GRAY'S LAKE PARK
2101 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50315 DIRECTIONS
Here’s The Deal:
Gray's Lake Park is a 167-acre park with a 1.9-mile lighted trail surrounding the lake. The park is a dog-friendly place where you can walk around. The park has a two-mile walking trail, where you can rent the boats. The neighboring Raccoon River backup waters and stormwater supply water to the park's 100-acre iconic lake. Gray's Lake has a circular jogging trail with rainbow lights that make it sparkle during the evening. The hours of Gray's Lake Park vary seasonally, so visitors can call upfront or review their website before planning their trip. There are plenty of grassy areas to lay out blankets and enjoy a nice day. Guests can also rent paddleboats, sailboats, or kayaks to enjoy the lake. Gray's Lake Park is a place to get out and enjoy the town. The park features restrooms, off-street parking, open space, a boat ramp, a playground, and a walking/bike path.
SPECIALTY:
Hiking, Boat Launch, Ramps, Canoeing, Fishing, Activities, Boardwalks, Beach, Birdwatching, Sailing, Marinas, Park Resource Center, Biking, Swimming, Playground, Water Play Areas, Picnicking, Views, Picnic Tables, Walking & Grills
TBR® Inspection Report:
WALNUT WOODS STATE PARK
3155 Walnut Woods Drive, West Des Moines, Des Moines, IA 50265 DIRECTIONS
Here’s The Deal:
Walnut Woods State Park is a state park of Iowa located in West Des Moines, Iowa. The park is a 260-acre nature reserve with trails, camping, river boating, fishing, and a 1930s lodge for rentals. The park has more than two miles of trails, meandering through wooded bottomland along the Raccoon River. Visitors can explore the 90 bird species in the park. Walnut Woods State Park protects the bottomland hardwood forest and North America's largest natural stand of black walnut trees. The park has an unpaved hiking trail that is about 2 miles long which takes you through lush woods with beautiful views of the Raccoon River. The park also features a fun playground for the kids to play on. Visitors can also enjoy the Boat Ramp and Full-Hookup Campsites here.
SPECIALTY:
Bird Observation Stations, Hiking, Playground, Boat Ramp, Picnic Areas, Modern Restrooms, Electric and, Full-Hookup Campsites, Firewood Sales & Dump Station
TBR® Inspection Report:
BROWN'S WOODS
465 Brown's Woods Drive, West Des Moines, Des Moines, IA 50265 DIRECTIONS
Since 1972
Here’s The Deal:
Brown's Woods is Iowa's main city forest protection area, providing more than four miles of trails to visit. The 486-acre woodland of West Des Moines comprises a canopy of oak and hickory trees enhancing from Brown's Woods Drive to Raccoon Creek. Brown's Woodland is fun to visit at any time of year. The park can only be accessed by cross-country or foot skis. The park has quality outdoor entertainment and environmental awareness for Polk County residents and tourists. There are two amphitheaters for the wooden bench, lots of geocaches, lunch picnic tables, and clean toilets. The park of Wildlife preserve is filled with oak and hickory trees as well as trails for hiking and geocaching. Brown's Woods is a great place to get good exercise and connect with nature.
SPECIALTY:
Geocaching, Walking, Hunting, Hiking, Park, Road, Mountain Biking, Plants, Outdoor Activities, Nature Trips, Running, Wild Flowers, Trapping Animals, Forest Lake & Cutting Wood