Snowshoeing in Des Moines

by Erin Huiatt

Snowshoeing in Des Moines

You cannot wish the snow away, so why not embrace a winter wonderland? Snowshoeing (and Cross Country Skiing) in Des Moines, Iowa can be a fun way to exercise and explore without getting your socks full of ice. There are several places to rent kids’ and adult snowshoes, cross-country skis, ski poles, and other winter gear in greater Des Moines. If you already own skates and all the appropriate winter gear, there are plenty of trails to enjoy outdoors in Des Moines. Be sure to call ahead and reserve your snowshoes and/or other winter gear ahead of time. Each facility has different rules but generally speaking, you need at least 4 inches of snow on the ground to snowshoe safely.

Snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and any other fun outdoor activities are great ways to stay physically and keep your mental health in check during the winter months. Bundle up (wear layers and warm boots!), have fun, and grab some hot cocoa afterward. Take a look at some popular spots for snowshoeing in Des Moines, Iowa.

Check out other fun Winter activities in the Des Moines area for the entire family:

Sledding in Des Moines – Can you find the best sledding hill in Des Moines?
Be Prepared for Sledding
Winter Gear for Kids
Winter at Brenton Skating Plaza
Ice Skating Rinks in Des Moines
10+ Fun Ways to Play in the Snow

Active Endeavors

Active Endeavors located in West Des Moines offers snowshoe rental. For a 1-Day rental is $15/set and for a 2-Day rental, it is $25/set. There is an authorized $100 deposit/set. Make sure you contact Active Endeavors beforehand to confirm availability.

Captain Roy’s

Snowshoe in the Des Moines Union Park or Birdland Marina/Birdland Park area and rent your snowshoes at Captain Roy’s. $5 flat fee per day. Snowshoes must be returned before closing each day.

Dallas County Conservation

Rent your winter gear including snowshoes, skis, and poles, mostly for ages 10 and up. There are limited amounts for younger ages. All gear can be rented and picked up at Voas Nature Center. Take a look at their Facebook page for additional information and updates.

Des Moines Parks & Recreation

Each winter the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department offers snowshoe rentals to the public. Each winter they can be reserved online and picked up at the Parks and Recreation Offices located at 1551 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy in the city of Des Moines. In addition, the Des Moines Parks & Recreations offers regular programming such as ‘After School Snowshoe Hike’ at Greenwood Park or enjoy a full moon winter evening at the ‘Full Moon Snowshoe Hike’ in Des Moines. Keep an eye on their event calendar and programming for registration and details.

Erik’s

Erik’s located in West Des Moines, Iowa sells a variety of snowshoes. Take a look at what is available on their website.

Jax Mercantile

Jax Mercantile located in Ames, Iowa offers adult snowshoes for $15 and kid snowshoes for $5. Poles are an additional $3. Please make sure to contact them beforehand to check availability.

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Located in Prairie City. They offer FREE, rental in the main building, the Prairie Learning Center. Please contact and double-check what is available before visiting.

Polk County Conservation

The Polk County of Conservation offers snowshoe rental for $10 per half day. It is recommended to call (515)-323-5330 ahead of time to rent. You can pick them up at the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation Center next door to the Jester Park Nature Center. If you are looking for snowshoe trails, Polk County Conservation recommends the following best trails:

Brown’s Woods: Front and back loop
Yellow Banks Park: Savanna Trail
Easter Lake Park: Wymore Trail
Fort Des Moines Park: Nature Trail (trail starts off the SW corner of the dam)
Jester Park: Hickory Ridge Trail

NOTE: Avoid snowshoeing on groomed cross-country ski trails found at Jester Park, Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, and golf courses.

Polk County Conservation offers cross country skis rental for $15 per half day. They also offer several groomed cross-country ski trails. Take a look at all the specifics on their website. They do a great job updating social media during the Winter season whether it is good conditions to snowshoe and/or ski.

Keep track of the Polk County Conservation event calendar where they offer various outdoor workshops and events including snowshoe hikes, general instructions, and more.

Scheels

Scheels located in West Des Moines offers a huge selection of winter gear including snowshoes, cross-country skis, poles, and more for purchase. Their staff is super helpful as well! If you are a snowshoe beginner, take a look at all the fun I had with the Scheels staff in partnership with the Great Outdoors Foundation, learning about snowshoeing this winter. It is important to make sure you have the right snowshoes.

Warren County Conservation

Warren County Conservation offers several areas to enjoy the winter weather in snowshoes. When there is enough snow, take a look at the Warren County Conservation parks available to snowshoe:

Take a look at the Warren County Conservation event calendar and programming to keep tabs on guided snowshoe hikes and more.