Ecotourism in Des Moines
The city of Des Moines continues to implement programs that focus on having a positive effect on the environment.Implementing the D-line, a free downtown shuttle stretching from the East Village to the west end of downtown, and the Des Moines B-cycle program are just a few ways the city has shown its greener side.
See our Central Iowa Bike Map and trails maps here.
Categories to Choose From
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Campgrounds
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Adventureland Campground
Adventureland Campground features full-service hookups, modern showers and restrooms, recreational areas, outdoor swimming and tent camping all in the best location. Our campground is seasonal, open April through October. Adventureland takes reservations for the season year-round. Conveniently located off Interstate 80 at Exit 142A.
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Iowa State Fairgrounds
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Polk County Conservation
Four Polk County Conservation campgrounds within a half-hour of Downtown Des Moines offer plenty of overnight camping choices. Campground shower houses are open mid-April through mid-October at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Jester Park, Thomas Mitchell Park and Yellow Banks Park.
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Gardens
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Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center
More than a place for plants, the Botanical Center is a place for people. The center's 15,000 exotic plants, special events, interactive display greenhouse and dining/meeting facilities make it an ideal place to work or play. Visit the Riverwalk Cafe and gift shop.
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Iowa Arboretum
A visit to the Iowa Arboretum's 378-acre facility is an experience you won't want to miss. The 40-acre 'Library of Living Plants' showcases hundreds of species of trees, shrubs and flowers. Visit our large and diverse display of plants that can be successfully grown in Iowa. An additional 330 acres offer unique woodland trails and a restored prairie walk.
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John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
In September 2009, the Des Moines Art Center and the City of Des Moines partnered to open a 4.4-acre sculpture park in the heart of Downtown Des Moines. It features 27 works of art donated to the museum by John and Mary Pappajohn from their renowned collection of contemporary sculptures.
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Reiman Gardens
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Horseback Riding
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Jester Park Equestrian Center
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Lakes
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Des Moines Park & Recreation
Des Moines Parks and Recreation offer a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming and tennis. Golf courses, swimming pools, community centers, trail systems, special events and activities create opportunities for all!
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Gray's Lake
With its many opportunities for walking, biking and other activities, Gray’s Lake is a great place to go to have a fun outdoor experience. Gray’s Lake Park consists of the 167-acre lake with a two-mile trail encircling. You can find many free activities to participate in throughout the year at the park.
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Polk County Conservation
Polk County Conservation manages 12,000 acres of prairies, wetlands, woodlands, trails and parks in Polk County. Their mission is to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education and the long-term protection of Polk County's natural heritage.
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Saylorville Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Located just north of Des Moines, Saylorville Lake is 26,000 acres with beautiful scenery all the way around. The Lake offers multiple boat launches, beaches, and outdoor recreation including camping, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife watching and more.
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Parks & Trails
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Altoona Parks & Recreation
Altoona Parks and Recreation offers over 200 acres of parks and 18 miles of bike trails. Activities include an aquatics park, skate park, rose garden, enabling garden, native prairies, disc golf, shelters, adult and youth sports and playgrounds. Come visit us.
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Ankeny Parks & Recreation
The city of Ankeny has the Prairie Ridge Youth Sports Complex, which includes a 9,000 square foot concrete skate park, aquatic center, Lakeside Center (3,500 square foot facility available for conferences and receptions), walking/biking trails and knowledgeable staff to assist our visitors.
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Center Street Pedestrian Bridge
The Center Street Pedestrian Bridge links the east and west sides of Des Moines at the northern edge of The Principal Riverwalk loop. The bridge features two separate pathways - one for walkers or joggers and one for bicyclists. The bridge is lit by colorful lights that reflect onto the water and truly make it a beautiful site to see in Des Moines.
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City of Windsor Heights
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Clive Parks & Recreation Department
The city of Clive has 15 parks, including our 300-acre greenbelt with nine miles of recreational trails. The aquatic center is open approximately Memorial Day through Labor Day and features pools, slides and a lazy river.
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Des Moines Park & Recreation
Des Moines Parks and Recreation offer a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming and tennis. Golf courses, swimming pools, community centers, trail systems, special events and activities create opportunities for all!
more info
Gray's Lake
With its many opportunities for walking, biking and other activities, Gray’s Lake is a great place to go to have a fun outdoor experience. Gray’s Lake Park consists of the 167-acre lake with a two-mile trail encircling. You can find many free activities to participate in throughout the year at the park.
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Johnston City Parks
Johnston offers many parks and miles of trails for you to enjoy. Many parks offer shelters and other amenities for your family potluck or other event. Check out our website to see what each park has to offer.
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Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is committed to restoring tall grass prairie and its associated habitats and wildlife. The facilities at the Refuge are available to the public for their use with the requirement that users provide time for a 15 minute Refuge presentation in their agenda.
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Polk County Conservation
Polk County Conservation manages 12,000 acres of prairies, wetlands, woodlands, trails and parks in Polk County. Their mission is to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education and the long-term protection of Polk County's natural heritage.
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Urbandale Parks & Recreation
Urbandale is home to 48 parks, 38 miles of trails and 900 acres of parkland, plus the only indoor public swimming pool in the metro, a bustling Senior Center, numerous sports fields and indoor/outdoor shelters (indoor facilities available for rent). An active Parks and Recreation department offers an abundance of leisure opportunities year-round.
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West Des Moines Parks & Recreation
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