Greenwood Park

A Park With Stories to Tell

Found in the heart of Des Moines, Greenwood Park spans a generous 81 acres of green space with roots reaching back to 1894. What started as T.E. Brown's private retreat eventually found its way into public hands as the city expanded and sought more breathing room for its residents.

Nature's Canvas

At the center of it all sits a picturesque pond where fishing enthusiasts can try their luck with bass, bluegill, and catfish regularly stocked by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. During summer, you can take a peaceful stroll along the boardwalk that hugs the water's edge.

The park's urban wetland area is a little oasis for local critters and plants doing their thing away from the city hustle. Mature trees create patches of welcome shade around the grounds, and if you're here in autumn, you're in for a treat as the leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of warm colors.

Kid-Friendly Fun

For the little ones, Greenwood offers several play areas. The playground comes in two flavors: a larger climbing structure with multiple slides for the older adventure-seekers, and a smaller, more manageable setup for the preschool crowd. The classic merry-go-round and monkey bars still hold their own against more modern play equipment.

When temperatures climb, the splashground near 45th Street becomes the coolest spot in the park - literally. With its natural stone and concrete pillars, it's a refreshing escape on hot days. Just keep in mind that things can get slippery when wet.

Get Moving

Active types have plenty of options here. The park features tennis courts, while an extensive network of both paved and unpaved trails welcomes walkers, joggers, and mountain biking enthusiasts. Some paths connect to neighboring parks, including the Trestle to Trestle trailhead.

Speaking of mountain biking, the trails here are something special. Flowing single-track with a mix of challenging climbs, descents, and technical sections attract riders from around the region.

Gather Round

Greenwood offers enclosed and open shelters that you can reserve for events like graduation celebrations and wedding ceremonies. The shelters are well-maintained and suitable for various occasions.

For more casual get-togethers, picnic areas dot the landscape complete with tables and charcoal grills. These spots let you enjoy a meal surrounded by nature's backdrop.

Beyond Recreation

The park offers more than just physical activities. Public art installations add unexpected moments of creativity along your visit, while an open-air classroom brings educational opportunities to this outdoor setting. A beautiful water fountain functions as another visual highlight worth seeking out.

Photographers - both amateur and professional - often use Greenwood's scenery as their backdrop. The park offers spaces for exercise, learning, creativity, and relaxation in the heart of Des Moines.