Get Stoked About These 13 Regional Skateparks in DSM

Ready to drop-in to a new hobby? While not easy, the challenge of skateboarding, the satisfaction of learning a new trick and the opportunity to meet new people near you is why this popular sport continues to gain favor in Greater Des Moines (DSM) and communities across the U.S. It doesn’t hurt that a world-class skateboarding park is located smack in the middle of Des Moines, Iowa. But Lauridsen Skatepark isn’t the only place to ride the concrete wave. Check out these 13 regional locations below:

Skate Parks Around Greater Des Moines

1. Altoona Skate Park: In Altoona, skaters can enjoy stairs, moguls and a double hump box.

Photo Credit: Brent Isenberger

2. American Legion Skate Park: skateboarders as well BMX riders and scooter riders are welcome to American Legion Park, one of the oldest parks in West Des Moines. Skate DSM partners with West Des Moines Parks & Recreation for summer skateboard lessons.

3. Caldwell Park: Located in Pella, Caldwell Park features a skate ramp as well as other recreational amenities. 

4. Grimes Skate Park: At the Grimes South Sports Complex, younger skaters can practice their skills and then head over to the nearby play structure.

5. Grinnell Skate Park: On the west side of Bailey Park in Grinnell is Grinnell Skate Park.

6. Indianola Skate Park: Features of the Indianola Skate Park at Memorial Park include a half-pipe, mini-spine snake run, two waterfalls, steps with grind rail and more.

7. Lauridsen Skate Park: In Downtown DSM, Lauridsen Skate Park is the largest open skate park in the nation, offering more than 88,000 square feet of skate space, including its park course, street course, skate promenade, amoeba pool, flow bowl, skateable art feature and more.

8. Oskaloosa Skate Park: Urban Park in Oskaloosa offers a place for skaters to perfect their tricks.

9. Prairie Ridge Skate Park: Ankeny’s skate park features a 15-feet diameter bowl with six-foot walls, six- and three-feet quarter pipes, grinding rails, a four-foot pyramid and a fun box. Skate DSM partners with Ankeny Parks & Recreation for summer skateboard lessons.

10. Walker Johnston Skateboard Park: Skateboard two escalated quarter pipes, two sets of stairs with rails, a 90-degree bank street hip, fun box and street spine in Urbandale.

11. Windflower Park: There is a small skate park at Windflower Park in Norwalk. 

12. Winterset Skate Park: In Rotary Plaza, Winterset Skate Park offers skating for all skill levels. They even have their own Facebook page you can follow for the most recent updates.

13. Young’s Park: Live in the Red Rock area? Check out Knoxville’s skate park in Young’s Park.

Digging into Iowa’s Largest Skate Park

Downtown DSM’s noteworthy Lauridsen Skatepark is located on the Principal Riverwalk, in close proximity to many Downtown attractions, including the iconic Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge and the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens. Lauridsen Skatepark has also become host to major skating events like the Streetstyle Open (and previously the summer Dew Tour!) and skate camps and clinics since its opening in May of 2021.

 

In 2025, Lauridsen Skatepark will also be the site for the upcoming Skate DSM “Secret Series” skateboarding contest to challenge skaters with different obstacles over the course of the rest of the year. This free contest is open to the public and interested skaters can register on-site the day of each event. Contest events will take place on the following dates:

• Saturday, May 3, 2025
• Saturday, July 26, 2025
• Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
• Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 (This date’s location is TBD.)

Get Started!

Now that spring is here, there’s no better time to learn why the sport of skateboarding’s increasing popularity has led local city planners to embrace the sport and its benefits to their communities. Don’t forget your helmet, pads and wrist guards to take advantage of the fun skate park attributes at these 13 skate parks around the region and be sure to check out the rules for each skate park prior to your visit. You can also shop skate merch at Subsect Skateshop in the Historic East Village in Downtown DSM, conveniently located near Lauridsen Skatepark! Whether you’re a beginner who’s looking to start small and learn the basics or an experienced skateboarder perfecting tricks, there are plenty of places to practice no matter where you are in DSM.

There are so many things to do in Greater Des Moines (DSM)! From events and festivals to major attractions, living in DSM means having fun is a given. Check out the trails, Broadway shows, sports teams and more throughout the region. Find out what each community has to offer and build connections in DSM!