Mally’s Weh-Weh Neh-Kee Park is a small, scenic park in Berwick on the north side of Des Moines. Don’t let its size fool you; it’s a beautiful park with lots to explore. From paved and gravel trails to the creek and picnic areas, Mally’s Park is a great escape to nature!
Weh-weh-neh-kee is a Mesquaki word for “a good place.” And we agree. This park is, indeed, a good place.
Things to Do at Mally’s Weh-Weh Neh-Kee Park
Hiking Trail
A short hiking trail extends along the east side of Four Mile Creek. It’s a pretty walk, where you can enjoy wildflowers, mature trees, and the sounds of the creek.
Paved Trails
Mally’s Park is the perfect place to access the Gay Lea Wilson and Chichaqua Valley Trails. Access to the trails is north of the parking area on a paved path.
From the park, you can head north on the 26-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail. It follows a former rail line over farmland, creeks, and the Skunk River to Baxter. If you go south on the Chichaqua Valley Trail ¾ mile, you can access the Gay Lea Wilson Trail. It will take you along Four Mile Creek to Copper Creek Lake in Pleasant Hill and then northeast to Altoona.
Picnic
Mally’s Park picnic shelter is in an open green space surrounded by mature trees near the parking area. You can reserve it at MyCountyParks. Otherwise, it’s first-come, first-serve.
Several picnic tables are at the park, and many are near the playground. Charcoal grills are available.
Play at the Playground
The playground is an excellent place for the kids to run off some energy! Though it’s a smaller playground, there’s plenty of space around to run. Picnic tables and grills are nearby.
Go Fishing at Four Mile Creek
Go stream fishing from the banks of Four-Mile Creek. There is a concrete area near the bridge that provides easy access to the creek.
Future outdoor recreational activities around Mally’s Park!
In 2018, Polk Co. Conservation obtained over 200 acres around Mally’s Park. The new area is Trails End Wildlife Area and will feature multi-use trails and a fishing pond. Plans for the site include wetland mitigation and wildlife habitat conservation.
Mally’s Weh-Weh Neh-Kee Park Map
Things to Do Nearby
Thomas Mitchell Park is a scenic 197-acre park about 10 miles east of Mally’s. Explore the park’s hiking trails, go fishing, or walk the creek while you’re there. If you want to stay awhile, there’s an excellent campground with over 40 campsites near Camp Creek.
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is about 20 minutes northeast of the park. It’s one of the more unique parks around Des Moines, with over 9000 acres along the former oxbows of the Skunk River. The park boasts diverse landscapes, habitats, and wildlife rarely seen in Iowa. Hike, camp, kayak, fish, or hunt at this one-of-a-kind park.
Saylorville Lake is only 20 minutes west of the park. It’s one of the most popular outdoor destinations in central Iowa. The 6000-acre lake and surrounding land are perfect for outdoor recreation. Go there to camp, boat, fish, hike, bike, or soak in nature!
Easter Lake is a 469-acre park 20 minutes south of the park. Once a coal mine, this large urban park has exceptional trails, a historic bridge, boat rentals, and a beach!
The Chichaqua Valley Trail runs along the park’s north edge, not far from the parking area. This 26-mile rail trail from Berwick to Baxter crosses farmland, creeks, and the Skunk River. Enjoy the rail history and stops in the small communities along the route!
The Gay Lea Wilson Trail is less than a mile south of the park, via the Chichaqua Valley Trail. It follows Four Mile Creek to Copper Creek Lake and has many places to stop along the way! One trail segment extends from Ankeny to Pleasant Hill. Another links Pleasant Hill to Altoona.
Visit Mally’s Weh-Weh Neh-Kee Park Today!
Mally’s Park is at 5792 NE 38th St, Berwick, IA 50032.
Summer hours are 6:30 am – 10:30 pm. Winter hours are sunrise to sunset. There is free parking in a large gravel parking lot just past the park entrance. Vault toilets are on site.
