With plenty of snow to enjoy, here are the best places to sled in the Iowa City area
More than a foot of snow, which much of Johnson County received Tuesday, is plenty to enjoy various winter activities.
As conditions improve, the fresh powder provides ample opportunity for fun. What better way than to dust off those trusty sleds and take advantage of Johnson County's rolling hills?
Here are the best sledding spots in the area and even some recommendations if you really want to shred over the long weekend:
More: Snow will continue to fall throughout Tuesday, impacting travel in Johnson County
Longfellow School
1130 Seymour Ave., Iowa City
Longfellow School has some of the best sledding slopes in town. The school grounds have medium-grade hills emptying into a large central area. Sledding here is a good choice for younger children and families, as there is plenty of room to spread out, and it is in a central location.
Happy Hollow Park
800 Brown St., Iowa City
Happy Hollow is a hidden gem for sledding. It boasts a picturesque setting with fast and short trips down the hills through a dense tree line. However, Happy Hollow Park is near busy streets, and sledders should follow safety precautions. This park might not be an ideal setting for small children.
Brown Deer Golf Club
1900 Country Club Dr., Coralville
Brown Deer Golf Club allows people to go sledding in the off-season. Sledding conditions are posted daily in the clubhouse window. In addition to sledding, the course allows cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. When conditions are "sledding not permitted," Brown Deer says turf damage caused by sledders may be prosecuted.
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Other notable spots to sled in Iowa City:
Hickory Hill Park
1439 E Bloomington St., Iowa City
Hoover Elementary School
1355 Barrington Rd., Iowa City
West High School
2901 Melrose Ave., Iowa City
Places to sled in Cedar Rapids
Here are some of the best sledding hills in the Cedar Rapids and Marion areas for those who are looking for a quick drive and a change of scenery:
Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy
300 13th St. NW, Cedar Rapids
Bowman Woods Elementary
151 Boyson Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids
Thomas Park
343 Marion Blvd., Marion
Wanatee Park
1600 Banner Dr., Marion
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Skiing and snowboarding in Iowa
Tuesday's snowstorm provides plenty of fresh powder for the area's avid skiiers and snowboarders. While Johnson County doesn't have any local resorts of its own, a brief drive will lead many to more-than-servicable slopes.
Here are just a few within driving distance:
Sundown Mountain Resort
16991 Asbury Rd., Dubuque
Sundown Mountain Resort is an award-winning ski destination in Dubuque. Less than two hours away from downtown Iowa City, it is the perfect weekend destination for those who want to be transported to a winter wonderland. However, Sundown Mountain Resort does not have a sledding/tubing hill, and sledding in Dubuque is limited to Bunker Hill Golf Course and Allison-Henderson Park. For those who are avid skiers and snowboarders or curious, Sundown Mountain Resort is the best place to try, with lessons and rentals available. Learn more about pass prices and hours of operation at sundownmtn.com.
Seven Oaks Recreation
Boone, Iowa
A shade over a two-and-a-half drive will get you to central Iowa's premier ski resort. With several slopes, including a terrain park and their always-popular tubing area, Seven Oaks provides plenty of fun for all. The adjacent lodge boasts a massive outdoor fire pit and various heat lamps.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@presscitizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Where to sled in Iowa City and beyond
