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Sleepy Hollow Sports Park: No Snow, No Problem!
Sunny and 80 degrees? Cold and 30 degrees? The Iowa weather brings a rollercoaster of temperatures and conditions all year round, but Sleepy Hollow Sports Park has you covered no matter the season or temperature. Take a ride down the all-season slope no matter the Iowa weather temps. You will not see anything like this except in Des Moines! Des Moines is now home to the world’s biggest all-weather downhill run. Look at all the details for this fun, family-friendly experience at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park.
About the Slope
Sleepy Hollow’s Snowflex hill is 50,000 sq. ft. and 600 ft long which is equivalent to two football fields! To keep the slope slick, there is a misting system that keeps the surface slick and is a nice way to cool off on a hot day. The mist is cleaned and recycled water from the on-site pond to help support the Polk County Conservation principles.
Fun Tip: Ask for the attendants to spray the bottom of your tube with soap to give a speed boost!
Location
The all-season slope is located at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park. Many who grew up in Des Moines may remember tubing and skiing down the slopes during the Winter months. It is located behind the Iowa State Fairgrounds at 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317.
Fun Fact: Sleepy Hollow connects to Fourmile Creek and Gay Lea Wilson Trail.
Hours
Currently the hours are as follows for Memorial Day – Labor Day:
- Wed: 4 PM – 8 PM
- Thurs: 4 PM – 8 PM
- Fri: 4 PM – 8 PM
- Sat: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Sun: 12 PM – 8 PM
Cost
Purchase tickets before you go! This hot attraction will get busy quickly, so make sure you have secured a spot and timeframe to experience the slope. There is an easy-to-use platform where you can purchase tickets and sign liability forms.
The cost is $18 per person and includes 2-hours of access to the slope, helmet, tube, and lift pass. You also can enjoy miniature golf for free! Season tickets are also available for $125 per person.
Activities
There are big things planned for Sleepy Hollow Sports Park which originally opened in 1994. Today, if you visit you will see the giant slope, concession stands for snacks, and a miniature golf course. The future is about to bring a lot more! They will be adding a 3.5 million gallon pond for fishing and naturalists will be on site to offer classes about insects, plants, and more.
Not interested in tubing down the slope? On select days you will be able to ski or snowboard down the hill! Keep eyes on their event calendar to stay up to date for any special events.
Fun for All Ages
The Sleepy Hollow Slope is for any individual 3 years and older. Children 3 to 6 years old must be accompanied by an adult. They do not allow any lap riding down the slope, but you can hold onto each other’s tubes as you go down making it a fun experience!
What to Expect
It is a super smooth process when you arrive! I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online. When you arrive, head to the ticket window, check in, and then you can make your way to the slope. Grab your tube and ride the lift pass up the hill. Repeat! When we made our visit, it was not super busy. They do limit how many people can participate during a 2-hour window which helps eliminate waiting and lines.
Tips Before You Go!
- Close-toed shoes are required. If you happen to forget they have a basket of Crocs available to use while riding down the slope.
- If you have long hair, pull it back out of your face.
- Planning to take photos or videos while riding down? Brag a phone lanyard and secure it to your neck so you do not accidentally drop it going down.
- Wear longer pants/athletic gear.
- Helmets are not required but are available as part of your ticket purchase. You must use the helmets they have.
- Leave personal belongings in your vehicle. There are some lockers located near the ticket counter if needed.
- Have fun!
Erin Huiatt
Erin is a reliable resource and stepping stone for women and families to find support and make connections within our community. She wants families to feel confident to reach out and ask for help and advice to get pointed in the right direction. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her two children in tow!