The Week in Social rounds up the best of Iowa’s uplifting stories, exciting initiatives and fun events from all 99 counties discovered through social media. In a time where every bit of good news is cherished, this series is devoted to being a fun, lighthearted way to stay informed about Iowa’s good news.
DSM Skatepark Ranked as One of Top 10 Best New Attractions
.@DSMSkatepark was recognized as one of @USATODAY's Top 10 Best New Attractions of 2021. https://t.co/xVWwprFHcc #downtownDSM
— Downtown DSM USA (@downtownDSMUSA) January 6, 2022
USA Today recently ranked the Lauridsen Skate Park as one of the top best new attractions of 2021. This attraction, located in downtown Des Moines, opened in May 2021 and is the largest open skate park in the United States. With over 88,000 square feet for skateable terrain and competitive street and park courses, skaters love catching air on this course. It’s not just locals that are impressed with the park, some of the world’s most talented and well-known skaters visited the park to participate in the notable 2021 Dew Tour.
“Expect skateboarders from around the country to start making pilgrimages to this incredible setup,” said Eric Grossman, 10Best Contributor.
Attend the 2022 Ice Fest
The 2022 Ice Fest is 1 WEEK AWAY!
— River Museum (@RiverMuseum) January 7, 2022
A figure skating show, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and so much more will be happening. Indoor activities are taking place as well. Kids are encouraged to wear snow clothes for a day of winter fun!
Learn more: https://t.co/tW85MqRaa5 pic.twitter.com/VJrTFje8Ad
If you are looking to start the new year by experiencing some winter fun, visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium on January 15-16 for Ice Fest. Outside the museum, you can try out snow shoeing, ice fishing, sledding, cross country skiing and enjoy sweet treats at the Blizzard Bar. Guests will also have access to view an ice harvesting demonstration, a blacksmith demonstration and figure skating show.
Once you are ready to warm up inside, you can enjoy visiting all the exhibits within the three museum buildings and watch the seasonal winter films featuring polar bears. Guests are encouraged to wear snow gear to have the best experience while participating in the snow-related outdoor activities. Interested in joining the ice fun? Purchase your ticket to ensure your participation in the fest.
Visit Bentonsport
Greetings from Bentonsport, Iowa! Take a tour around this small village that started as a steamboat port in the mid-1800s. Today, there are several historic shops, B&Bs and resident artisans such as blacksmiths and potters.
— Iowa PBS (@IowaPBS) January 6, 2022
Watch Greetings From Iowa: https://t.co/ld2ecVGfrp
Nestled next to the Des Moines River near Keosauqua, Bentonsport is the perfect destination for a trip immersed in history and natural beauty. The town started as a steamboat port in the mid-1800s where people flocked to barter and rest from their travels. Today, you’ll discover historic bed and breakfasts, rental cottages, antique and craft shops, and resident artisans such as potters, blacksmith, quilters, sculptors and more. A stroll in the charming Bentonsport National Historic District will give you the perfect sense of the historic significance of the port and its transition into modern day including the former mill site transformed into a beautiful rose garden.
Check Out Iowa’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The Partnership and Clay & Milk are partnering to develop the Iowa Innovation Dashboard, a comprehensive indicator of entrepreneurial activity in the state of Iowa. https://t.co/UdC0aepci1
— DSMpartnership (@DSMpartnership) January 4, 2022
With one of the lowest costs of living in the country, many entrepreneurs choose Iowa as the place to start a business. To help track the entrepreneurial activity within the state, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Clay & Milk, a digital publication that covers Iowa’s tech, startup and entrepreneurial communities, are partnering to develop the Iowa Innovation Dashboard. The dashboard will compile several key metrics such as startup growth, external funding, success of accelerator programs, patents filed, team diversity and perceptions of Iowa’s startup community.
“By providing statewide data and metrics, the dashboard will allow community leaders and organizations throughout Iowa to make more informed decisions about how to best champion local entrepreneurs, and the ecosystem as a whole,” said Jake Slobe, managing editor of Clay & Milk.
