Des Moines boasts a variety of parks and outdoor spaces that cater to nature enthusiasts, families, and adventure seekers alike. Here’s a guide to some of the city’s top destinations:
Gray’s Lake Park
Located just south of downtown, Gray’s Lake Park features a 166-acre lake encircled by a 1.9-mile paved trail, ideal for walking, running, or biking. Visitors can enjoy paddleboard, kayak, and canoe rentals during warmer months. The park also offers swimming beaches, picnic areas, and fishing docks, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and recreation.
Water Works Park
Spanning 1,500 acres, Water Works Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It offers extensive trails, picnic areas, and open fields. The park is also home to the Arie den Boer Arboretum, which houses approximately 300 varieties of crab apple trees.
Easter Lake Park
On Des Moines’ south side, Easter Lake Park centers around a 165-acre lake. The park features five picnic shelters, three playgrounds, and a boat ramp for fishing enthusiasts. During summer, visitors can enjoy the swimming beach and rent paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
For those interested in horticulture, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers both indoor and outdoor gardens with diverse plant collections. The garden recently introduced the ‘Dome Grown Collection,’ featuring plants cultivated on-site, allowing visitors to take home flora suited for Central Iowa.
Raccoon River Park
Located in West Des Moines, Raccoon River Park features a swimming beach, watercraft rentals, fishing opportunities, playgrounds, and ballfields. A 3.2-mile trail loops around the park, providing a scenic route for walking, running, or biking.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful nature walk, a family picnic, or an adventurous day on the water, Des Moines’ parks offer a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.