Archery Classes and Ranges in Des Moines, Iowa
My sons were looking through our local Parks and Recreation booklet for classes and immediately gravitated toward a picture of an archery range. “Bow and arrows!” And immediately pretended to pull back a bow. While it’s fun for young kids to play pretend, there are several great options to really learn and practice archery around the metro.
If you are new to archery, here are a few terms to learn:
- Archery 3D Range: Archers shoot at foam animals from a variety of distances.
- Static Archery Range: A shooting range with a firing line and targets with varying distances.
Archery Field & Sports
Address: 3725 NE 56th St, Altoona
Phone: (515) 265-6500
Cost: Varies by adult/child. Day pass, monthly or yearly unlimited archery options available.
Archery Field & Sports is the largest archery range in Iowa and offers many different options to shoot. They provide individual lessons as well as group lessons for youth organizations, business outings, homeschool association physical education and other group events.
They have an indoor target league on Fridays, indoor 3D league on Thursdays as well as an outdoor target league that starts in the Spring. Their pro-shop has the latest bows, archery equipment and accessories, clothing and other supplies.
Looking for even more fun? Book a Paintball event!
Archery in the Schools (NASP)
Where: Iowa Depart of Natural Resources
Contact: Zach Benttine, Iowa NASP Coordinator
Phone: (515) 205-8709
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) promotes the education and sport of archery for grades 4-12. This program is in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources and the Departments of Education. Check out their website to learn how to start a program at your school or call the Iowa NASP Coordinator for questions.
The NASP 2025 State Championships will be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds from February 28-March 2, 2025.
Butch Olofson Shooting Range
Address: 11652 NW Nissen Dr, Polk City
Phone: (515) 795-4000
Cost: $10/hour (individual) or $16/hour per family. Annual memberships available.
This shooting range is for all skill levels to practice with bows and firearms. Children are welcome with adult supervision. Follow their website or social media page to learn about classes and other events throughout the year. They have both a static archery range as well as a 3-D range.
Jester Park Nature Center: Indoor Archery
Address: 12130 NW 128th St, Granger
Phone: (515) 323-5350
Cost: $5 per participant. Minimum age is 10 years old with adult supervision.
Learn how to shoot with a bow and arrow including safety rules, equipment technique and eye dominance. All equipment is provided. Contact the nature center for more information. Their website currently states indoor archery is available Thursdays and Fridays during summer hours and on Saturdays.
Racoon River Park Archery Facility
Address: 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines
Phone: (515) 222-3444
Cost: $5 daily permit and $10-$40 annual permit
The archery facility is the first of its kind in Iowa and includes enclosure walls/fencing, overhead ‘arrow curtains’, shelter over shooting area, staging area, 12 shooting lanes and targets up to 40 yards distance. Archers must supply their own equipment but stationary target blocks are provided. Check out their website and flyer for more information.