Lauridsen Skatepark

The largest public skatepark in the United States, spanning 88,000 square feet along the Des Moines River. Features a dedicated beginner street promenade separated from the competition courses, an amoeba pool, a flow bowl, and lighting until 10:30pm.

Spanning over 88,000 square feet in downtown Des Moines, Lauridsen Skatepark is the largest open public concrete facility in North America. While its Olympic-caliber park course and deep amoeba pool draw national competitions, the park was intentionally engineered with designated progression zones that make it remarkably welcoming for returning older skaters.

The best place to start is the Skate Promenade — a nearly quarter-mile long, 38-foot-wide concrete boulevard equipped with mellow pump bumps, low flat-rails, and broad manual pads. Because the promenade is physically separated from the high-speed competition bowls and stair sets, you can practice balance, carving, and basic edge control without cross-traffic concerns. Transition skaters can warm up in the junior Flow Bowl, which offers gentle roll-ins and manageable coping designed specifically for gradual skill progression.

Early weekday mornings between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM offer peaceful sessions with cool river breezes and empty concrete. The park is free, fully lit until 10:30pm every evening, and provides dedicated parking off Illinois Street with modern restroom facilities on site. BMX riders are permitted only with plastic pegs to preserve the smooth concrete surface.