1. Walnut Woods State Park
Distance from Des Moines: about 7 miles southwest of Des Moines (straight-line).
Walnut Woods State Park is a state park in Polk County, Iowa, United States, located in suburban West Des Moines.
See our full Walnut Woods State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park
Distance from Des Moines: about 10 miles south-southeast of Des Moines (straight-line).
Location: 13084 Elk Horn St, Carlisle, IA 50047
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park is a 222-acre (90 ha) state park in Warren County, Iowa, United States, near the city of Indianola.
See our full Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Big Creek State Park
Distance from Des Moines: about 17 miles northwest of Des Moines (straight-line).
Location: 8794 NW 125th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226
Big Creek State Park is a 3,550-acre (1,440 ha) public recreation area located 15 miles (24 km) north-northwest of Des Moines in Polk County, Iowa, United States.
See our full Big Creek State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Lake Ahquabi State Park
Distance from Des Moines: about 21 miles south of Des Moines (straight-line).
Location: Indianola, IA
Lake Ahquabi State Park is a state park in Warren County, Iowa, United States, featuring a 115-acre (47 ha) reservoir.
See our full Lake Ahquabi State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Ledges State Park
Distance from Des Moines: about 31 miles northwest of Des Moines (straight-line).
Location: 1515 P Avenue, Madrid, IA 50156
Ledges State Park is a state park in Boone County, Iowa, United States, located approximately four miles (6.4 km) south of the city of Boone.
See our full Ledges State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Elk Rock State Park
Distance from Des Moines: about 31 miles east-southeast of Des Moines (straight-line).
Location: Knoxville, IA
Elk Rock State Park is a public recreation area in Marion County, Iowa, United States, situated on both upstream banks of Red Rock Reservoir.
See our full Elk Rock State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Rock Creek State Park
Distance from Des Moines: about 39 miles east of Des Moines (straight-line).
Location: 5627 Rock Creek East, Kellogg, IA 50135
Iowa’s Hidden Marina Lake Rock Creek offers a full-service marina, beaches, and excellent fishing on 665-acre lake. Central Iowa’s recreation destination!
See our full Rock Creek State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
