The Grimes Brief

Guide · Winter

Making it through, and making the most of, a Grimes winter.

Winter is long in central Iowa, so it pays to have a plan for both the fun side and the shovel side. Here is where to play in the snow near Grimes, and the one city rule to remember.

The short version

For tubing and a snow hill, Sleepy Hollow in Des Moines is closest. For real downhill skiing, Seven Oaks near Boone is about an hour away. And remember the city snow ordinance: get your car off the street when one is called.

Play in the snow

Tubing and skiing near Grimes

For free sledding, neighborhood park hills do the job when the snow is good. Bundle up.

The one rule

The snow ordinance

When the city declares a snow ordinance, move your vehicles off the street so plows can clear it. Sign up for the city's alerts so you are never caught. Full details are in our snow ordinance guide.

One reminder for the calendar: the Waterworks splash pad is a summer-only amenity, so winter fun is all about the snow and the indoor options.

What's on, every week

The Grimes Brief carries the seasonal calendar and what's worth your time, free every Monday.

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More from The Grimes Brief Snow Ordinance · With Kids · All guides
Sources: Sleepy Hollow Sports Park; Seven Oaks Recreation; City of Grimes. Hours and conditions vary, confirm before you go. Preview build, September 2026.