The Waukee Brief
When the snow flies, Waukee doesn't shut down, it just moves outside in a coat. There's a purpose-built sledding hill, an outdoor ice rink when the weather cooperates, and 56 miles of trail to snowshoe, plus warm indoor fallbacks for when it's just too much. Here's how to make an Iowa winter fun instead of endless.
Sled at the purpose-built hill at Warrior Park. Ice skate at the Centennial Park outdoor rink when the weather allows. Snowshoe or walk the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which starts right in Waukee. Too cold? The Waukee Public Library, a movie at The Palms, a show at Vibrant Music Hall, and Waukee's coffee shops and restaurants keep you warm. Outdoor ice is weather-dependent, so check the city's parks page for status.
Waukee has something a lot of towns don't: a sledding hill the city engineered on purpose, at Warrior Park. After a good snow it's the go-to spot in town, and because it was built for sledding, it's a safer bet than improvising on a random slope. Follow any posted park rules, and make sure the run is clear of other sledders before you push off. Bundle the kids up and go early, before the hill gets packed.
Yes. The City of Waukee has run an outdoor ice rink at Centennial Park in winter, set up on the park's level ground with plenty of parking. Because it's real outdoor ice, it's entirely weather-dependent and only usable while conditions hold. Check the City of Waukee's parks page or social media for the current open or closed status before you load up the skates.
Waukee is the eastern gateway to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, a paved rail-trail that runs 56 miles out to Jefferson. In winter its rural stretches are open for walking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The Waukee trailhead is marked by the striking Waukee Railroad Pergola, a public art piece worth a look on its own. Dress warm and check conditions, since the trail isn't always cleared of snow.
The Waukee Public Library (950 S Warrior Ln) runs free programs all winter. Add a movie at The Palms, a show at Vibrant Music Hall, and Waukee's coffee shops, breweries and restaurants, and you've got a full cold-weather afternoon without freezing.
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At the purpose-built sledding hill at Warrior Park, the spot the city engineered for winter sledding. Follow posted rules and make sure the run is clear before you go down.
It depends on the weather. The outdoor rink is only usable while conditions allow, so check the City of Waukee's parks page or social media for the current open or closed status.
The Waukee Public Library's programs, a movie at The Palms, a show at Vibrant Music Hall, plus local coffee shops, breweries and restaurants are the go-to warm-up spots on the coldest days.
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