Get outdoors in Iowa this summer with these 5 things to do

Going outside does not imply you must break a sweat. Iowa gives loads of alternatives to soak in Mom Nature in intelligent methods. Seize a skateboard and hit the largest skatepark within the nation, or head to a darkish park to take a look at the celebrities and perhaps even spot the Milky Means. Drive alongside the historic Lincoln Freeway to soak up the sights alongside the 460-mile route. Go to the oldest working grist mill west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rockies. Or take a water-filled journey to Okoboji. 

Right here, a have a look at 5 methods to spend the summer season outside in Iowa. 

Lauridsen Skate Park, Des Moines

Lauridsen Skate Park is the biggest skate park in the US and it was made for skaters of all ranges. Take a look at the skate promenade and skateable “wow” artwork characteristic. In the event you would somewhat watch the professionals, the Dew Tour skilled skateboard competitors is coming again to Des Moines July 29-30.

Discover it: 901 Second Ave., Des Moines

Be taught extra:dsmskatepark.com

Extra:The Dew Tour returns to Des Moines’ Lauridsen Skatepark in July — with fewer restrictions

Whiterock Conservancy, Coon Rapids

Evening owls can deliver a telescope and benefit from the night time sky at Whiterock Conservancy. You’ll discover among the darkest skies in Iowa — many nights the Milky Means will be seen with the bare eye. Be part of the Iowa Star Occasion on Aug. 27 to study extra about astronomy from the Ames Novice Astronomers and take a peek by means of their telescopes.

Discover it: 1436 Hwy. 141, Coon Rapids

Be taught extra:whiterockconservancy.org

Extra:114 enjoyable issues to do in Iowa from family-friendly locations to go to to meals and music

Take a drive on the Lincoln Freeway Heritage Byway

At 460 miles, the Lincoln Freeway Heritage Byway is the longest in Iowa, crossing the state from east to west. Cease to see the Historic Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs, the Mahanay Bell Tower in Jefferson or the German Hausbarn Museum in DeWitt. 

Be taught extra: iowadot.gov/iowasbyways

Extra:Need in on secret spots to have enjoyable in Des Moines? We have a e-newsletter for that.

Wildcat Den State Park, Muscatine

Sandstone bluffs and pure formations like “Steamboat Rock” and the “Satan’s Punch Bowl” will be seen alongside the mountaineering trails at Wildcat Den State Park. Study life within the 1800s throughout a tour of the Pine Creek Grist Mill. Inbuilt 1848, it’s the oldest working grist mill between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains.

Discover it: 1884 Wildcat Den Highway, Muscatine

Be taught extra:iowadnr.gov

Extra:What to know in regards to the 2022 Iowa State Honest: concert events, tickets, dates and extra

Okoboji

Six glacier-carved lakes create quite a few alternatives to benefit from the water. Go boating, water snowboarding, wakeboarding or fishing. In the event you desire to remain on land head over to Arnolds Park (opening Could 21) and take within the views from the Ferris wheel or trip the Legend picket curler coaster. 

Be taught extra: vacationokoboji.com