Iowa can get hot and muggy in the summer, but that doesn’t mean the workouts should stop. Iowans can travel the state and still find great ways to break out in a sweat. Take a tour across the state from west to east on RAGBRAI, the Register’s Annual Bike Ride Across Iowa. Play 21 holes of disc golf at a state park. Climb the highest observation tower in the Midwest. Participate in a huge athletic event in Des Moines or Ames. Or just grab a yoga mat and head to a free outdoor session in a park near you.
Here, five ways to break a sweat in Iowa this summer.
RAGBRAI
See the beauty of Iowa from your bicycle during the 49th RAGBRAI. Starting in Sergeant Bluff on July 24 and ending in Lansing on July 30, this year’s route is 462 miles. Pocahontas, Mason City and West Union are just a few of the overnight towns on the ride.
Learn more: ragbrai.com
More:114 fun things to do in Iowa from family-friendly places to visit to food and music
Wildcat Bluff Disc Golf Course, Urbana
With more than 300 disc golf courses in Iowa. it’s easy to find a course wherever you live. For a challenge, play a round at the 21-hole Wildcat Bluff in eastern Iowa. In 2021 it was ranked the 16th best disc golf course in the world by UDisc.
Find it: 3139 57th St. Trail, Center Point
Learn more: mycountyparks.com/County/Benton/Park/Wildcat-Bluff-Recreation-Area.aspx
State Games of America
The State Games of America, in collaboration with the Iowa Games, is an Olympic-style event with an anticipated 16,000 participants from 30 states competing in 40 different events spanning archery and billiards to ice skating and martial arts.
Ames and Des Moines will be host to the events throughout July with the main weekend of competition being held July 27-31.
Learn more: stategamesofamerica.com
More:Want in on secret spots to have fun in Des Moines? We’ve got a newsletter for that.
Cordova Park Observation Tower, Otley
Get a workout by climbing the 170 steps of Cordova Tower in Otley. You’ll be rewarded with views of Lake Red Rock and the Des Moines River Valley. It’s the tallest observation tower in the Midwest at 106 feet tall. Admission is 50 cents (bring quarters) and the tower is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Learn more: mycountyparks.com
Outdoor yoga
Start your day with an energizing yoga workout this summer. In central Iowa you can find outdoor classes in Ankeny, Clive, Des Moines and West Des Moines. Most classes are free and some still require registration. Check with your local parks and recreation department to see if outdoor yoga is offered in your city.
Learn more:desmoinesparent.com/free-outdoor-yoga-in-des-moines/
More:What to know about the 2022 Iowa State Fair: concerts, tickets, dates and more
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/2022/05/22/ways-things-to-do-workout-outdoors-summer-iowa-2022-exercise-fitness-yoga-disc-golf-biking-ragbrai/9762945002/
