A family owned and operated business offering the best in outdoor recreation.

At Seven Oaks Recreation, we’re proud to be a family-owned and operated business dedicated to providing the very best in outdoor adventures. Our story began in 1996 when Rick Bryan, then Chairman of the Oskaloosa Park Board and President of Fun Valley Ski Area, visited Boone, Iowa, to see the former Ski Valley property. Inspired by its potential, Rick developed a plan to transform the site into a vibrant destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

By spring of 1997, Seven Oaks Recreation was born. The name reflects both the seven siblings in the Bryan family and the majestic oak trees gracing the property. Since opening for skiing and snowboarding in the winter of 1997-98, we’ve grown into a year-round recreation hub offering something for everyone.

Our Journey and Milestones

Over the years, we’ve continually expanded and enhanced our facilities:

• Winter Adventures: From adding trails like “Elwood’s Hideout” and “MicDrop” to installing high-tech snowmaking equipment and new chairlifts, we’ve worked tirelessly to deliver the best skiing, snowboarding, and tubing experiences.
• Warm-Weather Activities: Our offerings include canoe and kayak floats on the scenic Des Moines River, paintball, and extensive mountain biking trails. We’ve also hosted events like the Gladiator Assault Challenge (GAC) and Iowa Games races.
• Facilities Upgrades: We’ve expanded our lodge multiple times, improved snowmaking systems, added new equipment, and created welcoming spaces like Coal Creek Lounge and our coffee shop.

Family-Driven Leadership

In 2023, Joel and Sara Bryan took the reins as sole owners, carrying forward the family legacy. Joel’s lifelong passion for outdoor recreation, combined with Sara’s expertise in human resources and event planning, ensures the future of Seven Oaks remains bright.

Our Community

Our success wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our year-round team and the many loyal seasonal staff who return year after year. We also owe a debt of gratitude to our volunteer National Ski Patrollers and, most importantly, to our amazing customers who have supported us every step of the way.

Thank you for being part of the Seven Oaks family. We look forward to welcoming you for your next outdoor adventure!