You snow the drill: when the temperatures drop, Iowa ice skating rinks start popping up. Be sure to check out these shimmering slices of ice to cure your winter blues.
[Originally posted November 2022.]
Cone Park
Sioux City
Say goodbye to winter boredom at Cone Park, known for its snowy fun of all kinds. Not only is Cone Park home to a massive ice skating rink, but it also offers a jaw-dropping 700-ft. tubing hill and a stunning 2-mile trail loop that extends through Cone Park and Sertoma Park. As for ice skating, the rink sits beneath bright overhead lights to make the ice shine brightly during all hours of the day. From dawn until dusk, guests can hit the rink and the hill. Surely after a bit you’ll need a break from all of the action, and luckily the lovely lodge is equipped with fireplaces, making it the perfect place to unwind. With a bar brimming with beer and wine selections and a concession stand selling all of the candy you can imagine, as well as hot snacks like French fries and mini corn dogs, there will be no shortage of fuel for future fun. Ice skating admission (Friday to Sunday) is $5, and skate rentals cost $3. For more information, visit coneparksiouxcity.com.
Johnston Town Center Ice Rink
Johnston
If you’ve been waiting all year for the chance to lace up your ice skates again, then you’re in for a treat. As of recently, the Johnston Town Center Ice Rink is now open for the season. All weekend long, guests are able to enjoy the crisp winter air under the sunshine or shimmering stars. And if you’re new to ice skating, this synthetic ice rink will be perfect for you. Since the rink is not made from real ice, the surface is less slick, so you can say goodbye to your worries about wiping out! Additionally, Johnston Town Center Ice Rink can be rented out for special occasions, from birthdays to holiday events. But if you’re just looking for a chance to hit the ice, this is the place for you to enjoy a unique Iowa ice skating rink. Admission (Friday to Sunday) is free, and skate rentals are available for $5. For more information, visit cityofjohnston.com.
Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines
When winter gives you ice, go ice skating! Located on the picturesque Principal Riverwalk along the Des Moines River, Brenton Skating Plaza is an ideal spot to hit the ice and take in stunningly snowy views of the river and surrounding downtown. This massive Iowa ice skating rink provides open-air skating for all ages from Nov. 30 to March every day of the week. Adult admission is $10; children’s and senior tickets are $6; and children under 5 years old are free. (Admission will increase Dec. 22 to Jan. 1.) Skate rentals will also be available for $5. For more information, visit dsm.city.
The Rink at Coral Ridge
Coralville
Not all ice skating has to be done outside. When the temperature is a bit too cold to bear, there is still the opportunity to hit the rink. Luckily, Coral Ridge Mall offers The Rink, as a shiny centerpiece between all of the shopping activity. Here, you can feel like a figure-skating star, and maybe even get some shopping done afterwards. And since this Iowa ice skating rink is open year-round, you can get your practice in now and be a pro by summertime, when the rink can serve as a retreat from the heat. General admission is $7, and skate rentals are $3. For more information, visit coralridgeice.com.
–Kenzie Barrena and Lauren Wright