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Des Moines Outdoors

Des Moines Outdoors

Fishing

Central Iowa Trout Fishing: Where to Fish For Trout Near Des Moines

DSMOutdoors

trout fishing

Trout fishing in Central Iowa? Yes, it’s possible. Thanks to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The DNR raise trout hatchlings and stock local lakes during cooler months. So, if you're an experienced angler or want to try trout fishing, there are a few local options! Below, we share where you can fish for trout near Des Moines. Fishing for Trout In Central Iowa Last year, Iowa trout … [Read more...] about Central Iowa Trout Fishing: Where to Fish For Trout Near Des Moines

Lakes Near Des Moines, Iowa [+ map!]

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Raccoon River Park Boathouse

Are you looking for a lake to paddle, fish, rent a boat, or spend a day unwinding by the water? Look no further. There are many excellent lakes near Des Moines, Iowa! So, whether you want some waterside relaxation or an adventure, you don’t have to look far. Below are Des Moines lakes, starting with those closest to the metro! There are many options, and we're sure you'll find the perfect place … [Read more...] about Lakes Near Des Moines, Iowa [+ map!]

A Guide to Badger Creek State Park

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sunflowers

Badger Creek State Park, or Badger Creek State Recreation Area, is an 1100-acre outdoor area 20 miles southwest of Des Moines. It's well known for its hunting, fishing, and sunflower fields! Things to Do at Badger Creek State Park See the Sunflowers! The sunflower fields at Badger Creek Recreation Area are a huge draw each summer. From July to August, people come from miles around to see … [Read more...] about A Guide to Badger Creek State Park

A Guide to Maffitt Lake

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Maffitt Lake kayaking

Dale Maffitt Reservoir, or Maffitt Lake, is one of Des Moines' best-kept secrets! Prairie and woodlands surround the scenic 200-acre lake. And it's the perfect place to hike, kayak, fish, picnic, and more! Find Maffitt Lake southwest of Des Moines, where Polk, Warren, Madison, and Dallas counties meet.  Des Moines Water Works owns and operates the reservoir that serves as a source of clean … [Read more...] about A Guide to Maffitt Lake

A Guide to Greenwood Ashworth Park

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Greenwood Park Lagoon

Greenwood Ashworth Park is a 140-acre park in the heart of Des Moines. There's something for everyone here, from a dense forest and pond to trails and a swimming pool! Greenwood and Ashworth are officially two separate parks, combined to provide a ton of outdoor recreational activities.  A Brief History of Greenwood Ashworth Park Greenwood Park became Des Moines’ first park in 1894 … [Read more...] about A Guide to Greenwood Ashworth Park

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About Des Moines Outdoors

Des Moines Outdoors is a site dedicated to helping you find the best of everything outdoors in the state of Iowa. We’re native Iowans that, for over 25 years, camped, hiked, biked, and explored our home state. We encourage you to do the same.

There’s so much more to see and do in Iowa than many people imagine! Our goal is to help visitors and residents alike experience the best of our beautiful state.

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    We make no express or implied claims or warranties regarding this website or results from using the information, content, materials, products, or services on DesMoinesOutdoors.com.

    Everything you read on this site is for entertainment purposes only. We do our best to keep up with the latest info on parks, trails, and other outdoor activities. But things change, and we don’t always know. 

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