Parks within 100 miles of Des Moines, IA
Showing 9 of 28 parks within 100 miles of Des Moines
Walnut Woods State Park
State Park • IA • 6.8 mi
Overview Walnut Woods State Park is a quiet and scenic central Iowa park located along the Des Moines River just south of the city. Known for its mature…
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park
State Park • IA • 10 mi
Overview Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park is a modern outdoor recreation area in central Iowa, located just south of Des Moines near Indianola. Known for…
Big Creek State Park
State Park • IA • 17 mi
Overview Big Creek State Park is a popular water-focused recreation area in central Iowa, located just north of Des Moines near Polk City. Centered around the…
Lake Ahquabi State Park
State Park • IA • 21 mi
Overview Lake Ahquabi State Park is a classic central Iowa park centered around a scenic lake and rolling woodland terrain. Located just south of Indianola,…
Elk Rock State Park
State Park • IA • 31 mi
Overview Elk Rock State Park is a lakeside recreation area in central Iowa, located near the town of Pella along the shores of Lake Red Rock. Known for its…
Ledges State Park
State Park • IA • 31 mi
Overview Ledges State Park is one of Iowa’s most distinctive parks, known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and scenic river valley. Located…
Wildcat Den State Park
State Park • IA • 39 mi
Overview Wildcat Den State Park is a scenic eastern Iowa park known for its rugged sandstone formations, narrow valleys, and wooded ravines along Pine Creek.…
Rock Creek State Park
State Park • IA • 41 mi
Overview Rock Creek State Park is a scenic central Iowa park centered around a large lake and surrounded by rolling woodland and open countryside. Located near…
Red Haw State Park
State Park • IA • 45 mi
Overview Red Haw State Park is a quiet south-central Iowa park centered around a scenic lake and surrounded by gently rolling countryside. Known for its…
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Exploring Parks Within Driving Distance of Des Moines
Looking at parks within 100 miles of Des Moines opens up much of central Iowa and beyond. This wider radius includes some of the state’s most scenic parks, large recreation lakes, and protected natural areas. With a short road trip, visitors can discover new hiking trails, campgrounds, and lakeside landscapes across a broad region of the state.
A Wide Range of Iowa Landscapes
The parks within 100 miles of Des Moines highlight the diverse landscapes of central Iowa. Rolling prairie, wooded river valleys, and expansive lakes create a variety of natural settings for exploration. Many of these parks protect unique ecosystems and scenic viewpoints that showcase the beauty of Iowa’s countryside.
Endless Opportunities for Outdoor Exploration
With a 100-mile radius, outdoor enthusiasts gain access to a large collection of parks offering hiking, camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and seasonal recreation. These parks provide opportunities for everything from quiet nature walks to full weekend camping trips, making them excellent destinations for outdoor travel from Des Moines.
Find Your Next Adventure
The parks within 100 miles of Des Moines make it easy to plan memorable outdoor adventures across central Iowa. Whether you’re exploring a new lake, hiking a wooded trail, or camping beneath the stars, these parks offer countless ways to experience the natural beauty of the region.