Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Riverfront Park
A scenic riverside park with a variety of recreational activities, offering stunning views and opportunities for picnics, bike rides, and kayaking.
- Water Activities: Kayak rentals available
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful vistas of the Des Moines River
- Recreational Opportunities: Provides ample space for outdoor activities and events
2. Gray's Lake Park
A popular urban park featuring a picturesque lake, walking trails, and rental facilities for boats and bikes.
- Boat Rentals: Offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals
- Scenic Trails: Features walking trails along the lake's edge
- Picnic Areas: Provides ample space for picnics and outdoor gatherings
3. Water Works Park
An expansive park with a large lake, numerous trails, and a botanical garden.
- Botanical Garden: Features a beautiful collection of plants and flowers
- Lake Activities: Offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking
- Scenic Trails: Provides miles of walking and biking trails
4. Merle Hay Park
A park featuring a large lake, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
- Sports Facilities: Includes tennis courts, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds
- Lake Activities: Offers fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities
- Picnic Areas: Provides ample space for picnics and outdoor gatherings
5. Prairie Creek Park
A tranquil park with a creek, walking trails, and a playground.
- Walking Trails: Features walking trails along the creek
- Playground: Includes a children's playground area
- Nature Walks: Offers opportunities for nature walks and wildlife viewing
6. Saylorville Lake
A large reservoir offering boating, fishing, and picnicking.
- Boat Rentals: Offers boat rentals for exploring the lake
- Fishing: Popular spot for fishing, with a fish cleaning station provided
- Picnic Areas: Provides ample space for picnics and outdoor gatherings
7. River Bend Park
A picturesque park with a scenic overlook of the Des Moines River.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning vistas of the Des Moines River
- Walking Trails: Features walking trails along the river's edge
- Picnic Areas: Provides space for picnics and outdoor gatherings
8. Fleur Drive Park
A park along the Des Moines River with walking trails and a fishing pier.
- Fishing Pier: Features a fishing pier overlooking the river
- Walking Trails: Provides walking trails along the river's edge
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful vistas of the Des Moines River
9. Ewing Park
A park featuring a lake with opportunities for fishing and picnicking.
- Fishing: Popular spot for fishing, with a fish cleaning station provided
- Picnic Areas: Provides ample space for picnics and outdoor gatherings
- Lake Activities: Offers opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing
10. Jennifer McKee State Recreation Area
A scenic park with a lake, camping facilities, and hiking trails.
- Camping Facilities: Offers campsites for overnight stays
- Lake Activities: Features opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming
- Hiking Trails: Provides miles of hiking trails for exploring the park
11. Red Rock Park
A park with a scenic lake, walking trails, and picnic areas.
- Walking Trails: Features walking trails along the lake's edge
- Picnic Areas: Provides space for picnics and outdoor gatherings
- Scenic Lake: Offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature
12. Franklin Avenue Bridge Park
A park featuring a pedestrian bridge over the Des Moines River.
- Pedestrian Bridge: Offers a scenic walkway over the Des Moines River
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning vistas of the Des Moines River and surrounding cityscape
- Walking Trails: Features walking trails along both sides of the bridge
13. East Village Waterfront
A vibrant waterfront district with restaurants, shops, and riverfront events.
- Restaurants: Features a variety of dining options along the waterfront
- Shops: Includes unique boutiques and local shops
- Riverfront Events: Hosts numerous events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals
14. Kum & Go Park
A park with a lake, walking trails, and a skate park.
- Skate Park: Features a modern skatepark for skaters of all skill levels
- Walking Trails: Provides walking trails along the lake's edge
- Lake Activities: Offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming
15. Pioneer Park
A park along the Des Moines River with walking trails, a playground, and picnic areas.
- Walking Trails: Features walking trails along the river's edge
- Playground: Includes a children's playground area
- Picnic Areas: Provides space for picnics and outdoor gatherings