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Businesses creating opportunities for winter fun despite high temperatures

From ice skating to snowboarding, businesses are adjusting hours for the warmer weather.

IOWA, USA — Editor's Note: The above video was originally published on Dec. 23, 2023.

This has been the warmest winter in over 140 years here in Iowa, and the above average temperatures have disappointed many fans of winter weather. 

Central Iowans had a taste of winter in January with back-to-back snowstorms, but it was dangerously cold outside for several days afterwards. 

With recent weather trends, it may feel like there was never a good chance to participate in fun winter activities. However, there is still time to enjoy things like ice skating and snowboarding! Here are some businesses that made adjustments for the warmer weather:

Seven Oaks

Snow tubing is closed until further notice, but skiing and snowboard remain open. With the changing weather, they will post what runs and lifts are open each day on their Facebook page.

  • Thursday, Feb. 15, 4-9 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 16, 4-9 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Monday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

RELATED: Ski resort, Iowa DOT reflect on how lack of snow impacts operations

Brenton Skating Plaza

Hours of operation adjust to the temperature outside. Between 55 to 59 degrees, they will open at sundown. For temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees, they will be closed for the day. For anything 65 degrees or warmer, they will be closed until the ice recovers. Their regular hours for the month of February will always be posted on their site.

  • Monday: 5-9 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 5-9 p.m.
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 5-9 p.m.
  • Friday: 5-11 p.m.
  • Saturday: 12-11 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

RELATED: Final snow amounts for central Iowa's first winter storm of the season

Marshalltown Ice Rink

Unfortunately, the warm temperatures have not been kind to this ice rink. This whole month of February has been too warm to keep the ice safe enough to skate on. 

However, if you see those green flags go up around the rink, it means the rink is open and safe to skate on. Those hours of operation are between dawn and 9 p.m. on days when the ice is solid.

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