IOWA 34 lost areas MWLSAP Homepage Any information or pictures on the lost ski areas of Iowa would be greatly appreciated. Please e-mail: mark@mwlsap.org | lost | working on | never opened | still open |  SKI IOWA - Tourism and Travel Division, Iowa Development Commision 1972

LOST AREAS Beaver Hills Ski Association Cedar Falls, IA, Beaver Hills Country Club - 8230 Beaver Hills Drive, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 - ski hill was N and E of the club house in 1964/65; pond at the foot of the slope o: 1965?, open for "maybe a year or two" v: 100 ft Google Maps / Google Earth 42.56983599310014, -92.52020487545497 New Ski Group Eagerly Awaiting Major Snowfall - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Sun, Dec 27, 1964 New Golf Links Opening In Spring - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Fri, Jan 15, 1965 Email sent 10/21/25 asking if it ever opened for skiing: Chad Hoffman, General Manager replied: "As far as I know, it was used for a very short time...maybe a year or two." Big Sioux Park Hawarden, IA - northwest Iowa o: 1968  c: 1973 ?? (last mention)  Google Maps / Google Earth Wanted: Snow for Oak Grove ski run - The Alton Democrat (Alton, Iowa) · Thu, Dec 12, 1968 43.06158501358438, -96.47113920752672 Iowa Winter Sports Area Offer Range of Activities, Des Moines Register, Jan. 7, 1973 Black Hawk Alps * - See Waterloo Ski Club Booneville Booneville, IA (Dallas County) - central Iowa, near Des Moines W - 1 mi. S of Booneville, 17 mi. W of Des Moines o: 1961 ??  c: 1966 ?? (last mention) Google Maps / Google Earth ??? 41.51405007590459, -93.8866314962841 1 mi. S of Booneville Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Ski Run Near Here - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Thu, Jul 27, 1961 No Snow -- But Skiing Interest Up - Des Moines Tribune, Fri, Jan 7, 1966 - "commercially operated ski areas" near . . . Booneville. Personal rope tow near Booneville: Family on Skis - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Feb 28, 1965 - about a personal rope tow in Raccoon River valley near Booneville Bunker Hill Golf Course * - see Dubuque Ski Club Hill Clear Creek Ranch Lansing, IA - Allamakee County, highway 9, 2 mi W of Lansing o: 1971   c: 1977 ??  (last mention) Google Maps / Google Earth ??? 42.17234566010368, -90.90101543334731 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Iowa Winter Sports Area Offer Range of Activities, Des Moines Register, Jan. 7, 1973 Ski Iowa - Tourism and Travel Division, Iowa Developement Commission, 1972 (.pdf) 1976  1977     Clinton Park Board - Eagle Point  Clinton, IA - N of Clinton on route 67 and Deer Creek Rd., Eagle Point Park o: 1969   c: 1970 ?? - maybe only one season Google Maps / Google Earth 41.905660405457645, -90.18316558382634 Ski Lift Is Planned - Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) · Thu, Jul 18, 1968 New Winter Sports Area in Clinton - Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) · Sat, Dec 27, 1969 Clinton Sports Area - Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) · Sat, Jan 3, 1970 - same article ran weekly through Feb. 14, 1970 Eagle Point Slopes -  Ponder Park Land Use - Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) · Thu, Dec 10, 1970 - see last two paragraphs Davenport Country Club Davenport, IA - northeast Iowa Mississippi Valley Ski Club Google Maps / Google Earth 41.577184326226764, -90.40760037510096 1953 rope tow at the home of James W. Van Maur, 1110 Broadlawn Ct, Bettendorf, IA also ran lift at Illiniwek Forest Preserve,  Hampton,  Illinois 1957 at Davenport country Club Backyard Davenport Ski Run Goes Big Time With Hoist - Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) · Sun, Mar 8, 1953 - at the home of James Von Maur, 1110 Broadlaen Court, Bettendorf, IA From the notebook by Eloise - Daily Times (Davenport, Iowa), Jan. 29, 1955 Await Snow - The Daily Times, Jan. 23, 1957 Dayton Del Ski Area (Dayton Dells) Dayton, IA / Fort Dodge - central Iowa (3015 Skillet Creek Ave., 5 miles east of Dayton on Iowa 175) o: 1971 (first mention)  c:  1990 (last mention) maybe 1991 Google Maps / Google Earth 42.255138141665036, -94.00142004115881 Snow Making Devices Open A New Era - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Nov 16, 1969 Iowa Boasts 8 Ski Areas page one / page two - the Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Dec 28, 1969 Iowa Slopes" 'They Fit A Beginner's Needs" - Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sat, Dec 25, 1971 Skiing in Iowa on the Increase - Sioux City Journal, Jan. 22, 1973 Hit the slopes, ride the hills,and . . . - Quad City Times, Jan. 12, 1989, p. 52 1971 Map Deer Run * - see Dexfield Sports Area Dexfield Sports Area (also called Raccoon River and Deer Run) Dexter, IA (2 miles north of Dexter on P48 [Dexfield Rd.]) central Iowa o: 1971 ("this is our third season")  c: 1986 (last mention; on 1986 map, not on 1987 map) v: 200 ft. upside down (lodge at the top) Google Maps / Google Earth 41.56328728858404, -94.22797275917681 Energy Crisis Helps Central Iowa Skiing - Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa) · Fri, Dec 28, 1973 Skiing in Iowa on the Increase - Sioux City Journal, Jan. 22, 1973 Iowa Winter Sports Area Offer Range of Activities, Des Moines Register, Jan. 7, 1973 Ski Iowa - Tourism and Travel Division, Iowa Development Commission, 1972 (.pdf) SKI Magazine, Feb. 1975 (link) More Iowa Ski Areas - Des Moines Register, Nov. 5, 1978, p. 119 Deer Run: Area slopes a hit with skiers - Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa) · Thu, Feb 15, 1979 Deer Run: Ski Iowa - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Nov 18, 1979 SKI Magazine, Oct. 1982 (link) Raccoon River: Inclined to ski all year - Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa) · Thu, May 20, 1982 Raccoon River: skimap.org Dubuque Ski Club Hill (probably the same as Bunker Hill Golf Course, near hole 11) Dubuque, IA - eastern Iowa (Kaufman Ave. near water level station, near Bunker Hill) - o: 1952  c: 1983   FIRST IN STATE Google Maps / Google Earth 42.51147062481716, -90.69817997191613 Maybe located off of 32nd street from Facebook post 1801 W 32nd St Dubuque, Iowa Google Maps / Google Earth 42.52581853211902, -90.70175251148514 Iowans Thrill to the Excitement of  Skiing - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Feb 11, 1962 SKIING - Encyclopedia Dubuque picture - encyclopediadubuque.org Duck Creek (also called Mount Duck) Davenport, IA - east central Iowa, in Duck Creek Park o: 1964 c: 1982, upside down (lodge at the top) Google Maps / Google Earth 41.54338489536663, -90.52670244070458 Davenport Iowa History Facebook Page - picture Quad Citians Try Skiing -- And like It! - The Dispatch (Moline, Illinois) · Fri, Feb 12, 1965 The Skier Will Find A Way - Quad City Times (Davenport, IA), Dec. 26, 1978 (Mount Duck) In 1978 (Skalka): 1 rope tow (Mount Duck) skimap.org (0 maps) Eldora Eldora, IA - Hardin County, 1/4 mi. W of Eldora airport (1963) o: 1963 ???  c: 1966 ??? Google Maps / Google Earth 42.33045767658412, -93.11417823370083 location of Eldora Municiple Airport, 2025 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Snow Reports - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Fri, Dec 20, 1963 Iowa Skiers Seek Other Slopes - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Feb 28, 1965 "Among commerial ski areas in Iowa are those near Mt. Vernon, Eldora, and Des Moines.' No Snow -- But Skiing Interest Up - Des Moines Tribune, Fri, Jan 7, 1966 ". . . commercially operated ski areas near Grimes, Booneville, Coon Rapids, Grinnell, Humbolt, Scranton, Eldora, and in the Boone-Ogden area." Grimes = Ted's Ski Hill Booneville = Booneville Coon Rapids = ??? Grinnell = Sugar Creek Hill Humbolt = Silver Creek Scranton = ??? email sent 7/7/25 hchs@heartofiowa.net email sent 2/10/25 mkelley@eldoraiowa.com Fun Valley Montezuma, IA - south central Iowa (1066 500th Ave, Montezuma, IA 50171) o: 1969; c: 2007 (last mention) v: 200 ft. (240 ft.) In 1978 (Skalka): 6 rope tows, 1 handle tow In 1992: 3 rope tows, 2 T-bars, 2 chairs Google Maps / Google Earth 41.56500071150638, -92.57391368778171 1991 Television Video - Facebook / Comments - Ski The Midwest Facebook Group Skiers and Snowboarders of the Midwest Facebook Group Skiing in Iowa on the Increase - Sioux City Journal, Jan. 22, 1973 More Iowa Ski Areas - Des Moines Register, Nov. 5, 1978, p. 119 SKI Magazine, Oct. 1992 - Glen Plake visits Fun Valley Iowa SKI Magazine, March 1985 - Fun Valley offers grass skiing Vintage Video: KCCI Archive: Strap in for a trip back in time to Fun Valley Ski Area 1991 -Also on: KCCI Television News Report, 1991 - Ski the Midwest Facebook Group Fun Valley Ski Area - tripadvisor.com Fun Valley - gottagoitsnows.com Ski Iowa - Tourism and Travel Division, Iowa Development Commission, 1972 (.pdf) Remembering Iowa’s Now Defunct Fun Valley Ski Area - Uofficial Networks November 13, 2024 Fun Valley Cap skimap.org Hawkeye Ski Hill (also called "Hawk Hill" and "Ski Hawk hill" )- Hawkeye Ski Association (private) may have had two different locations - eastern Iowa - Cou Falls, IA - location unknown 1972 in Cedar Rapids city limits - 3/4 mi N of Mt Vernon Rd SE (1974), off Wilder Dr. SE o: Jan. 1966  c: 1976 (last mention)  ski club dissolved by 1977    several ski reports for 1975 1976    Cedar Rapids location ??? - Google Maps / Google Earth - 41.98863421184749, -91.5918388046071 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Skiers Try Out New Hill (Cou Falls) - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sun, Jan 23, 1966 The Weather's fine For Skiing (Cou Falls) - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sun, Jan 23, 1966 Hawkeye Skiers Finally Get Break in the Weather (Cou Falls) - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sun, Feb 16, 1969 Hawkeye Ski Club to Make Snow (Cedar Rapids) - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sun, Oct 27, 1974 advertisement (Cedar Rapids) - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sun, Dec 22, 1974 Mel Koski Heads Hawkeye Ski Assn (Cedar Rapids) - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Wed, Apr 2, 1975 Hickory Hills Ski Slope Waterloo, IA - S. on County Rd. X 13 miles south on highway 21, off 412 and about 2 miles east on county road X maintained by Cedar Mountain Ski Club and later by the Waterloo Ski Club (combined with Cedar Mt. Ski Club in 1971) o: 1971 ?? (first mention)  c: 1977  (last mention)    v: 190 ft. Google Maps / Google Earth 42.27013757049143, -92.32072991827218 42.27151402162604, -92.31191747156461 Hickory Hills Ski Slope Open and Tow Is Working - The Courier (Waterloo Iowa), Jan. 22, 1971 Iowans Can Ski in State - Globe-Gazette (Mason City, Iowa) · Wed, Dec 15, 1971   Judge Wood Recalls Skiing in the Black Hawk Alps - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Sun, Jan 24, 1971 Ski Iowa - Tourism and Travel Division, Iowa Developement Commission, 1972 (.pdf) Iowa Aspen? - picture of rope tow - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Sun, Dec 21, 1975 skimap.org (0 maps) Holiday Mountain Inc. (later called Riverside Hills) Estherville, IA - northwestern Iowa ( 1 mile southwest of Estherville on Iowa 4) on Bluffs of Des Moines River West Branch o: 1966  c:  2008 (last mention November) v: 190 ft. upside down In 1978 (Skalka): 3 rope tows, 1 T-bar In 1980: 2 rope tows, 2 T-bars Google Maps / Google Earth 43.38666825584598, -94.83542166826871 Skiing Area Planned Here for Next Year - Estherville Daily News (Estherville, Iowa) · Thu, Dec 23, 1965 Thrills Come With Spills at Northwest Iowa's Ski Mountain - The Sioux City Journal (Sioux City, Iowa) · Sun, Jan 29, 1967 More Iowa Ski Areas - Des Moines Register, Nov. 5, 1978, p. 119 Estherville Praying for Snow - Sioux City Journal (Sioux City, Iowa) · Sun, Mar 1, 1970 SKI Magazine, Nov. 1973 (link) SKI Magazine, Feb. 1982 (link) Ski Iowa - Tourism and Travel Division, Iowa Development Commission, 1972 (.pdf) on 1999 map (as Riverside Hills) skimap.org Horseshoe Bend Milford, IA - northwestern Iowa ( 2 miles south and 3 miles west of Milford on US 71) o: 1972   c:  1993  ??? last mention, but only mention; last multiple mentions was 1987      v: 75 ft. In 1978 (Skalka): 1 rope tow Google Maps / Google Earth 43.30237876144326, -95.20888308332535 Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area Open to The Public - The Lake Park News (Lake Park, Iowa) · Thu, Dec 21, 1972 More Iowa Ski Areas - Des Moines Register, Nov. 5, 1978, p. 119 SKI Magazine, Nov. 1983 (link) skimap.org Humboldt Winter Playground * (Playland) see Silver Creek Iowa County Park Millersburg, IA - off I-80 5 mi N of Millersburg; runout on Lake Iowa  1979 only mention of downhill skiing Currently Lake Iowa County Recreation Area Google Maps / Google Earth 41.63737012840509, -92.17756325727444 Snow means fun for skiers - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sat, Jan 6, 1979 Kalen's Ski Area * see Ted's Ski Hill Kent Park / F. W. Kent Park Oxford, Iowa, 2048 Hwy 6 NW (Johnson County) o: 1976;  c:  1988   Google Maps / Google Earth 41.72545785941854, -91.72777337932321 Winter sports hill open at Kent Park - Iowa City Press-Citizen (Iowa City, Iowa) · Mon, Jan 26, 1976 Vandalism at park major concern - Iowa City Press-Citizen (Iowa City, Iowa) · Fri, Jul 21, 1978 Kent Park hill restricted to tobaggons - Iowa City Press-Citizen (Iowa City, Iowa) · Fri, Nov 16, 1979 Tobaggon run, power rope tow to be discontinued - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Fri, Oct 24, 1986 Mount Duck * - see Duck Creek Nob Hill Ski Area (Nobb Hill) close to Pilot Knob State Park) - Sometimes called Pilot Knob Ski Area Forest City, IA - north central Iowa (4 miles east of Forest City,; near State Park W entrance) o: Dec. 31, 1960; did not operate 1963 and 1964, did not operate 1966-1969; c: 1976 (last paragraph) Google Map / Google Earth 43.25632410672987, -93.57517503294626 Forest City's New Ski Area Opens Today - The Des Moines Register, Dec 31, 1960 Students, East Iowans Enjoy Sub-Zero Skiing - The Des Moines Register, Dec. 15, 1963 - See last two paragraph Skiing Today At Nobb Hill - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sat, Jan 30, 1965 Airborne in North Iowa - Globe-Gazette (Mason City, Iowa), Feb 24, 1972 Skiing Facilities in Iowa - The Des Moines Register, Jan. 25,1976 (Nob Hill closes - last paragraph) Pilot Knob ski controversy may come to head Monday - part 1 / part 2 - Globe-Gazette (Mason City, Iowa), May 7, 1964 Pilot Knob ski area ready for fun again - Globe-Gazette (Mason City, Iowa), Jan 20, 1970 There's Ski Fun in Iowa for Beginner and Veteran - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Jan 21, 1973 Nor-Ski Runs Ski Area Decorah, IA - northeastern Iowa (Decorah Parks and Recreation Dept. - on US 52, 1 and 1/2 miles north of Iowa 9) - city owned v: 250 ft. o: 1960   1986   1994   1994  c: 2002 ?? several 2004, none 2006-2007, one 2008 In 1978 (Skalka): 4 rope tows, 1 T-bar Google Maps / Google Earth 43.31457548587034, -91.81495870156311 Skiers' Shelter House Decorah Dream - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Sun, Nov 29, 1959 Some People Like Snow - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Sun, Mar 11, 1962 Iowa Ski Areas - skibum.net Nor-Ski Eulogy ! ! ! R.I.P . . . . Decorah, Iowa - YouTube Ski Iowa - Tourism and Travel Division, Iowa Developement Commission, 1972 (.pdf) Now They're Skiing More and It's Costing Less - The Des Moines Register,Feb. 7,1971 Believe it - skiing is alive and well here in Iowa, Waterloo Courier, (Winter World) Dec. 27, 1981 opened 1960 More Iowa Ski Areas - Des Moines Register, Nov. 5, 1978, p. 119 Pictures (2023) from Dale Henkes Nor-Ski Eulogy ! ! ! R.I.P . . . . Decorah, Iowa - (2:51) YouTube skimap.org (0 maps) Oak Highlands * - see Ski Villa Waverly, IA ) formerly Ski Villa Pilot Knob Ski Area * - see Nob Hill Raccoon River * - see Dexfield Sports Area Riverside Hills* - see Holiday Mountain Scott County Park Rope Tow Eldridge / Long Grove, IA - east central Iowa o: 1980    c: 1986 1982   1985  1985 with skiing   1986 with skiing downhill skiing not mentioned after 1986 sledding rope tow 1989 rope tow 1987 but no mention of skiing    Google Maps / Google Earth 41.70024767041134, -90.52751001731409 Winter wonderland awaits visitors - Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) · Tue, Feb 12, 1980 Rope tow opens - Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) · Sat, Feb 5, 1983 Facebook Post and Comments on Skiers and Snowboarders of the Midwest Group Iowa Ski Areas - Google Maps Silver Creek (also called Winter World, Humboldt Winter Playground; Winter Playland) Humboldt, IA - north central Iowa (3 miles east of junction 169 and 3, and 3/4 mile north, 3 miles east of Hardy, IA) v: 130 ft. o: 1959, c: 1998 upside down (lodge at the top) In 1978 (Skalka): 3 rope tows - Humboldt winter Playground Google Maps / Google Earth 42.74591247394301, -94.15024083277324 More Iowa Ski Areas - (Winter World) Des Moines Register, Nov. 5, 1978, p. 119 "Three rope tows. Benched cable car on rails for tobogganers." Believe it - skiing is alive and well here in Iowa, Waterloo Courier, (Winter World) Dec. 27, 1981 opened 1960 Ski Iowa - Tourism and Travel Division, Iowa Development Commission, 1972 (Humboldt Winter Playgrojund) (.pdf) In 1987: 4 rope tows, 2 T-bars SKI Magazine, Jan. 1992 (link) Brochure (Winter Playland - thank you Rod Williams) Humboldt County - Business Review and News - Winter Playland - The Humboldt ndependent,Dec.29, 1973 skimap.org Ski-Pal Ski Area Mt. Vernon, IA - Palisades-Kepler State Park - 4 miles west of Mt. Vernon o: 1958 (1960?); c: 1968  (last mention) Google Map / Google Earth 41.911341455032726, -91.5025187604197 Big Crowds Enjoy Iowa Ski Project - Carroll Daily Times Herald (Carroll, Iowa) · Thu, Jan 28, 1960 Students, East Iowans Enjoy Sub-Zero Skiing - The Des Moines Register, Dec. 15, 1963 Skiing Grows More Popular Each Year - The Cedar Rapids Gazette, Jan. 24, 1965 Iowa Skiers Seek Other Slopes - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Feb 28, 1965 "Among commerial ski areas in Iowa are those near Mt. Vernon, Eldora, and Des Moines.' Ski Reports - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Fri, Jan 21, 1966 Ski Reports - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Fri, Dec 30, 1966 - "St. Pat Area, Mount Vernon, IA" Ski Pal Installs New Plastic Tow - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sun, Jan 30, 1966 For Sale - Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) · Sun, Mar 27, 1966 - "With new plastic snow. No reliance on weather." 1968  Two Mt. Vernon Area Fires - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Tue, Apr 9, 1968 Ski Valley + (reopened 1997-98 as Seven Oaks Recreation Area) Boone, IA - central Iowa - 3 mi. W of Boone on Hyw 30 o: 1971 c: 1993 (no mention  in ski reports after Jan. 1993) Did not open 1986-1987 season due to warm weather Did not open 1987-1988 ski season due to warm weather Hoped to open for 1988-1989 season  v: 180 ft. In 1978 (Skalka): 3 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth 42.03076242505003, -93.95363809653945 More Iowa Ski Areas - Des Moines Register, Nov. 5, 1978, p. 119 SKI Magazine, Jan. 1992 Area slopes a hit with skiers - Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa) · Thu, Feb 15, 1979 Ski Villa - became Oak Highlands in 1981 Waverly, IA - northeastern Iowa (north on 1st . NW past north power plant to north side of Stockwell Bridge, first turn on north side of bridge) o: 1971, became Oak Highlands in 1981, c: 1988  not open 1988-1989 v: 250 In 1978 (Skalka): 6 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth ??? 42.74902709936494, -92.47766857591458 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Ski Villa Opens Near Waverly - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Tue, Feb 2, 1971 Ski Iowa - Tourism and Travel Division, Iowa Developement Commission, 1972 (.pdf) More Iowa Ski Areas - Des Moines Register, Nov. 5, 1978, p. 119 Oak Highlands northeastern Iowa (2 miles north of Waverly, from Hwy 3 going west turn north on 1st St. NW right before the bridge, then turn left on the first road after crossing bridge) formerly Ski Villa v: 150 ft., c: 1989  (last mention Did not open 1986-1987 season due to warm weather Ski area to open Dec. 11 - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Tue, Nov 23, 1982 (on 1986 map, not on 1987 map) In 1982: 2 rope tows, 1 poma lift, 1 T-bar chairlift added in 1982 waterslide in summer Google Maps / Google Earth 42.75155677966078, -92.47692247721919 SKI Magazine, Dec. 1982 (link) Ski area to open Dec. 11 - Waterloo Courier, Nov. 23, 1982 You can ski tonight at Oak Highlands - Waterloo Courier, Feb. 5, 1985 Hit the slopes, ride the hills,and . . . - Quad City Times, Jan. 12, 1989, p. 52 skimap.org Snomad Basin * (Dubuque) see Veterans Memorial Ski Hill Squaw Creek Park Rope Tow Marion (Cedar Rapids), IA - east central Iowa now called Wannatee Park o: 1977  c:  1983  (last mention  of downhill skiing) Google Maps / Google Earth 42.017056668341674, -91.55742059363033 Now You Can Ski Right Here - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sun, Jan 30, 1977 Squaw Creek skiing area set - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sun, Dec 4, 1977 Facebook Post and Comments on Skiers and Snowboarders of the Midwest Group Iowa Ski Areas - Google Maps Steamboat Rock / Rock Hill / Canton-Wine Ski Area Steamboat Rock, IA - Hardin County, Carl Thoms farm NW of Steamboat Rock; at the Iowa River Conservation and Improvement Club (299 7th Street) - VERY CLOSE TO ELDOR, W edge of Steamboat Rock o: 1963    c:  1973   (last mention of skiing)  May have been closed 1964 and 1965. v: 120 ft. Google Maps / Google Earth 42.41101298313567, -93.07210874931127 Iowa River Conservation and Improvement Club Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you can confirm this location. Rock Hill Ski Club Tow built at Steamboat Rock Jan., 1963,  moved to Ackley Sept. 1963 Ski Slope Built Near Steamboat - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Tue, Jan 1, 1963 Ski Tow Being Constructed Near Ackley - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Sun, Sep 22, 1963 Iowa River Conservation and Improvement Club $85,000 Loan To Iowa Project - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Tue, Dec 15, 1964 Ski Lift Running At Steamboat Rock - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Fri, Dec 30, 1966 Iowa Housewife "At Home on Skis" - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Feb 22, 1970 Snow's No Problem at Steamboat Rock - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Feb 22, 1970 Ski Reports - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Fri, Jan 12, 1968 1971   1972   1973   Canton-Wine Ski Area Ski Reports - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Fri, Dec 30, 1966 - "Canton-Wine Ski Area" Ski Reports - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Fri, Jan 6, 1967 Canton-Wine Ridge area - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Fri, Jan 13, 1967 Snow Making Devices Open A New Era - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Nov 16, 1969 Iowa Boasts 8 Ski Areas page one / page two - the Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Dec 28, 1969 Sugar Creek Hill Grinnell, IA (Poweshiek County), central Iowa - 10 min. drive E of campus (might be W) Grinnell College o: 1962  (or 1961 at Brooklyn Golf Course)  Google Maps / Google Earth Sugar Creek Nature Preserve - 4.5 mi.W of Grinnell 41.72822528768034, -92.79001680549246 Grinnell Puts Winter to Work In Physical Education Program - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Feb 24, 1963 No Snow -- But Skiing Interest Up - Des Moines Tribune, Fri, Jan 7, 1966 Sunset Ski Slope Pella, IA - 6 mi. SE of Pella o: 1979   c: 1982 ?? 1979 map Google Maps / Google Earth ??? 41.33311595532514, -92.89139589323965 Please email - mark@mwlsap.org - if you know a more precise location. Area slopes a hit with skiers - Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa) · Thu, Feb 15, 1979 advertisement - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Tue, Feb 6, 1979 advertisement - Des Moines Tribune, Des Moines, Iowa · Thursday, February 07, 1980 It Is An Alternative, But Fear Not, Aspen - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Nov 18, 1979 Snow means fun for skiers - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sat, Jan 6, 1979 The Des Moines Register, Sunday, December 14, 1980 1982 Sunset Cherokee, IA - northwest Iowa (on old Iowa 3, 1/2 mile east of town) v: 145 ft. o: 1982   c:  1992  last mention 1982    1991 Google Maps / Google Earth 42.74818815912793, -95.52895502622985 Times Gone By - Chronicle Times, 11/29/12 - scroll down to: 25 years ago advertisement - The Sioux City Journal, Sioux City, Iowa · Sunday, January 19, 1992 SKI Magazine, Oct .1984 (link) skimap.org Ted's Ski Hill - sometimes called Kalen's Ski Area Grimes, IA - central Iowa (one mile north of Grimes on W side of hwy141) - 8000 block NW 114th St, Grimes, IA owned by Ted Kalen upside down (lodge at the top) o: 1964   c:  1976 (last mention on ski lists, auction of ski equipment in the fall  v: 106 ft. Google Maps / Google Earth 41.707522959980814, -93.77613451247689 Polk Approves Ski Business - Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa) · Thu, Feb 13, 1964 Tests Ski Lift Near Grimes (picture) - Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sat, Feb 23, 1963 Ski Enthusiasts Happy With Snow (picture) - Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa) · Fri, Mar 27, 1964 Area Snow Reports - Kalen's Ski Hill - Ames Daily Tribune, Jan. 28,1971 Iowa Winter Sports Area Offer Range of Activities, Des Moines Register, Jan. 7, 1973 Ski Iowa - Tourism and Travel Division, Iowa Developement Commission, 1972 (.pdf) Now They're Skiing More and It's Costing Less - The Des Moines Register,Feb. 7,1971 1974 (picture);  1974-75 on 1976 map     Veterans' Memorial Ski Hill (also called Snomad Basin) Dubuque, IA - eastern Iowa (1810 W. 32nd Street) o: 1968 c: 1983 v: 120 ft.    In 1978 (Skalka): 2 rope tows Google Maps / Google Earth 42.524887849621635, -90.69914982575665 VIDEO: A Hill of Their Own - a Telegraph Herald documentary Snomad Ski Club - Snomad Basin - Encyclopedia Dubuque Encyclopedia Dubuque - SKIING More Iowa Ski Areas - Des Moines Register, Nov. 5, 1978, p. 119 Peak Performers - Retiree / Ski Instructor - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sat, Feb 28, 1998 Skiers and Snowboarders of the Midwest Facebook Group - Feb. 13, 2026 Waterloo Ski Club Waterloo, IA - north east Iowa - Winter Ridge Rd. "Black Hawk County Alps"; Castle Hill, near Hartman Reserve; ski jump also o: 1947   c:  "slalom" 1956; 1961-62 two tows and last mention  of tournament v: 300 ft. Google Maps / Google Earth 42.5214240160085, -92.40971186980917 Twenty Skiers Espected Sunday For Tournament - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Thu, Feb 19, 1942 - No mention of tow Waterloo Ski Club Plans to Organize - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Sun, Nov 2, 1947 - rope to to be installed Waterloo Ski Club to Have Annual Meet - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Sun, Mar 11, 1956- No mention of tow Judge Wood Recalls Skiing in the Black Hawk Alps - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Sun, Jan 24, 1971 (rope tow mentioned) Wildwood Acres Canton, IA - north east Iowa  o: 1976   c:  ???  1979 (rope tow)  1982    1986 (ski lodge)    1982 last mention of ski slope, 1986 ski lodge, 1990 no mention Google Maps / Google Earth 42.175706408805844, -90.90910502362895 Skiers and Snowborders of the Midwest - Facebook Group Advertisement - Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) · Thu, Sep 15, 1977 Advertisement - Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) · Thu, Jul 12, 1979 Ad for real estate - mentions rope tow - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sun, Mar 4, 1979 skiing mentioned in ad in 1981 - Quad-City Times, 16 Aug 1981 Winter Playland *see Silver Creek Winter World *see Silver Creek MWLSAP Homepage WORKING ON: Annie Wittenmyer Home Davenport, IA - northeast Iowa Google Maps / Google Earth 41.547381184857365, -90.55310542197545 Facebook Post and Comments on Skiers and Snowboarders of the Midwest Group - see post by Chad Mayerhofer Webster City - WORKING ON Webster City, IA - Hamilton County Google Maps / Google Earth 42.465141281769874, -93.82019887365624 location of Webster City Snow Making Devices Open A New Era - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Nov 16, 1969 - Fort Dodge and Webster City both mentioned Iowa Boasts 8 Ski Areas , continued at: More Iowans Trying Skiing - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Dec 28, 1969 email sent 8/9/25 to: info@webstercity.com and patiowamom@netins.net Facebook - Webster City Community Page One Comment: "I'm not aware of any in Webster City. I think Dayton or Humboldt were our closest." Coon Rapids - WORKING ON Coon Rapids, IA - Carroll and Guthrie counties Google Maps / Google Earth 41.869063576810895, -94.67884397621943 town of Coon Rapids not on 1969 list of 8 No Snow -- But Skiing Interest Up - Des Moines Tribune, Fri, Jan 7, 1966 email sent 8/18/2025 to info@carroll-library.org email sent 8/18/2025 to crpldirector@coonrapidslibrary.com Reply: Mark, I’m guessing this is maybe for Coon Rapids MN? We’ve never had a ski area here in Iowa. Sincerely, Maura Marsh, Director Coon Rapids Public Library Scranton - WORKING ON Scranton, IA - Greene County Google Maps / Google Earth 42.02035924060456, -94.55169538346136 location of Scranton No Snow -- But Skiing Interest Up - Des Moines Tribune, Fri, Jan 7, 1966 email sent 8/18/2025 to admin@scranton.lib.ia.us Clarence E (Whitey) Gilbert obituary 10th mtn / first US ski tow - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Tue, Sep 9, 2003 Chestnut Mound ?? - WORKING ON Cedar Falls / Waterloo, IA - east central Iowa Protection, Injury Aid Offered at Iowa Ski Areas - The Des Moines Register, Feb. 21, 1971 May be: Waterloo Ski Club Hickory Hills Ski Slope Eldridge - WORKING ON Could this be the Scott County Park Rope Tow? Elridge, IA - east central , N of Davenport "Ski Bug" Bites Teachers - Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) · Sun, Feb 10, 1963 Posted on Eldridge Keeers Facebook Group 8/19/25 Snow Valley - WORKING ON Estherville, Spirit Lake, Skiers Honored - Estherville Daily News (Estherville, Iowa) · Mon, May 4, 1970 I can find no other mention of a Snow Valley in Iowa this is probably Ski Valley in Boone, IA, still open as Seven Oaks BUT I don't think Ski Valley was open in 1969   location of Clear Creek Ranch location of Hawkeye Ski Hill location of Ski Villa location of Sunset Ski Slope location of Booneville Snow Making Devices Open A New Era - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Nov 16, 1969 Crescent x Estherville x Humbolt x Fort Dodge Webster City Grimes x Decorah x Steamboat Rock x SKI JUMPS: Longview Ski Club (Longview Ski Hill / Longview Ski Slide) Dubuque, IA probably ski jumping only c: 1949 Ski Tourney at Dubuque Billed Feb. 3 - Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) · Sun, Jan 20, 1946 Canton Ski Hill (Sioux Valley Ski Club) Ski Jumping only Ski Jumping Hill Archive Canton Ready For Important Ski Competition - Nor-Ski Runs Decorah, IA - at Nor-Ski Runs Decorah Ski Jump Is Set For Feb. 21 - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Wed, Jan 27, 1960 Decorah Ski Jump Closed For Season - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sun, Mar 27, 1960  MWLSAP Homepage PLANNED, BUT NEVER DEVELOPED Cone Park - NEVER OPENED Sioux City, IA - west central iowa Google Maps / Google Earth 42.44161628791295, -96.35960530863908 Sioux city considers winter recreation park - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa) · Sun, Nov 23, 2014 Despite new law, city will explore Cone Park insurance - Sioux City Journal (Sioux City, Iowa) · Sun, Apr 12, 2015 currently a tubing hill skimap.org - map of proposed ski area shows skiing on both the E and W sides of the hill MacBride Ski Area - NEVER OPENED Cedar Rapids / North Liberty, IA - east central Iowa University of Iowa Lake MacBride field campus MacBride Ski Area Study Planned by Iowa U Club - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sun, Nov 12, 1967 Google Maps / Google Earth 41.78331782500928, -91.57000930426481 Pilot Knob State Park^ - NEVER OPENED Forest City, IA - north central Iowa (3 miles east of Forest City on Iowa 9; north of the tower in the park) runs were cleared, but it appears that no tow was installed Google Maps / Google Earth 43.25255247664318, -93.55286355124332 Iowa Winter Sports Area Offer Range of Activities, Des Moines Register, Jan. 7, 1973 Ski Iowa - Tourism and Travel Division, Iowa Development Commission, 1972 (.pdf) Pilot Knob ski controversy may come to head Monday - part 1 / part 2 - Globe-Gazette (Mason City, Iowa), May 7, 1964 Preserve Pilot Knob - Ames Daily Tribune, May 6, 1964 Supports ski run at Pilot Knob - Globe-Gazette (Mason City, Iowa), May 9, 1964 Ski Run Request Dropped - Des Moines Tribune, Jun 2, 1964 Knob ski issue is reborn - Globe-Gazette (Mason City, Iowa) · Tue, Mar 16, 1965  MWLSAP Homepage STILL OPEN (IA) Mt. Crescent Ski Area (Crescent Hills, Crescent Hill at Hitchcock) still OPEN Council Bluffs, IA o: Jan. 1961 Google Maps / Google Earth 41.394564134596806, -95.8605306626266 website skimap.org Mt. Crescent Ski Resort will now be known as Crescent Hill at Hitchcock, a nod to its merging of hiking trails with Hitchcock Nature Center. Seven Oaks Recreation Area (formerly Ski Valley) still OPEN Ski Valley: o: 1971 c: 1987 (on 1986 map, not on 1987 map) o: 1993 (AI Google) current owner: 1997-1998 Google Maps / Google Earth 42.03068273276836, -93.95336987605043 website skimap.org Google Maps / Google Earth 42.03086479232947, -93.95330730323244 History of Seven Oaks Family knows how to revive ski slope - The Sioux City Journal (Sioux City, Iowa) · Sat, Nov 29, 1997   chairlift robably came from Ski Butler, KY Sleepy Hollow Sports Park was closed 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, but Snowflex is being installed in 2023 for year-round skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. o: 1997-1998 Google Maps / Google Earth 41.58922072259847, -93.53339876258815 Des Moines, IA facebook skimap.org Sundown Mountain Resort still OPEN o: 1973 Google Maps / Google Earth 42.516320506331034, -90.81861120618169 first chairlift in Iowa website skimap.org  MWLSAP Homepage

1971 Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sat, Dec 25, 1971 Estherville: Holiday Mt. Forest City: Knob Hill Ski Area Decorah: Nor-Ski Runs Humbolt: Winter Playground / Winter World / Silver Creek Fort Dodge: Dayton Del Dubuque: Veterans Memorial Ski Hill Davenport: Duck Creek Park Waterloo: Hickory Hills Ski Slope Madrid / Grimes: Ted's Ski hill Dexter: Dexfield Sports Area / Racoon Run Council Bluffs: Mt. Crescent / Crescent Hill at Hitchcock Montezuma: Fun Valley 1976 The Des Moines Register Sun, Jan. 25, 1976   1979 It Is An Alternative, But Fear Not, Aspen - The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sun, Nov 18, 1979 Milford - Horseshoe Bend Estherville - Holiday Mountain Decorah - Nor-Ski Humbolt - Winter World Waverly - Ski Villa Dubuque - Sundown and Veteran's Memorial Park Boone - Ski Valley Council Bluffs - Crescent Ski Hills Dexter - Deer Run Sports Area Pella - Sunset Montezuma - Fun Valley   1986 The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Iowa) · Sun, Jan. 5, 1986 iamap1986_1_The_Gazette_1986_01_05_13.pdf   iamap1986_2_The_Gazette_1986_01_05_19-1.pdf     1987 Iowa City Press-Citizen, 28 Dec 1987, Mon · Page 13  1997 The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) · Sat, Dec. 6, 1997 iamap1997_1_The_Des_Moines_Register_1997_12_06_Page_33.pdf    iamap1997_2_The_Des_Moines_Register_1997_12_06_Page_34.pdf   Still open in 2023: Mt. Crescent, Sleepy Hollow, Sundown, and Seven Oaks 1999 SKI IOWA - The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) · Sat, Nov 27, 1999  Map of Present and Lost Iowa Ski Areas created by Lucas Schryver

* renamed; closed
+ renamed; open
^ never opened

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