Best Parks & Green Spaces in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Jester Park
A beautiful park with a variety of recreational facilities including fishing, golfing, picnicking, and hiking trails.
- Large Size: Spans over 800 acres, making it one of the largest parks in Des Moines.
- Diverse Activities: Offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.
- Natural Beauty: Features a scenic lake and beautiful wooded areas.
2. Waterworks Park
A popular spot for outdoor concerts, festivals, and events with spectacular views of the Des Moines River.
- Entertainment Hub: Hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
- Riverfront Location: Offers scenic views of the Des Moines River.
- Spacious Green Spaces: Has plenty of room for picnicking, playing games, or just relaxing.
3. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
A tranquil oasis featuring a variety of gardens, including a tropical paradise and a desert garden.
- Variety of Gardens: Includes ten different themed gardens.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for visitors of all ages.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts by growing and displaying plants from around the world.
4. Gray's Lake Park
A popular destination for outdoor activities such as biking, running, fishing, and picnicking.
- Lake Access: Has a large lake for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
- Recreational Trails: Features paved trails perfect for walking, running, or biking.
- Community Events: Hosts community events throughout the year.
5. Waterland Pavilion at Walnut Woods State Park
A unique water recreation area with a floating dock and a sandy beach.
- Water Activities: Offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
- Nature Trails: Has hiking trails through beautiful wooded areas.
- Picnic Areas: Provides picnic spots for a relaxing lunch after water activities.
6. Saylorville Lake
A large lake perfect for boating, fishing, and other water sports with campgrounds nearby.
- Water Activities: Offers boating, fishing, and other water activities.
- Camping: Has campgrounds for overnight stays.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the lake.
7. Riverview Park
A riverside park offering scenic views, picnic areas, and a playground for kids.
- Riverside Location: Located along the Des Moines River.
- Picnic Spots: Has several picnic spots for a leisurely lunch.
- Playground: Features a playground for kids to enjoy.
8. Franklin Avenue Library Park
A small park with a library, playground, and picnic areas.
- Library Access: Includes a public library for bookworms.
- Playground: Features a playground for kids to enjoy.
- Picnic Spots: Provides picnic spots for a leisurely lunch.
9. Principal Park
A baseball stadium that doubles as a park with green spaces and a dog park.
- Baseball Stadium: Home to the Des Moines Cubs.
- Green Spaces: Has ample green spaces for picnicking and relaxing.
- Dog Park: Includes a dog park for furry friends to play.
10. Dunlap Bridge Park
A peaceful park with a scenic bridge over the Raccoon River.
- Scenic Bridge: Features a picturesque bridge over the Raccoon River.
- Picnic Spots: Provides picnic spots for a leisurely lunch.
- Trails: Has trails for walking, running, or biking.
11. Raccoon River Park
A park along the Raccoon River with fishing, picnicking, and a playground.
- Riverfront Location: Located along the scenic Raccoon River.
- Fishing: Offers fishing opportunities.
- Playground: Features a playground for kids to enjoy.
12. Pioneer Park
A historic park featuring a farm, pavilion, and walking trails.
- Historic Farm: Features a working historic farm.
- Pavilion: Has a pavilion for events and gatherings.
- Walking Trails: Offers walking trails through beautiful wooded areas.
13. Ewing Park
A community park with a swimming pool, playground, and sports facilities.
- Swimming Pool: Has an outdoor pool for summer enjoyment.
- Playground: Features a playground for kids to enjoy.
- Sports Facilities: Includes basketball courts, tennis courts, and football fields.
14. Meadow Park
A peaceful park with a walking trail, playground, and picnic areas.
- Walking Trail: Features a scenic walking trail.
- Playground: Has a playground for kids to enjoy.
- Picnic Spots: Provides picnic spots for a leisurely lunch.
15. Walnut Woods State Park
A large state park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a water recreation area.
- Hiking Trails: Features numerous hiking trails through beautiful wooded areas.
- Picnic Spots: Provides picnic spots for a leisurely lunch.
- Water Recreation Area: Includes a unique water recreation area with a floating dock and sandy beach.