Whether your dog needs to socialize or burn up some pent-up energy, a dog park might be the answer. And there are some excellent dog parks around Des Moines where your dog can safely run off-leash.
Below we provide a map of the Des Moines area dog parks. Following the map is a list with a summary of each park. No matter where you call home in the Des Moines area, you’re sure to find a dog park near you!
Map of Area Dog Parks
For more information on a specific park, scroll down. There you’ll find park hours, summaries, and links to park passes and websites.
Des Moines Dog Parks
Ewing Park Dog Park | 4660 Indianola Avenue | Des Moines, Iowa 50320
Hours: 6 am – 10 pm, daily
Details: The Ewing dog park is nearly 10 acres of grassy area nestled in mature trees. Bigger dogs have access to 8.5 acres, with a separate one-acre area for small dogs. The entire area is fenced, and picnic tables are scattered throughout. A dog waste station is at the parking lot, and water is available May-October. See our Guide to Ewing Park for more on the park.
Reno Memorial Dog Park | 3325 Hubbell Avenue | Des Moines, Iowa 50317
Hours: 6 am – 10 pm, daily
Details: The Reno Memorial Dog Park is a 4.2-acre fenced area with a short paved trail. It’s a grassy area with some mature trees and picnic tables. Dog waste stations are on-site, but no water is available.
Riverwalk Dog Park | 1111 Illinois Street | Des Moines, Iowa 50314
Hours: 6 am – 10 pm, daily
Details: The Riverwalk Dog Park is 4-acres, with two separate fenced areas in a grassy area with a few trees. Picnic tables are scattered throughout. A dog waste station and pit toilet are on-site, but no water is available. Two ADA parking spots are available. Otherwise, street parking is nearby. This dog park is in downtown Des Moines, close to the Principal Riverwalk!
Des Moines Dog Park Permit
You must have a dog park pass to use the dog parks in the City of Des Moines. Passes are $20. To get one, you need a city pet license with proof of rabies vaccinations.
To get a permit and license, see the City Clerk’s office in Des Moines City Hall or fill out an application (see below). For more information and dog park rules, visit the City of Des Moines’ Dog Parks page.
Applications for dog park permits
- Residents with a current pet license can fill out this application.
- Residents without a current pet license can use an online application or paper application.
- Non-residents with a pet license through their city can fill out this application.
- Non-residents without a pet license through their city can use this application with proof of vaccination.
To get a free dog park pass, volunteer to become a Dog Park Ambassador. To become an ambassador, fill out a form and complete a background check. Training is provided, and you must volunteer 40 hours a year to receive a free dog park pass. For more info, visit the City of Des Moines website or email parksvolunteer@dmgov.org.
Dog Parks in Des Moines’ Suburbs and Surrounding Areas
Windsor Heights Dog Park | 6601 Center Street | Windsor Heights, Iowa 50324
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Details: This dog park is smaller than many others, but it’s free and doesn’t require a pass. There are separate fenced areas for small and large dogs but no water on-site. To get there, park along Center Street. Or park at Colby Park and use Walnut Creek Trail to access the dog park. For more information and rules, see this Windsor Heights PDF.
Raccoon River Park Dog Park | 2500 Grand Avenue | West Des Moines, IA 50265
Hours: 6:30 am to dusk, daily
Details: Located in Raccoon River Park, this 10-acre dog park is a fenced, grassy area with trees. There are two separate fenced areas for large and small dogs. Waste bags are provided, and water is on-site. You must have a dog park permit to use the facility (day passes are available). See the City of West Des Moines website for more information on pet licensing and dog park permits.
Trailside Dog Park | 590 SE Brick Drive | Waukee, Iowa 50263
Hours: 7 am – sunset, daily (Closed on Thursdays from 7-10 am)
Details: Waukee’s Trailside Dog Park is 4 acres of open space with sections for large and small dogs. A shade canopy and walking paths are within the park, and water and restrooms are on-site. You must have a Dog Park Pass to use the facility; day passes are available. Purchase a BarkPass online through the City of Waukee. For more information and park rules, see the park brochure.
Ankeny Dog Park | 1155 SW Ankeny Road | Ankeny, Iowa 50023
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Details: Ankeny’s dog park is 7.5 acres, with 6.75 acres for large dogs and .75 acres for smaller dogs. It’s a fenced park with a pond, trails, and benches. You need a pass to use the park; these can be purchased online through the City of Ankeny. (The gates are locked, and you need a code to enter.) For more information and a park map, see the City of Ankeny website.
Bailey’s Bark Park, ARL | 5452 NE 22nd Street | Des Moines, Iowa 50313
Hours: 9:30 am – 8 pm Monday-Friday; 7 am – 6 pm Saturday & Sunday
Details: The ARL dog park is fenced, has agility equipment, and is open to dogs in adoption. It’s also available for private rental. The park is set up for dogs to run off-leash without the concern of other dogs around. For more information and to reserve the dog park, see the ARL website.
City of Norwalk Dog Park | 907 North Avenue | Norwalk, Iowa
Hours: 6 am – 10 pm, daily
Details: This park is within City Park in Norwalk. It isn’t a huge park but has fenced areas for small and large dogs with open space and shade trees. Water is on-site, and restrooms are at City Park. A pass is required to use the park; purchase passes online through the City of Norwalk. For more information or questions, see their website.
Altoona Dog Park | 851 17th Avenue SW | Altoona, Iowa 50009
Hours: 6 am – 8 pm
Details: The Altoona dog park is a one-acre fenced area just west of the Altoona Campus. It has benches, boulders, a dog waste station, and water on-site. Most of the site is for larger dogs, with a .10-acre section set aside for small dogs. For more information and park rules, see this pdf.
Carlisle Dog Park | North Park | Carlisle, Iowa 50047
Hours: 6 am – 10:30 pm
Details: The Carlisle Dog Park is on the east side of North Park (off of N. 1st Street on the town’s northeast side). The park has fenced areas for small and large dogs and water on site. It’s free to use the park, but dog owners should register their dogs with Carlisle Parks and Rec. See the Carlisle website for park rules and a liability waiver.
Indianola Dog Park | Downey Park | 1710 S K Street | Indianola, Iowa 50125
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Details: Indianola’s dog park is in Downey Park, on the south side of town, off a gravel road. Separate fenced areas for large and small dogs each have play equipment. Water is on-site. Annual membership is required to use the facility. Buy a membership through Indianola Parks and Rec. For more information, see their website.
