Pet-Friendly Travel Destinations in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Paws and Effects Dog Park
A spacious dog park offering separate areas for large and small dogs. Offers amenities like agility equipment and waste bags.
- Separate Areas: Allows both large and small dogs to play safely in their respective areas.
- Agility Equipment: Provides challenges for active dogs, improving their physical fitness.
- Waste Bags Provided: Ensures a clean environment by providing waste bags to pet owners.
2. Raccoon River Park
A beautiful park along the Raccoon River that offers a dog-friendly area with picnic tables and grills.
- Dog-Friendly Area: Allows dogs to enjoy the park in a designated, secure space.
- Picnic Tables and Grills: Provides facilities for families and friends to enjoy meals together during their visit.
- Near the Raccoon River: Offers opportunities for water activities, such as canoeing or fishing.
3. Grand Prairie Dog Park
An off-leash dog park featuring separate areas for large and small dogs, with ample seating and shade.
- Separate Areas: Ensures the safety of both large and small dogs during playtime.
- Amenities: Provides seating, shade, and waste bags to make your visit more comfortable.
- Off-Leash Area: Allows dogs the freedom to run and play off-leash.
4. Jester Park Nature Center
A natural area that offers hiking trails and a pet-friendly picnic shelter.
- Pet-Friendly Picnic Shelter: Allows families to enjoy meals together while being close to their pets.
- Hiking Trails: Provides opportunities for scenic walks with your pets in a natural setting.
- Nature Center: Offers educational programs and exhibits to learn about the local ecosystem.
5. Walnut Woods State Park
A state park with hiking trails and campgrounds that are pet-friendly.
- Pet-Friendly Campgrounds: Allows pets to join their owners during camping trips.
- Hiking Trails: Offers opportunities for scenic walks with your pets in a natural setting.
- Nature and Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Provides chances to observe various species of birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
6. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
A beautiful garden offering pet-friendly areas during specific events.
- Pet-Friendly Events: Allows pets to attend certain events in a designated, safe space.
- Beautiful Gardens: Offers breathtaking views and unique plant species.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides programs that educate visitors about different plants and gardening techniques.
7. Riverview Park
A riverfront park with a dog-friendly area featuring a dog fountain.
- Dog Fountain: Offers a unique, fun feature for dogs to play and cool off.
- Riverfront Location: Provides scenic views of the Des Moines River and opportunities for water activities.
- Dog-Friendly Area: Allows dogs to play in a designated, secure space within the park.
8. Gray's Lake Regional Park
A large park with walking trails, a lake, and pet-friendly areas.
- Pet-Friendly Areas: Allows pets to enjoy the park in designated spaces.
- Walking Trails: Offers scenic walks with various lengths and difficulties.
- Lake Activities: Provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, or simply enjoying the water views.
9. Waterworks Park
A large park with sports facilities, picnic areas, and pet-friendly spaces.
- Pet-Friendly Spaces: Allows pets to enjoy the park in designated, safe spaces.
- Sports Facilities: Offers opportunities for various sports and activities.
- Picnic Areas: Provides facilities for families and friends to enjoy meals together during their visit.
10. Blank Park Zoo
A zoo offering pet-friendly events and exhibits.
- Pet-Friendly Events: Allows pets to attend certain events in a designated, safe space.
- Variety of Animal Exhibits: Offers the opportunity to observe and learn about various animal species.
- Educational Programs: Provides programs that educate visitors about conservation, animal behavior, and habitats.
11. Frisbee Golf at Waterland Park
A disc golf course within a park that is pet-friendly.
- Pet-Friendly Environment: Allows pets to join their owners during a fun game of frisbee golf.
- Frisbee Golf Course: Offers a challenging, outdoor activity for all ages and skill levels.
- Park Amenities: Provides additional amenities such as picnic areas, walking trails, and playgrounds.
12. Meadow Park
A park featuring a dog park, walking trails, and playgrounds that are pet-friendly.
- Dog Park: Allows dogs to play off-leash in a designated space.
- Walking Trails: Offers scenic walks with various lengths and difficulties.
- Playgrounds for Children: Provides recreational areas for children to play and enjoy.
13. Waveland Park
A riverfront park offering pet-friendly areas with picnic tables.
- Pet-Friendly Areas: Allows pets to enjoy the park in designated spaces.
- Riverfront Location: Provides scenic views of the Des Moines River and opportunities for water activities.
- Picnic Tables: Offers facilities for families and friends to enjoy meals together during their visit.
14. Fort Des Moines Park
A park with walking trails, a dog park, and historic fort ruins.
- Dog Park: Allows dogs to play off-leash in a designated space.
- Walking Trails: Offers scenic walks with various lengths and difficulties.
- Historic Fort Ruins: Provides an opportunity to learn about the history of Des Moines.
15. Jordan Park
A neighborhood park with a dog park, picnic areas, and a playground.
- Dog Park: Allows dogs to play off-leash in a designated space.
- Picnic Areas: Provides facilities for families and friends to enjoy meals together during their visit.
- Playgrounds for Children: Offers recreational areas for children to play and enjoy.