GRAY'S LAKE PARK
2101 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50315 Directions
Here’s The Deal:
Gray's Lake is the 167-acre park that features a 1.9-mile lighted trail that surrounds the lake. It is a dog-friendly place where you can walk around. It has a two-mile walking trail, where you can rent the boats. The neighboring Raccoon River back-up 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.
SPECIALTY:
Boat Launch, and 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. It is a 260-acre nature reserve with trails, camping, river boating, fishing, and a 1930s lodge for rentals. 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. It 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 Trails, 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 the main city forest protection area in Iowa which provides 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. It can only be accessed by cross-country or foot skis. The park provides quality outdoor entertainment, environmental awareness to Polk County residents and tourists. There are two amphitheaters for the wooden bench, lots of geocaches, lunch picnic tables, and clean toilets. Brown's Woods is a great place to get good exercise and to connect with nature.
SPECIALTY:
Geocaching, Walking, Hunting, Hiking, Park, Road, and Mountain Biking, Plants, Outdoor Activities, Nature Trips, Running, Wild Flowers, Trapping Animals, Forest Lake & Cutting Wood