Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Des Moines River Trail
A 51-mile trail along the Des Moines River, perfect for biking and walking with scenic views of downtown and parks.
- Length: One of the longest continuous urban trails in Iowa
- Scenery: Offers a variety of landscapes, from downtown to natural areas
- Connectivity: Links multiple parks and attractions across the city
2. Grand Avenue
A vibrant 4-mile street with a bike lane and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, featuring local shops, restaurants, and art.
- Local Culture: Showcases Des Moines' unique arts and culture scene
- Dining Options: Offers a wide variety of cuisines from casual to upscale dining
- Community Events: Hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year
3. High Trestle Trail Bridge
A scenic suspension bridge over the Des Moines River Valley, offering stunning views and a unique biking experience.
- Architecture: Features an illuminated light display at night
- Length: Suspension bridge spans 13 stories high and 1,400 feet long
- Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of the Des Moines River Valley
4. Jordan Creek Parkway
A 12-mile paved trail along Jordan Creek, perfect for biking and walking with plenty of shopping and dining options nearby.
- Shopping: Surrounded by popular outlet malls and shopping centers
- Dining Options: Close proximity to a wide variety of restaurants
- Nature: Features natural areas, wetlands, and wildlife viewing opportunities
5. Brenton Arboretum
A 20-acre botanical garden with miles of walking trails and a biking path, showcasing over 400 species of trees.
- Tree Species: Features rare and unique tree species
- Size: Covers 20 acres with over 1,500 trees
- Scenery: Beautiful year-round landscapes and seasonal blooms
6. Waterworks Park Bike Path
A paved trail that runs through Waterworks Park, offering a variety of biking trails and beautiful scenery.
- Variety of Trails: Includes single-track mountain bike trails, a pump track, and BMX course
- Size: Over 10 miles of connected trails within the park
- Scenery: Surrounded by gardens, ponds, and natural areas
7. Raccoon River Valley Trail
A 128-mile trail that stretches from Des Moines to Jefferson, perfect for biking and walking through rural Iowa.
- Length: One of the longest trails in the state
- Scenery: Offers a mix of urban, rural, and natural landscapes
- Connectivity: Links multiple communities along its route
8. Downtown Des Moines Loop
A 3.5-mile loop around downtown Des Moines with bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, featuring museums, parks, and more.
- Attractions: Passes by popular attractions like the State Capitol and Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Culture: Showcases Des Moines' vibrant arts and culture scene
- Connectivity: Easy access to restaurants, shops, and public transportation
9. Saylorville Lake
A large lake with a bike trail that encircles it, offering beautiful views and opportunities for fishing and boating.
- Size: Covers over 10,000 acres with a 26-mile perimeter trail
- Activities: Offers fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities
- Scenery: Surrounded by natural areas and wildlife viewing opportunities
10. Greenbelt Park
A large urban park with over 2 miles of paved trails for biking and walking, featuring a lake, playgrounds, and sports fields.
- Activities: Offers sports facilities like tennis courts, soccer fields, and basketball courts
- Size: Covers over 100 acres with a variety of recreational options
- Scenery: Surrounded by natural areas and features a picturesque lake
11. Walnut Woods State Park
A large state park with over 7 miles of trails for biking and hiking, featuring a lake, campgrounds, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Activities: Offers camping, fishing, and boating opportunities
- Size: Covers over 1,000 acres with a variety of recreational options
- Scenery: Surrounded by natural areas and features a picturesque lake
12. Meadow View Trail
A 6-mile trail through Meadowview Prairie State Preserve, offering a unique look at Iowa's native prairies and wildlife.
- Nature: Features a beautiful native prairie landscape
- Length: 6 miles of connected trails through the preserve
- Wildlife: Offers opportunities to view native Iowa wildlife
13. Indian Creek Bike Trail
A 7-mile paved trail that runs along Indian Creek, offering a peaceful biking and walking experience through Des Moines' residential areas.
- Length: 7 miles of continuous trail
- Scenery: Features beautiful natural areas and residential neighborhoods
- Connectivity: Connects to other trails in the city, making it easy to explore more
14. Western Gateway Park
A large riverfront park with a bike trail that runs along the Des Moines River, offering beautiful views and recreational opportunities.
- Scenery: Features beautiful views of the Des Moines River and downtown skyline
- Activities: Offers recreational facilities like tennis courts, soccer fields, and a skate park
- Connectivity: Connected to other trails in the city, making it easy to explore more
15. Prairie City Railway Park
A park with a bike trail that runs along an old railroad line, offering a scenic biking and walking experience through rural Iowa.
- Scenery: Features beautiful views of the countryside and historic train structures
- Length: 10 miles of connected trail, with plans to expand
- Connectivity: Connected to other trails in the area, making it easy to explore more