Where To Skate, Ski And Sled In And Around Ames

Feeling inspired by the excitement of the Winter Games? You don’t have to travel far to get in on the seasonal spirit. Around Ames, you’ll find places where families can lace up skates, enjoy indoor winter fun, or plan easy day trips to nearby skiing, tubing or sledding spots. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or head out for a weekend adventure, these ideas can help you make the most of the season. Just be sure to double-check hours, weather conditions and reservation details before heading out.

⛸️ Ice Skating & Indoor Winter Fun

Ames/ISU Ice Arena

Address: 1507 Gateway Hills Park Dr, Ames, IA 50014

Phone: 515) 239-5110

Details: The Ames/ISU Ice Arena offers public skating sessions, lessons, and hockey programs in a full indoor rink. Located in Ames, it’s the most convenient option for regular local ice time.

Brenton Skating Plaza

Address: 520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone: (515) 283-4233

Details: Brenton Skating Plaza is a seasonal outdoor rink along the Des Moines River offering public skating in a downtown setting. It’s about a 40–45 minute drive from Ames and is a popular winter destination when open.

🎿 Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing — Day Trips

Seven Oaks Recreation

Address: 1086 222nd Dr, Boone, IA 50036

Phone: (515) 432-9457

Details: Seven Oaks offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing with terrain for a range of skill levels. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Ames and is one of central Iowa’s top winter sports destinations.

Sundown Mountain Resort

Address: 16991 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002

Phone: (563) 556-6676

Details: Sundown Mountain features downhill skiing, snowboarding, and a tubing park with scenic views over the Mississippi River valley. It’s roughly a 3-hour drive from Ames and works well for a full winter weekend trip.

☃️ Outdoor Play & Sledding Spots

After a snowfall, parks and open hills around Ames become popular places for sledding and winter activity. Green spaces throughout the community see steady cold-weather use.

Ames spots to consider:

• Moore Memorial Park has open grassy hills that can work for sledding when snow conditions allow. Its central location and wide layout make it a convenient in-town option for winter fun. (Source: City of Ames, Iowa)

Further outdoors:

• Ledges State Park — Welcome hills and open slopes here can allow for longer sled runs when snow sticks. It’s about a 25–30 minute drive from Ames and offers a scenic setting along the Des Moines River bluffs.

Bundle up, stay safe and have fun wherever winter takes you!

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