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
Fishing
A Guide to Maffitt Lake
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
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
A Guide to Fort Des Moines Park
Fort Des Moines Park is a beautiful 135-acre county park on the southeast side of Des Moines. It's known for its historical significance and has a variety of outdoor activities! Whether you hike the trails, fish or paddle the lake, or visit the arboretum, Fort Des Moines has many things to do. And it’s unique in many respects. From a stand of Aspen trees to its unique history, you won’t find … [Read more...] about A Guide to Fort Des Moines Park
A Guide to Big Creek State Park in Central Iowa
Big Creek State Park is a 3550-acre park with an 866-acre lake just north of Des Moines. It’s known for its swimming beach, boat rentals, excellent fishing, and more! The park is in Polk City, northeast of Saylorville Lake. A Brief History of Big Creek State Park Big Creek State Park is an extension of the Saylorville Lake Reservoir flood control project. In the 1970s, a diversion dam … [Read more...] about A Guide to Big Creek State Park in Central Iowa