With the summer heat just around the corner, it’s never too early to make plans for cooling off. Make a splash in wilder, more rugged terrain this summer. Des Moines area lakes and beaches offer great opportunities for family fun swimming, boating and fishing. And most of them are FREE! So, grab your towels, sunscreen and water shoes, and enjoy some cool relief at these local Des Moines area destinations. Make sure to visit the lake or park’s website for all the details.
Swim Beaches:
Big Creek State Lake in Big Creek State Park, 8794 NW 125th Avenue, Polk City, IA.
Blue Heron Lake in Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA.
Easter Lake in Easter Lake Park, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines, IA.
Gray’s Lake in Gray’s Lake Park, 2121 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA.
Lake Ahquabi in Lake Ahquabi State Park, 16510 118th Avenue Indianola, IA 50125
Boat Rentals:
Big Creek State Lake in Big Creek State Park, 8794 NW 125th Avenue, Polk City, IA.
Birdland Marina at Birdland Park, 1551 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines, IA
Gray’s Lake in Gray’s Lake Park, 2121 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA.
Lake Ahquabi in Lake Ahquabi State Park, 16510 118th Avenue Indianola, IA 50125
Saylorville Lake Marina at Saylorville Lake, 6170 NW Polk City Drive, Polk City, IA.
Fishing Spots:
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park, 13084 Elkhorn Street, Indianola, IA.
Carney Marsh Nature Preserve, 580 SE 54th Street, Ankeny, IA.
Fort Des Moines Park Pond in Fort Des Moines Park, 7200 SE 5th Street, Des Moines, IA.
Maffitt Reservoir in Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA.
Walker-Johnston Pond in Walker-Johnston Park, 9000 Douglas, Urbandale, IA.
Where’s your favorite beach or lake in the Des Moines area? Let us in on the secret and share in the Comments section below.
