out and sing loudly for all of us in the Hawkeye State each year.
Flickr / Brad Carlson
You may be surprised to realize that such a big sound comes from such a little frog. Spring peepers are one of the tiniest species in Iowa, but they sure know how to make an impression.
Flickr / Fyn Kynd
These itty bitty frogs climb high onto itty bitty branches to make sure their calls reach as far as possible.
Flickr / USFWS Midwest
It’s easiest to hear them around dusk, when they really ramp up the calls from their marshes, swamps, wetlands and woodlands.
Flickr / Rich Herrmann
Take a walk around the block on the next clear night, and you’ll hear these charming amphibians calling to you (ok, well, technically to other frogs) as a welcoming sign of spring in Iowa.
Flickr / Michael Leland
What’s your favorite sign of spring in Iowa? Let’s talk about it in the comments, or in our Iowa Nature Lovers Facebook group!
Flickr / Rich Hermann
Flickr / Rich Herrmann
Flickr / Carl Mueller
Flickr / Brad Carlson
Flickr / Fyn Kynd
Flickr / USFWS Midwest
Flickr / Michael Leland
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Address: Iowa, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Do Spring Peepers Come Out in Iowa? March 09, 2022 Tori Jane What is spring like in Iowa? Spring in Iowa is both a beautiful and strange time. After all, sometimes, Iowa can’t seem to make up its mind: is it still winter, or has spring arrived? Some days, especially earlier in spring but sometimes as late as April, you’ll have snow flurries and freezing temperatures. Others, you’ll have warm rain and the general sense that things are finally changing from brutally cold to comfortably warm. Throughout spring the weather tends to be kind of erratic and unpredictable; sometimes, Iowa is prone to severe weather in the spring, though summer tends to be more active in that regard. Temperatures average anywhere from the mid-50s to the upper-60s. Nighttime temperatures can still be quite cold, though, so make sure to be prepared with a sweater during the earlier days of the season. Overall, despite the occasionally-sketchy weather, spring in Iowa is a lovely time of year when everything – and everyone – begins to awaken from the dull haze of a cold winter. Want to get out and enjoy the weather? Check out these awesome spring hikes to do in Iowa. What are the best things about spring in Iowa? There are so many that it’s hard to pick just a few to list here! Springtime in Iowa is a time of rebirth; plants and animals come out of winter dormancy and begin lighting up our lives once more. The trees and plants are blooming, and temperatures outside are tolerable again. Certain seasonal parks and trails (tons of them!) begin opening up, and seasonal campgrounds often throw their gates open around April. Spring hiking, biking, and fishing is extra-special; it’s so lovely to see everything greening up and filling out again, and the fish seem to bite a little more frequently at this time. It’s the start of camping season, and outdoor activities are generally en vogue again after being paused for the typically frigid Iowa winter. What’s your favorite springtime activity in Iowa?
The OIYS Visitor Center
Do Spring Peepers Come Out in Iowa?
March 09, 2022
Tori Jane
What is spring like in Iowa? Spring in Iowa is both a beautiful and strange time. After all, sometimes, Iowa can’t seem to make up its mind: is it still winter, or has spring arrived? Some days, especially earlier in spring but sometimes as late as April, you’ll have snow flurries and freezing temperatures. Others, you’ll have warm rain and the general sense that things are finally changing from brutally cold to comfortably warm. Throughout spring the weather tends to be kind of erratic and unpredictable; sometimes, Iowa is prone to severe weather in the spring, though summer tends to be more active in that regard. Temperatures average anywhere from the mid-50s to the upper-60s. Nighttime temperatures can still be quite cold, though, so make sure to be prepared with a sweater during the earlier days of the season. Overall, despite the occasionally-sketchy weather, spring in Iowa is a lovely time of year when everything – and everyone – begins to awaken from the dull haze of a cold winter. Want to get out and enjoy the weather? Check out these awesome spring hikes to do in Iowa. What are the best things about spring in Iowa? There are so many that it’s hard to pick just a few to list here! Springtime in Iowa is a time of rebirth; plants and animals come out of winter dormancy and begin lighting up our lives once more. The trees and plants are blooming, and temperatures outside are tolerable again. Certain seasonal parks and trails (tons of them!) begin opening up, and seasonal campgrounds often throw their gates open around April. Spring hiking, biking, and fishing is extra-special; it’s so lovely to see everything greening up and filling out again, and the fish seem to bite a little more frequently at this time. It’s the start of camping season, and outdoor activities are generally en vogue again after being paused for the typically frigid Iowa winter. What’s your favorite springtime activity in Iowa?
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Spring in Iowa is both a beautiful and strange time. After all, sometimes, Iowa can’t seem to make up its mind: is it still winter, or has spring arrived? Some days, especially earlier in spring but sometimes as late as April, you’ll have snow flurries and freezing temperatures. Others, you’ll have warm rain and the general sense that things are finally changing from brutally cold to comfortably warm. Throughout spring the weather tends to be kind of erratic and unpredictable; sometimes, Iowa is prone to severe weather in the spring, though summer tends to be more active in that regard. Temperatures average anywhere from the mid-50s to the upper-60s. Nighttime temperatures can still be quite cold, though, so make sure to be prepared with a sweater during the earlier days of the season. Overall, despite the occasionally-sketchy weather, spring in Iowa is a lovely time of year when everything – and everyone – begins to awaken from the dull haze of a cold winter. Want to get out and enjoy the weather? Check out these awesome spring hikes to do in Iowa.
What are the best things about spring in Iowa?
There are so many that it’s hard to pick just a few to list here! Springtime in Iowa is a time of rebirth; plants and animals come out of winter dormancy and begin lighting up our lives once more. The trees and plants are blooming, and temperatures outside are tolerable again. Certain seasonal parks and trails (tons of them!) begin opening up, and seasonal campgrounds often throw their gates open around April. Spring hiking, biking, and fishing is extra-special; it’s so lovely to see everything greening up and filling out again, and the fish seem to bite a little more frequently at this time. It’s the start of camping season, and outdoor activities are generally en vogue again after being paused for the typically frigid Iowa winter. What’s your favorite springtime activity in Iowa?
