Events and Things to Do in March 2026 in Lansing, Iowa
March marks the turn of the seasons along the Mississippi River bluffs in Lansing, Iowa — the ice begins to break, the trout streams call anglers back out, and the community kicks off its spring programming. Whether you’re a local or a visitor exploring Iowa’s Driftless Area, here’s your guide to events and things to do in Lansing this March 2026.
March 2026 Events in Lansing & the Area
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Bounce Into Spring — Downtown Lansing
Main Street Lansing rings in the spring season with this community celebration in historic downtown Lansing. The event features vendors, local businesses, and family-friendly fun along the National Historic Main Street District. Vendor registration is open — see the Main Street Lansing website for details on participating.
📍 Downtown Lansing, 274 Main St, Lansing, IA 52151 | Learn More & Vendor Registration | Phone: 563.538.9229
Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays Through March 2026
Effigy Mounds Winter Film Festival
The Effigy Mounds National Monument, located about 20 miles south of Lansing in Harpers Ferry, hosts its annual winter film festival each January through March. Films are screened each Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at the visitor center. Admission is free. It’s a wonderful way to learn about the cultural and natural history of the Upper Mississippi River Valley and the Driftless Area during the quieter winter-to-spring transition.
📍 Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 Hwy 76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146 | nps.gov/efmo | Phone: (563) 873-3491
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 — 1:00 PM
Allamakee County Conservation Board Monthly Meeting
The Allamakee County Conservation Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center in Lansing. Meetings are open to the public. It’s a great opportunity to stay informed about upcoming conservation programs, park improvements, and nature education events throughout Allamakee County.
📍 Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center, 1944 Columbus Road, Lansing, IA 52151 | allamakeecountyconservation.org | Phone: (563) 538-0401
Things to Do in Lansing, Iowa This March
Beyond the scheduled events, Lansing and the surrounding Driftless Area offer plenty of ways to enjoy the early signs of spring. Here are some year-round favorites that are especially enjoyable as winter winds down.
🎣 Trout Fishing in Allamakee County
Iowa allows year-round trout fishing, and spring is prime time. Allamakee County has 15 spring-fed creeks spanning over 77 miles of fishable water, including the Yellow River — the longest coldwater trout stream in Iowa. Grab your license and trout fee stamp and head to the streams. Check iowadnr.gov for stocking reports.
🥾 Hiking at Yellow River State Forest
Just outside Lansing, Yellow River State Forest spans over 8,900 acres with trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. March offers stunning views without the summer crowds, and the forest floor starts coming alive with early wildflowers. Watch for bald eagles along the river.
🏛️ Mississippi River Museum / Fish Farm Mounds
Lansing’s rich riverfront history is on display through local historic exhibits. Learn about the steamboat era, the clam shell button industry, and the ecological significance of the Upper Mississippi River. A stop for history buffs of all ages.
🛍️ Horsefall’s Variety Store
A Lansing institution and beloved regional destination. Horsefall’s is packed with household goods, retro candy, toys, and items “you didn’t know you needed until you saw them.” Visitors consistently rave about this one-of-a-kind stop on Main Street.
🍷 Driftless Area Wine Tasting
Northeast Iowa’s Driftless Area is home to award-winning wineries tucked among the bluffs and valleys. March is a quiet season — perfect for an uncrowded tasting room visit. Check Allamakee County tourism listings for current hours and locations.
🦅 Wildlife & Birdwatching
March along the Mississippi River is an exceptional time for birdwatching. Bald eagles remain active along the river, and migratory waterfowl begin moving north through the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge adjacent to Lansing. Bring binoculars.
🏕️ Explore Allamakee County Parks
The Allamakee County Conservation Board maintains numerous parks, canoe access points, and recreational areas throughout the county. Village Creek, Power Plant Park, and Noble’s Island are all within easy reach of Lansing. Trails and boat ramps begin reopening fully as conditions improve through March.
🛶 Plan Your Spring Kayak & Canoe Trip
March is a great month to plan ahead for paddling season. The Mississippi River backwater sloughs near Lansing offer some of the most beautiful paddling in the Upper Midwest. Local outfitters near the riverfront can help with gear and guidance for spring launches.
Plan Your Visit to Lansing, Iowa
Lansing is located in the northeast corner of Iowa along the Mississippi River, in Allamakee County — one of the most scenic and ecologically rich counties in the state. The town sits in the heart of the Driftless Area, a region that was untouched by the last glacial period and features dramatic limestone bluffs, spring-fed streams, and stunning river views.
For lodging options, dining, shopping, and more community events, visit lansingiowa.com — the Main Street Lansing website — and allamakeecounty.com for the full county tourism guide.
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