Not a Skier? This Iowa Snow Tubing Spot Is Just as Much Fun

The Des Moines River Valley has a way of keeping secrets. If you stick to the main highways, you might miss the fact that central Iowa is home to some genuinely rugged, beautiful terrain. It's in one of these deep valleys near Boone that you'll find Seven Oaks Recreation. I am not a skier—I retired my ambitions of clamping my feet into rigid boots years ago—but I do enjoy zipping down a hill in a tube, and I was curious to see how Seven Oaks stacked up. I was not disappointed. While skiers and snowboarders were fussing with their gear and hobbling around in oversized boots, I found a way to enjoy the same kind of winter thrill with zero stress.

That's right, at Seven Oaks, you don't need to be a skier or snowboarder to have a blast. In fact, I’d argue the tubers are having more fun because our barrier to entry is non-existent. One of the great joys of tubing at Seven Oaks is the lack of pretension. You just check in, sign a waiver, and walk out to the lanes. The tubing hill is separate from the ski runs, so you'll have a dedicated slope and lift without the need to navigate around or share with skiers or snowboarders. It's one of the best ways to spend a winter day in Iowa.

The VIP way to the top

Snow tubing is a bit like sledding on a neighborhood hill with two key differences: the groomed tubing runs are much faster and longer, and you don't have to schlep your tube back to the top. I have vivid memories of childhood winters spent dragging a plastic sled up snowy hills until my legs gave out. Huffing up a hill and sweating through my snowpants is the one thing that spoils my nostalgia for sledding. At Seven Oaks, the handle tow system just requires you to pull the tube to the bottom of the tow, attach a tether, and recline for the ride up. You get to sit back, enjoy views of the valley—which is picturesque with the snow clinging to the trees—and save your energy for the main event.

The ride down is a blur of fresh air and white noise. You'll zoom, bounce, and definitely smile—no poles or sense of balance needed. The groomed runs don't care if you know how to carve a turn; they just deliver raw speed and a ton of fun.

The aprés tube

After an hour or two of racing down the hill, the winter chill may start to nip. Grab a snack at Mallory's Cafe or a hot beverage from Bennett's Coffee Shop. If you prefer a more adult-style warm-up, head over to Coal Creek Lounge, where you'll find a variety of beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as pizza all day. A slice of pepperoni and a local brew while watching the sun set over the valley is a perfect way to end an Iowa winter day.

If you want to experience winter from a different perspective (blurring past you at 30 miles per hour while experiencing some of the best snow tubing in Iowa), Seven Oaks Recreation is the place to be—nothing required but a tube. For more information, including hours and pricing, visit the Seven Oaks website.

If you're ready for more winter adventures in the Hawkeye State, be sure to check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner for ideas.