Surprising Outdoor Recreation Opportunities in DSM

Outdoor recreation makes life more fulfilling, supports good health and brings about a sense of community through a shared passion. Here are some options in Greater Des Moines (DSM) that offer adventure and one-of-a-kind experiences.  

Biking in Greater Des Moines 

With over 800 miles of connected trails, DSM is a biker’s dream, with varied terrains, plenty of trailside stops for beer and grub, and a strong biking community.  

• Sycamore Trail in Johnston 
• Chichaqua Valley Trail in Polk and Jasper Counties 
• Hike-Bike Trail System in Newton 
• High Trestle Trail (passes through Ankeny, don’t miss the a 13-story bridge!) 
• Raccoon River Trail (89 miles, passes through 14 communities, including Adel) 
• Volksweg Trail in Pella (Winds along Lake Red Rock and the Des Moines River) 
• Central Iowa Trails Association 
• Street Collective 
• Bike Iowa  

Hiking and Walking Adventures in Greater Des Moines 

Take a leisurely stroll, a challenging hike, or something in between.

• Annet Nature Center & Park Forest Therapy Walk Shinrin-Yoku 
• Architectural Treasures Walking Tour in Grinnell 
• Architectural Walking Tours in Downtown Des Moines 
• Black Iowa Outdoors Hiking Trips 
• Brenton Arboretum Walking Tours 
• Story Walk in the Park in Pleasant Hill 
• Senior Walks in Newton 
• Wander Women Backpacking Trips 

Public Land for Exploring, Fishing and More in Greater Des Moines

Nature is all around in DSM. Get out and find your favorite.

• Badger Creek State Park in Van Meter  
• Big Creek State Park in Polk City 
• Carney Marsh in Ankeny 
• Cecil Rivers Timber Wildlife Area in Poweshiek County 
• Easter Lake Park in Des Moines 
• Elk Rock State Park in Knoxville 
• Engeldinger Marsh in Maxwell 
• Gray’s Lake Park in Downtown Des Moines 
• Jester Park in Polk County 
• Kuehn Conservation Area in Dallas County 
• Lake Ahquabi in Indianola 
• Lake Keomah State Park in Oskaloosa 
• Margo Frankel Woods State Park in Des Moines 
• Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Jasper County 
• Pammel State Park in Madison County 
• Purple Martin Lakes in Polk County 
• Stewart Bird Sanctuary in Marshall County 
• Walnut Woods State Park in West Des Moines 
• White Oak Conservation Area in Mahaska County 
• Woodland Mounds State Preserve in Warren County 
• Yellow Banks Park in Pleasant Hill 

If you fish or hunt, check out the Iowa Department of Natural Resource’s Go Outdoors Iowa app, too, for information on regulations, licensing and more. 

Boating / Paddling and Water Activities in Greater Des Moines 

Enjoy recreation on the water, from lakes to rivers. And stay tuned as the ICON Water Trails continues to roll out more amenities, including white water rafting.  

• Fort Des Moines Park 
• ICON Water Trails 
  • Beaver Creek 
  • Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt in Clive 
  • Des Moines River 
  • Four Mile Creek 
  • Raccoon River 
  • Skunk River 
• Red Rock Marina in Pella 
• Saylorville Lake in Polk City 
• Paddling Rentals at Discovery Pond in Jester Park in Granger 
• Wander Women Paddling Trips  
• Central Iowa Paddlers Facebook Group

This Could Be Your Backyard

Make your move to DSM and all this could be right outside your front door. Coupled with a low cost of living, fulfilling job opportunities and amenities galore, Greater Des Moines is where you can find your greater.  

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