Where to Go Ice Skating in Des Moines

Winter is upon us and, if you’re not the type to sulk at home and prefer to be out enjoying winter activities in Des Moines, there are plenty of places to lace up your skates and hit the ice. Here, we’ll let you in on a few of our favorite ice skating venues in Des Moines and, when you’re all tired out, venture out and explore the Pleasant Hill area or stop by one of our favorite West Des Moines restaurants and warm up with something tasty.

Brenton Skating Plaza

Located on the Principal Riverwalk in downtown Des Moines, the Brenton Skating Plaza is just a short drive from Urbandale and offers lessons, skate rentals, broomball, and proposals on ice!

Where: 520 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA

Des Moines Public Parks

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department offers free skating at three parks, but you must wait until the pond ice measures at least 4 inches deep. Just look for the green flag and grab your skates for a memorable time.

Where: Witmer Park, 1610 34th Street

Greenwood Park, 4500 Grand Avenue

MacRae Park, 1021 Davis Avenue

Raccoon River Park

Raccoon River opens in early December and, while there is no skate rental, if you have your own, you’ll have full access to this 320 square-foot rink free of charge for the season.

Where: 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines

Centennial Park

Centennial Park offers another free skating option for Waukee residents and, thanks to the split times (hockey until noon, skating noon-dusk) there is less competition for ice time and more fun to be had for families.

Where: 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee

Sunrise Park, Ankeny

Sunrise Park’s new rink will open in late December or early January and, like many of the locations on this list, will be available free of charge to residents. Just brink your skates!

Where: 506 SE Peterson Dr., Ankeny

More from Gregg Young Chevrolet Of Norwalk, Inc.

We’re committed to providing Waukee area drivers the tools they need to make the most out of every mile. That includes delivering information about places to spend your downtime, the best East Village Des Moines restaurants, information about money-saving offers, and access to the best body shop in town, just in case the ice gets the better of you. To learn more or to see how easy, and affordable, a more reliable Des Moines area drive could be, contact Gregg Young Chevrolet Norwalk today.