Whether you want to run or sit back and watch a game, there are plenty of sports-related things to do in Iowa this summer. Here are some of our favorites to consider.
Try a marathon, 5K or fun run
There’s no better time than summer for you to catch the runner’s “high” by signing up for a distance run competition. There’s the EMC Insurance Dam to Dam Half Marathon in May, the Capital City Pride Stride 5K in Des Moines in June and the Moorehead Park Trail Mazathon in August, the latter offering runners a course through the trails of Moorehead Park in Ida Grove.
Scale the courses at Climb Iowa
Climb Iowa offers indoor climbing experiences for longtime climbers and those new to the sport. Located in Grimes and the East Village in Des Moines, both facilities also feature strength and training equipment.
Play in a pickleball tournament
Test your pickleball skills against those of a similar skill and age as you. Plenty of tournaments are happening in Iowa this summer for one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
The Iowa Senior Games Pickleball Tournament is in June at Dinks Pickleball in Merle Hay Mall. Dinks Pickleball also hosts tournaments throughout the summer.
Get active on the trail
Bike, walk or run on Iowa’s 2,000 miles of multi-use trails throughout the state. Check out the Trout Run Trail in Decorah or the Hitchcock Nature Area in Honey Creek.
Hit the links
Practice your drive or wedge at the only Arnold Palmer-designed course in Iowa at the Tournament Club of Iowa in Polk City. If you’d rather skip the long walks and work strictly on your putting, visit The Fat Putter in downtown Des Moines, which also features a full bar and a golf simulator.
Try horseback riding
Venture out to Farmington in Van Buren County to go horseback riding at Westercamp Rent A Horse, which offers tours up to three hours long through the Shimek State Forest. Westercamp has a wide variety of trained horses for all sizes and types of riders and provides snacks and drinks during the trail.
Play in the Iowa Games held in Ames
Held in Ames for nearly 40 years, athletes from across the state participate in Olympic-style competitions, including baseball, soccer, basketball, canoeing and trapshooting. Most events will occur July 11-20 in Ames, according to the Iowa Games.
Watch Iowa’s Championship Rodeo
Head to Sidney for one of the Midwest’s oldest rodeos that have been held in Fremont County since 1924. From July 29 to Aug. 2, Iowa’s Championship Rodeo will feature Bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding and more.
Pick up a tennis racket
Modeled after the courts professionals play on during Wimbledon, the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club features a grass surface set on a farm near Charles City. Reservations are required in advance, and children 12 and younger play for free.
Pedal across the state on RAGBRAI
Enjoy biking across Iowa during the 52nd annual RAGBRAI. From July 20 to July 26, bicyclists will ride 406 miles from Orange City to Guttenberg during the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.
Watch the sprint car races in Knoxville
Be among the 20,000 spectators that gather in Knoxville in early August for the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals. The four-day racing event runs from Aug. 6-9 at Knoxville Raceway and is considered one of the biggest sprint car races of the year, with the winning sprint car team receiving a $1 million reward.
Skate at one of the world’s largest skateparks, the Lauridsen Skatepark
At 88,000 square feet, Lauridsen is one of the largest public skateparks in the U.S. Lauridsen overlooks the Des Moines River and features various ramps and a skateable art piece.
Take in a baseball game
Support your local professional baseball team by catching a game at the ballpark this summer. Watch the Clinton LumberKings, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Burlington Bees, the Sioux City Explorers, the Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport or the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines.
Try water sports
Go kayaking or paddleboarding at Rathbun Lake near Centerville. As one of the largest bodies of water in Iowa, there are plenty of areas in the lake to go tubing or water skiing with a group of people.
Head outside and try a ziplining course
Glide through the air at Union Park in Dubuque as Sky Tours at YMCA Union Park Camp offers nine ziplines ranging from 300 to 1,000 feet. If you’re looking for slightly lower heights, DEFY Trampoline Park in Iowa City has a zipline where guests can land in a foam pit.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 15 sports-related things to do in Iowa this summer from marathons to baseball games
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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