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BEST RATED DES MOINES, IA PUBLIC PARKS

3 Best Public Parks in Des Moines, IA

Expert-recommended Top 3 Public Parks in Des Moines, Iowa. All of our 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 - Des Moines, IA Public Parks
Raccoon River Park - Des Moines, IA Public Parks
Raccoon River Park - Des Moines, IA Public Parks
Best Public Parks in Des Moines IA - Raccoon River Park video
11+ YEARS IN TBR
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RACCOON RIVER PARK

(4.9 Score)
2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines,
Des Moines, IA 50265 Directions

Since 1994

Specialty:

✓ Dog Parking ✓ Green House ✓ Walking Trails ✓ Bike Riding ✓ Tennis ✓ Basketball and Volleyball Courts ✓ Sports and Event Conducting Areas ✓ Shelters ✓ Slides ✓ Restrooms ✓ Gardens ✓ Jogging ✓ Kids Grounds ✓ Playgrounds ✓ Tables ✓ Stone Benches ✓ Fishing Areas ✓ Boat Ramp ✓ Fishing Pier ✓ Inclusive Playground ✓ Picnic Shelters ✓ Grills and Picnic Tables ✓ Multi-use Walking and Biking Trails ✓ Soccer Fields ✓ Softball Complex ✓ Open Green Spaces ✓ Restroom Buildings ✓ Parking Areas ✓ Dog Park

"Raccoon River Park has boat access, making it a great spot for people who enjoy water-based games. The park features recreational experiences, along with hundreds of acres of natural areas for wildlife. The path is perfect for a stroll or bike ride around the lake. The half-acre-sized area provides entertainment for kids and adults of all ages. The nature lodge is a multipurpose space used for recreation programs, hosting weddings, business meetings, and family reunions.

2026 Update: Raccoon River Park features Blue Heron Lake, where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, paddle sports, and a peaceful waterfront. A 3.2-mile walking loop around the lake, offering a mix of crushed rock and paved surfaces suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. Families can enjoy an inclusive playground designed with separate play zones for different age groups and sensory-friendly activities. The park includes large sports complexes with softball diamonds and soccer fields that regularly host community games and tournaments. It has outdoor shelters with grills and picnic areas, making the park a popular location for reunions, birthday parties, and casual gatherings."

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Price:

BOAT COST:
Single Kayakhour $15
Tandem Kayak Or Canoehour $20
All Boats Shuttle Fee + Back To Raccoon River Park $12

Contact:

(515) 222-3444

Mon-Sun: 7am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Union Park - Des Moines, IA Public Parks
Union Park - Des Moines, IA Public Parks
Union Park - Des Moines, IA Public Parks
Best Public Parks in Des Moines IA - Union Park video
3+ YEARS IN TBR
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UNION PARK

(4.8 Score)
2009 Saylor Road,
Des Moines, IA 50313 Directions

Since 1894

Specialty:

✓ Accessible Playgrounds ✓ Enclosed Shelters ✓ Open Shelter ✓ Splash Pool ✓ Restrooms ✓ Picnic Tables ✓ Benches ✓ Charcoal Grills ✓ Drinking Fountains ✓ Parking Lots ✓ Tennis Courts ✓ Open Spaces ✓ Children’s Playgrounds ✓ Picnic Shelters ✓ Open Green Spaces ✓ Shaded Seating Areas ✓ Walking Paths ✓ Parking Facilities ✓ Sports and Recreation Fields ✓ Family Picnic Areas

"Union Park provides numerous amenities, including accessible playgrounds, enclosed and open shelters, a splash pool, charcoal grills, drinking fountains, parking lots, tennis courts, and ample open space. The first Rocketslide was introduced as part of Astro City, a playground that made the park a favourite among all visitors. The central structure of the playset had stainless steel ribs to protect its fibreglass surface from wear and tear.

2026 Update: Union Park is widely recognized for its iconic rocket-shaped playground slide, a long-standing landmark of local families. The Heritage Carousel provides guests with a traditional fairground feel by offering rides on a nostalgic, historic attraction located within the park. Park has large shaded trees and open grassy spaces that provide comfortable areas for picnics, relaxation, and outdoor games during warmer seasons. The park includes splash and water play features that help families cool off during the summer months. Union Park Splashpad. Union Park is located near the Des Moines River corridor, giving visitors access to scenic surroundings and nearby trails."

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License #1023679057

Contact:

(515) 237-1386

Mon-Sun: 6am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Ewing Park - Des Moines, IA Public Parks
Ewing Park - Des Moines, IA Public Parks
Ewing Park - Des Moines, IA Public Parks
Best Public Parks in Des Moines IA - Ewing Park video
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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EWING PARK

(4.7 Score)
5300 Indianola Avenue,
Des Moines, IA 50320 Directions

Since 1937

Specialty:

✓ Picnic Pavilions ✓ Green Space ✓ Jogging ✓ Statues ✓ Grills ✓ Frisbees ✓ Slides ✓ Volleyball Courts ✓ Lake ✓ Tables ✓ Playgrounds ✓ Dog Parking ✓ Skatepark ✓ Sports Place ✓ Event Conducting Areas ✓ Fishing ✓ Ponds ✓ Open-air Shelter ✓ Hiking ✓ Swings ✓ Restrooms ✓ Aquatic Centre ✓ Gardens ✓ Walking Trail ✓ Picnic Areas ✓ Shaded Seating Spots ✓ Walking Paths ✓ Family Recreation Areas ✓ Seasonal Attractions ✓ Parking Facilities ✓ Community Event Spaces

"Ewing 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 exercise. Spending time with family or friends at the park is a fantastic way to start the day. Ewing Park covers a 35-acre area with over 1,000 lilac bushes, known for its beautiful blooms and fragrance in late spring. One can listen to the chirping birds while walking in the morning.

2026 Update: Ewing Park is especially known for its famous rocket-style slide, which has remained a popular landmark for children and visitors over the years. Families visiting the park can also enjoy the nearby carousel attraction, adding a nostalgic amusement experience to the area. It had spacious grassy sections and mature shade trees that created comfortable spots for outdoor relaxation, casual games, and picnics. Seasonal water play areas help make the park a favorite summer destination for children and families. The park’s layout supports both active recreation and quiet leisure, making it suitable for walkers, families, and community gatherings."

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Price:

PARK RENTAL FEE:
Per Hour $50

Contact:

(515) 237-1386

Mon-Sun: 6am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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RACCOON RIVER PARK REVIEWS

Our family loves raccoon river park. It’s been a staple location over the years and we love the new playground! It’s really wonderful to see that a lot of care and thought went into the playground renovation. They have many safety features as well as lots of options for those with different abilities.

Absolutely beautiful and brilliant park. The equipment is all ability inclusive. My 10 month old and 2 year old had a blast. So much for them to do and to climb on. Had a great time. The restrooms are closed for the winter but there is a portable potty there if you need it.

Amazing urban park for the region. The infrastructure is in top shape and there were many people happily using the park in various ways when we visited yesterday.

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UNION PARK REVIEWS

Union park is a spot that brings back many childhood memories for residents of Des Moines. The size of this park is enough to entertain many families at once. There are 2 playgrounds, shelters with bbq grills, restrooms, and of course the historic rocket slide. There is also a wading pool tennis court, and a carousel. The carousel is closed at this time though. The park is well manicured and has a large open area for any outdoor games. When winter rolls around, bring your sleds and snowboards to the park. There are at least two nice sized hills to keep both kids and adults entertained. This park is one of the better parks in the city because it has so much to offer at all times of the year. Enjoy!

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.

Beautiful park, especially love the wide open fields and old trees in the south half and northeast corners of the park. Opens to the marina and onto Birdland Drive. I feel lucky to live so close to it.

EWING PARK REVIEWS

This is a nice big open park to do some walking or disc golf. You can tell it’s a good disc golf course by how many people are there on any given day. I especially like that parts of the course are covered by trees for some nice shade. Whenever I run into people here they’re always pleasant and polite. You could even just drive to the parking lot and enjoy the nice view facing west from your car, overlooking the hill and the beautiful collection of trees. One of my favorite areas of the South Side.

the playground is amazing my so loves it we have went hear for years it so nice the groung is all in rubber pads to help keep kids safe and they have nice punic areas to a gaint jungle jim .they evan have box car races .its a great place to spend time with ure kids.

Spacious park with many paths and activities- from playgrounds, to a bmx track, mountain bike trail, and soapbox racing track, in addition to just strolling areas. This place is great- my family and I can’t wait to go back and experience more of this!

TBR® Inspection Score Report

RACCOON RIVER PARK Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Legitimate Ratings: 9
Reviews Accuracy of : 9
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Video: 10
Website Source: 10
Website Standard: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

UNION PARK Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Legitimate Ratings: 8
Acknowledgments: 9
Reviews Accuracy of : 9
Website Source: 9
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Page Maintenance: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

EWING PARK Total Inspection Points: 113/120
Acknowledgments: 8
Legitimate Ratings: 8
Reviews Accuracy of : 8
Website Source: 9
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Exact Services: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Page Maintenance: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10
Website Standard: 10