Skydiving in the Des Moines area began in the mid-1950s with several ex-airborne military members. The Des Moines Sport Parachute Club was formed in the early '60s and initially started jumping at Camp Dodge. In 1974, Des Moines Skydivers, Inc. was incorporated after a group of members split off from Perry. While Perry continued to focus on style and accuracy, this splinter group was interested in the relatively new skydiving phenomena called “relative work.”

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The newly incorporated Club bought a Cessna 182. To fund the aircraft purchase, several members took out second mortgages on their homes—without telling their wives. The Club initially operated from Eckman Field, before moving to Husband Field in Dallas Center.

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In 1981, the Club relocated to the Knoxville Airport. After several years in Knoxville, the decision was made to move to Winterset in 1987. At that time, the clubhouse was an old mobile home. In 1991, the Club broke ground on a new 60 x 60 hangar. After over 30 years of skydiving in Winterset, the Club decided to return operations to Knoxville in 2023, where a new 60 x 80 hangar and an off-site campground were constructed.

Des Moines Skydivers is one of the few remaining member-owned and operated skydiving clubs in the country. Our members span from their teens to their 70s, and we love our rich club history and deep Iowa roots.

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Our dropzone is located about a 40-minute drive from downtown Des Moines. Our equipment and aircraft are professionally maintained to ensure the safety of both our students and experienced jumpers. Our facility is fully furnished to guarantee a comfortable experience for all our guests.