Unexpected Adventure: 10 Surprising Outdoor Activities in West Des Moines

Raccoon River Park completely shattered my expectations of what a Midwestern urban park could offer. The 632-acre complex centers around the stunning Blue Heron Lake, where families can rent kayaks and paddleboards for surprisingly affordable rates. As a marine conservationist, I was impressed by the park's commitment to maintaining water quality in the lake, creating a healthy ecosystem for local wildlife.

During my visit, I spent a serene morning paddling across the lake, spotting great blue herons stalking the shallows and red-winged blackbirds calling from the cattails. For families with younger children, the beach area offers supervised swimming with clean, shallow waters perfect for little ones. I recommend bringing a waterproof phone case to capture underwater moments without worrying about splashes or drops.

The fishing pier extends into deeper water where catch-and-release fishing introduces children to aquatic ecosystems. The park staff runs weekend workshops teaching sustainable fishing practices – a wonderful way to combine recreation with environmental education.

Just a short drive from downtown West Des Moines lies Walnut Woods State Park, a 260-acre sanctuary housing one of the largest surviving stands of black walnut trees in Iowa. As someone who typically documents coral bleaching and mangrove conservation, exploring this inland forest ecosystem was a refreshing change that reminded me how all ecosystems are interconnected.

The park offers family-friendly hiking trails ranging from easy 0.5-mile loops to more moderate 3-mile paths. The Raccoon River Valley Trail, which runs through the park, provides a flat, paved surface perfect for families with strollers or young cyclists. I recommend bringing a binocular for kids to spot the abundant wildlife – we saw white-tailed deer, eastern chipmunks, and even a red fox during our morning hike!

What makes Walnut Woods special is its interpretive programming. On summer weekends, park rangers lead free family-friendly nature walks focusing on prairie restoration and native plant identification. My inner scientist was thrilled to see children learning to identify butterfly species and understand their role as pollinators. The park's commitment to education aligns perfectly with my belief that understanding ecosystems is the first step toward protecting them.

The Clive Greenbelt Trail quickly became my favorite discovery in West Des Moines. This 11.3-mile paved path follows Walnut Creek through urban greenspaces, creating a perfect blend of accessibility and nature immersion. What impressed me most was how this trail system preserves riparian habitat while providing recreational opportunities – a model of sustainable urban planning I wish more cities would adopt.

Families will appreciate the trail's flat terrain and frequent rest areas equipped with benches, water fountains, and informational signage about local ecosystems. Bike rentals are available at several points along the trail, making this activity accessible even for travelers without their own equipment. For families with younger children, I recommend using a bike trailer for kids which allows even the smallest adventurers to enjoy the ride safely.

My personal highlight was the section that runs through Country Club Glen, where the trail crosses Walnut Creek multiple times via charming wooden bridges. We stopped to wade in the shallow creek, observing crayfish and minnows – a simple activity that delighted the children in our group and sparked conversations about watershed protection and water quality. The trail also connects to several playgrounds and the aquatic center, allowing you to combine multiple activities in one outing.

Jordan Creek Park represents what I love most about conservation: creating spaces where humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously in urban settings. This 200-acre park surrounds a restored prairie ecosystem complete with wetlands that serve as natural stormwater management – something my conservation scientist heart appreciates enormously.

Families should head straight to the observation deck overlooking the constructed wetlands, where informational panels explain how these systems naturally filter water. During our visit, we spotted painted turtles basking on logs, muskrats swimming among cattails, and a surprising diversity of dragonflies darting above the water's surface. For optimal wildlife viewing, I recommend bringing a spotting scope to observe waterfowl and other wildlife without disturbing them.

The park's 3.5 miles of crushed limestone trails are ideal for families, with plenty of benches placed at scenic overlooks. The Jordan Creek Nature Trail features interactive stations where children can learn about prairie ecology through hands-on activities. What makes this park special is its focus on restoration – interpretive signs explain how this land was once agricultural but has been transformed back into native habitat, creating a living laboratory for understanding ecosystem recovery.

While West Des Moines offers plenty of daytime activities, one of my most magical experiences happened after sunset at Raccoon River Park. As someone who has conducted night dives on tropical reefs, I was skeptical about nighttime wildlife viewing in Iowa – but I couldn't have been more wrong.

On summer Friday evenings, the park hosts family-friendly night hikes led by naturalists who point out nocturnal animals and teach children about light pollution's impact on wildlife. We spotted barred owls, heard coyotes calling in the distance, and even witnessed fireflies creating a natural light show in the meadows. For optimal night viewing, I recommend bringing a red light headlamp which allows you to see without disrupting your night vision or disturbing wildlife.

The highlight for astronomy enthusiasts is the monthly stargazing events coordinated with the Des Moines Astronomical Society. Volunteers bring telescopes and help families identify constellations, planets, and even distant galaxies. I was impressed by how these events connect terrestrial and celestial conservation, helping children understand that protecting our planet includes preserving dark skies.

For families with younger children who might not last through a full night program, the park offers 'twilight tales' – nature stories read at dusk followed by a short guided walk to look for bats and other crepuscular creatures. It's a perfect introduction to nocturnal ecology for little ones with earlier bedtimes.