Water Works Park

Size and Location

Tucked southwest of downtown Des Moines, Water Works Park sprawls across a whopping 1,500 acres of urban greenspace. To put that in perspective, it's nearly twice the size of New York City's Central Park - pretty impressive for Iowa!

The park stretches from Fleur Drive all the way west to 63rd Street, with the Raccoon River creating a natural northern boundary and George Flagg Parkway running along its southern edge.

Dual Purpose

What makes this park particularly unique is its double life. Yes, it's a beautiful recreational space, but it's also working hard behind the scenes.

Since the 1920s and 30s, this land has served as the first water source for Des Moines Water Works, helping to meet the drinking water needs of around 500,000 Greater Des Moines residents. The organization originally acquired this upstream land to protect the Raccoon River water source - environmental foresight that gave us the wonderful park we enjoy today.

Features and Attractions

Wandering through Water Works Park, you can find a mix of open spaces, wooded areas, and well-maintained trails ideal for a morning jog or afternoon stroll. During spring, don't miss the Arie den Boer Arboretum - one of the world's largest collections of flowering crab apple trees.

With roughly 300 varieties, the arboretum bursts into an incredible display of colors and shapes that can make even amateur photographers look like pros. If fishing is your thing, you're in luck.

The park has multiple spots along the river and several ponds for fishing. The extensive network of both paved and unpaved trails is great for walkers, runners, and cyclists looking to get some exercise without leaving the city.

Over recent years, the park has seen thoughtful renovations that enhance the visitor experience while carefully preserving its essential role as a water source.

Recreation and Amenities

The trails throughout Water Works Park connect to the broader Des Moines trail system, meaning you can extend your outdoor adventure well beyond park boundaries if you're feeling ambitious. There's a wooden playground near the amphitheater - a nice change from typical plastic play structures.

Planning a gathering? You can find numerous picnic areas scattered around the park, complete with tables. Some areas even offer shelter houses that you can reserve ahead of time.

Restroom facilities are available in designated areas throughout the park. Your four-legged friends are welcome too! The park is dog-friendly with plenty of open spaces for them to explore, though you'll need to keep them leashed when you're on the paved trails.

Events and Connections

The Lauridsen Amphitheater, completed in 2019, has quickly become one of Des Moines' premier outdoor music venues. With capacity for events hosting anywhere from 2,000 to 25,000 people, it brings a vibrant cultural element to the park during the year.

Need to quench your thirst after exploring? The Des Moines Biergarten offers a relaxing spot to enjoy craft beers during warmer months. It's a wonderful place to unwind after a day of outdoor activities.

One of the coolest features has to be the illuminated tunnel under Fleur Drive that connects Water Works Park to the neighboring Gray's Lake Park. This passageway connects the two green spaces and is illuminated at night - it's popular with local photographers.

Natural Beauty

Perhaps what makes Water Works Park truly special is its abundant natural beauty. The mix of open fields, dense woods, and peaceful waterways creates diverse ecosystems all within city limits.

It's an excellent spot for birdwatching, photography, or simply finding a quiet moment amid nature. The sunsets here are genuinely spectacular, casting golden light across the landscape. And as the seasons change, so does the park's personality - from spring blossoms to summer greenery, fall foliage, and winter's serene stillness, each visit offers something new to discover.