Voas Nature Area is a beautiful 705-acre park in Dallas County. It has 600 acres of restored prairie and wetlands, 100+ acres of native woodlands—and 5 miles of trails! The good news is, it’s an easy 40-minute drive northeast of Des Moines. A Brief History of Voas Nature Area In the late 1980s, Dallas Co. assumed ownership of the 245-acre Voas Family Farm through the trust of Lyle and … [Read more...] about A Guide to Voas Nature Area in Minburn
Hiking
A Guide to Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park offers one of the most unique (and scenic!) landscapes in the Des Moines area! The 222-acre park was once a coal mine, which created a series of lakes surrounded by woods and wetlands. The great thing is, you can get out and explore this beautiful area just a few miles south of Des Moines. A Brief History of Banner Lakes What is now Banner Lakes at … [Read more...] about A Guide to Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park
Sycamore Trails: Escape To the Woods On Dirt Trails in Des Moines
You’ll soon forget you’re in the city on Sycamore Trails. They take you deep into the woods and over 6 miles of dirt trails along the Des Moines River! Sycamore Trails are on the north side of Des Moines, on a floodplain filled with mature forest. Mountain bikers, hikers, and runners alike enjoy spotting wildlife and exploring a piece of Iowa wilderness! *These trails get maintained by the … [Read more...] about Sycamore Trails: Escape To the Woods On Dirt Trails in Des Moines
A Guide to Strasser Woods State Preserve
Strasser Woods State Preserve is 40-acres of dense woodlands on Des Moines’ east side. It’s a unique area along the Four Mile Creek Greenway, featuring upland forest and bottomlands. About Strasser Woods State Preserve In 1981, Joseph and Elizabeth Strasser donated this 40-acre plot to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The land ownership transferred to the Iowa DNR in 1982, and it became … [Read more...] about A Guide to Strasser Woods State Preserve
A Guide to Margo Frankel Woods State Park
Margo Frankel Woods State Park is a small 136-acre park on the north side of Des Moines. It’s a lesser-known park and the perfect place to retreat to the peaceful rolling hills and dense woods. The park is an Iowa State Park, but managed by Saylor Township and supported by volunteers. A Brief History of the Park Margo Frankel Woods was once an ancient Algonkian and Sioux hunting ground. … [Read more...] about A Guide to Margo Frankel Woods State Park