McHenry Park

Natural Beauty

The views of the Des Moines skyline are one of the first things you'll notice at McHenry Park, and the overlook of Riverview Park and the valley is the kind of spot where you might find yourself pausing just to take it all in. It's one of those classic neighborhood green spaces in Des Moines, Iowa, that feels like a breath of fresh air in the urban landscape.

It's the kind of place where you can escape the daily grind without having to venture far from the city.

Modern Amenities

The park recently got a facelift with an updated playground that caters to kids of all ages. We love how they've thoughtfully divided it into separate sections - one for the little ones (ages 2-5) and another for the bigger kids (5-12). This smart design means siblings of different ages can play nearby each other while still having age-appropriate equipment.

On hot summer days, the splash pad offers relief with its small flowing river that kids enjoy splashing around in. It's a good option for cooling off with the family when temperatures climb.

Recreation Areas

There's plenty of open green space here that's great for tossing a football, playing catch, or just spreading out a blanket. The versatile lawns give you room to move without feeling cramped.

Planning a get-together? McHenry Park offers several picnic areas and a spacious shelter that can accommodate everything from intimate family gatherings to larger community events. Just keep in mind that outside of the reservation season (which kicks off in May), the shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis - so you might want to arrive early on nice days.

Trail Connections

What makes this park extra special is how it connects to Riverview Park via a paved trail. This means you can easily extend your outdoor adventure beyond McHenry's boundaries.

The well-maintained paths make this an ideal spot for a morning jog, afternoon walk, or casual bike ride. There's something calming about moving along these trails with the city skyline in the background.

Community Space

Feel free to bring your four-legged friends along - the park is dog-friendly and welcomes the whole family, pets included.

You'll discover restroom facilities conveniently located near the parking area, which is always a plus when you're planning to spend a few hours outdoors.

With its mix of natural scenery, updated facilities, and play areas for children of different ages, McHenry Park offers a pleasant outdoor space close to the heart of Des Moines.