Your Annual Guide to Recreation in Iowa

Half Pipe, Full Throttle

As of 2021, Des Moines has the largest U.S. skatepark—and is making the most of it. “One day, we’ll get a chance to cheer on somebody in the Olympics that started skating because of this park,” predicts coach Kevin Jones.

North of the Mason-Dixon

Well before it was a state, Iowa was an important part of the Underground Railroad. Four “stations” in the southern half of the state remain historic sites to this day, preserving stories of radical resistance.

62 Owl in This Together

Our favorite outdoor sports can leave behind deadly traps for eagles, hawks, possums, bobcats and other wildlife. Animal care experts from three local rescue orgs share simple advice that could save a life.

Little Village (ISSN 2328-3351) is an independent, community-supported news and culture publication based in Iowa City, published monthly by Little Village, LLC, 623 S Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA 52240. Through journalism, essays and events, we work to improve our community according to core values: environmental sustainability, affordability and access, economic and labor justice, racial justice, gender equity, quality healthcare, quality education and critical culture. Letters to the editor(s) are always welcome. We reserve the right to fact check and edit for length and clarity. Please send letters, comments or corrections to editor@littlevillagemag.com. Subscriptions: lv@littlevillagemag.com. The US annual subscription price is $120. All rights reserved, reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. If you would like to reprint or collaborate on new content, reach us at lv@littlevillagemag.com. To browse back issues, visit us online at issuu.com/littlevillage.

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72 Horsing Around

You don’t have to be a horse person to find solace in a herd, according to therapist Natalie Benway-Correll. With the right approach, humans can learn to relax, earn trust and foster “equine empowerment.”

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