Things get a little medieval when you drive into western Iowa. The town of Ida Grove, Pop. 2,100, is a land of castles. Yes, castles. You’ll see these castles all over town, the brainchild of a local businessman in the 1970s who was a big fan of the medieval structures. There’s a castle hanger out at the airport, a castle at the entrance to town, and a castle that serves as a newspaper office. Ida Grove has embraced the quirky claim to fame – it calls itself “Castletown USA.”
The castles are largely privately owned, but there’s one you can get into – as long as you don’t mind wearing a pair of roller skates. Read on to see why the Skate Palace offers a decidedly royal skating experience.
When you arrive at the Skate Palace, you know you’re in a very special place, even if you didn’t notice the building’s turrets - the Skate Palace is huge and is the region’s largest roller rink.
City of Ida Grove
The roller rink’s entrance is impressive, and fit for a king. Two knights stand guard outside.
City of Ida Grove
Inside, the rink is enormous and can accommodate large groups and parties. A royal seal is emblazoned on the rinks’ floor.
Facebook / Ida Grove Skate Palace
The Skate Palace is the perfect place for a birthday party, if you’re a little prince or princess. The palace is also a popular venue for other events. It holds many weddings each year.
Facebook / Ida Grove Skate Palace
The palace has a snack bar with plenty of fun treats to fuel skaters of all ages.
Facebook / Ida Grove Skate Palace
If you need to step away from the indoor fun, there’s a tranquil patio outside that overlooks an adjacent pond.
Facebook / Ida Grove Skate Palace
The Skate Palace is located about an hour east of Sioux City. The rink is open seasonally – check its Facebook Page for the latest information. Learn more about the unique castles of Ida Grove here.
City of Ida Grove
Facebook / Ida Grove Skate Palace
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Address: 203 Susan Lawrence Dr, Ida Grove, IA 51445, USA
