Where To Skate, Ski And Sled In And Around West Des Moines

Feeling inspired by the excitement of the Winter Games? You don’t have to travel far to get in on the seasonal spirit. Around West Des Moines, 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

RecPlex Ice Arena

Address: 6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Phone: (515) 440-4819

Details: RecPlex Ice Arena offers public skating sessions, lessons, and hockey programs at a modern indoor rink. Located right in West Des Moines, 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 15-minute drive from West Des Moines 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 1-hour drive from West Des Moines and is one of central Iowa’s top winter sports spots.

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 West Des Moines and works well for a full winter weekend trip.

☃️ Outdoor Play & Sledding Spots

After a snowfall, parks and gentle hills around West Des Moines become popular places for sledding and winter activity. Green spaces throughout the area see steady cold-weather use.

West Des Moines spots to consider:

• Raccoon River Park has lofty hills that can work for sledding when snow conditions allow. Its large park layout and easy access make it a convenient local place for winter fun. (Source: City of West Des Moines)

Further outdoors:

• Jester Park — Rolling hills and open areas here can provide longer sled runs when snow sticks. It’s about a 30-minute drive from West Des Moines and offers a scenic natural setting near Saylorville Lake.

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

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