Raccoon River Park, situated in West Des Moines, is a highly sought-after and picturesque park spanning 631.61 acres. The park is a haven for fishing enthusiasts and water lovers, offering boat access to the river. Additionally, it features a range of recreational experiences, including a hundred acres of natural areas for wildlife. Raccoon River Park is equipped with numerous facilities, including a fishing pier, boathouse, boat ramp, soccer and softball complexes, charcoal BBQ grills, a multi-use trail, a nature lodge, and an ice rink. The path around the lake is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride. The half-acre area is an excellent source of entertainment for individuals of all ages. Furthermore, the nature lodge is a versatile and multipurpose space utilized for recreation programs, weddings, business meetings, and family reunions.
Best Public Parks in Des Moines
Handpicked Top 3 Public Parks in Des Moines, Iowa. All of our public parks actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!
RACCOON RIVER PARK REVIEWS
I have so many great things to say about this place. First of all, there is something for EVERYONE here. If you have children, they have very nice playground equipment. If you enjoy taking a dip, they have a large beach you can go to whether you want to sunbathe, people watch or take a swim. Amongst these areas you can also find pretty nice restrooms and picnic tables. The walking trails are well kept, very scenic and easy to walk. Because the trails are kept so well, biking is also a breeze. There is a baseball field nearby where you can go enjoy a hot dog and watch a game. My favorite part of it all is the dog park!!!! It is massive, well kept and there is access to water everywhere for your dog. Not to mention the fact that there is a separate dog park for smaller pups.
Beautiful park that offers many activities: walking, jogging, kayaking, fishing, softball, soccer, swimming, dog park and so much more!
Beautiful and just what the soul needed. Loved the walk path and the mini beach. Wish I knew we could fish on the other side of the lake cause we would've brought the gear but I will definitely be going again.
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Ewing Park is a sprawling and breathtaking park that covers 355 acres of parkland. The park is equipped with a traditional playground, an 18-hole disc golf course, a nature trail, and a soapbox derby track. Ewing Park features three trails, a jump line, and two flow paths. The park also boasts a children's play area, a nature conservation area, and picturesque paths. Additionally, there are ample parking areas available for visitors. The park is open year-round and is free for all to enter. Ewing Park is an ideal spot for picnics, morning walks, jogs, and exercises. Spending time with family or friends at the park is a fantastic way to start the day. One can listen to the chirping birds while walking in the morning. Don't wait any longer; visit the park today.
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EWING PARK REVIEWS
I love visiting this park. Great playground, walking trail, and for the cyclist they have off road trails that and can also be used for hiking.
Ewing Park is amazing and a blessing to be able to visit. I have fond memories of flying kites there as a child on Mother's Day. In my twenties I began enjoying disc golf there. Now I love going whenever I get a chance to walk the dogs while I play an unofficial round. With Easter Lake and the dog park nearby, this area of Des Moines allows you time to reflect on how good life can truly be. 5 stars.
This park is very big and has many different things to offer depending on what time of year you're going. The disc golf course is amazing, there's a BMX trail, a downhill Derby track, playgrounds for kids, and a nice trail to walk your dog.
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Union Park is a highly regarded and widely recognized park in Des Moines, IA. The park boasts numerous amenities, including accessible playgrounds, enclosed and open shelters, a splash pool, restrooms, picnic tables, benches, charcoal grills, drinking fountains, parking lots, tennis courts, and ample open space. Notably, the first Rocketslide was introduced as part of Astro City, a playground that made its debut in 1967 at the National Recreation and Park Congress in Miami Beach, FL. The playground quickly gained popularity during the space craze of the 1950s and 1960s. The Rocketslide was attached to the Agena Tower, the central structure of the playset, and had stainless steel ribs to protect its fiberglass surface from wear and tear. However, at some point, the Rocketslide was removed from Union Park.
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UNION PARK REVIEWS
The rocket slide is a favorite from My childhood! I’m glad to see it’s being renovated. The carousel is another classic. Love to walk my dog in the park with all the mature trees and shaded paths. We recently hosted a community event there with free fall photos.
Union Park has several different play structures designed for different ages/abilities which are uniquely designed of the DSM parks. There's also a splash pad, the rocket slide (which is currently out of commission), lots of green space and trees. My kids enjoyed the structure and then settled into playing with mulch haha.
Good amount of open space. Multiple playgrounds. Merry-go-round on site as well. The park seems decently maintained and there is ample parking.
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