Easter Lake Park
A serene, wooded oasis with a beautiful lake, offering free admission, swimming, trails, and wildlife viewing for all.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Easter Lake Park
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, wooded oasis with a beautiful lake, offering free admission, swimming, trails, and wildlife viewing for all.
"This place is amazing and at no entrance fee. 10 STARS!!!"
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this beautiful park without an entrance fee. A great value for a day out!
Picnic Paradise 🧺
Bring your own grill or use park facilities. Plenty of benches and tables for a delightful picnic.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Athene North Shore Recreation Area
North Shore
Enjoy a swimming beach, diving platform, and watersport rentals for a fun-filled day by the water.
Scenic Walking Trails
Around the lake
Explore miles of paved paths offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding woodlands. Perfect for a peaceful stroll or bike ride.
Wildlife Viewing
Various locations
Spot mama ducks with their ducklings, various birds, and other local wildlife in this beautiful wooded setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Experience
Embrace the Outdoors: Rentals & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this beautiful park without an entrance fee. A great value for a day out!
Picnic Paradise 🧺
Bring your own grill or use park facilities. Plenty of benches and tables for a delightful picnic.
help me find chill places to sit and draw and read pls
Kayak & Watersports 🛶
Rentals available for exploring the lake. A fantastic way to experience the park!
Family-Friendly Fun 🦆
Great for fishing, watching ducks, and enjoying playgrounds. Kids will love it!
Trail Etiquette
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this beautiful park without an entrance fee. A great value for a day out!
Picnic Paradise 🧺
Bring your own grill or use park facilities. Plenty of benches and tables for a delightful picnic.
Kayak & Watersports 🛶
Rentals available for exploring the lake. A fantastic way to experience the park!
Family-Friendly Fun 🦆
Great for fishing, watching ducks, and enjoying playgrounds. Kids will love it!
Peaceful Retreat 🧘♀️
Underrated spot for quiet reflection, drawing, or reading by the lake.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Easter Lake Park's natural beauty, free admission, and family-friendly amenities like the swimming beach and playgrounds. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained trails, making it a beloved local spot for recreation and relaxation. Some minor points of improvement could include more frequent trash collection during peak times.
"I took my daughter here it was absolutely breathtaking! We took lots of pictures on our digital camera and our phones. You can bring your own portable grill or use one of the Park's. There are lots of benches to sit and rest, as well as many tables to enjoy a picnic. I haven't made my way around the entire lake just yet, but it is definitely something I will be completing. Soooo peaceful!"
Keke Roberts
"Don't know where to start. This place is amazing and at no entrance fee.trails, bathrooms, the rentals. Back home we would not get into this Lake for less than 8 bucks every day.
Thank you for such a beautiful place to hang out at while in town.
10 STARS!!!"
Susan Garfield
"Easter lake is a beautiful wooded getaway for the whole family. Lots of flowers, wildlife, birds, boat ramp, fishing docks, roped off swimming area with beach, volleyball, restrooms, shelter rental, playgrounds, barbecue picnic areas, and walking paths; all located inside the city."
Laura B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Easter Lake Park is located on the southeast side of Des Moines. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available throughout the park.
Information on public transportation routes to Easter Lake Park can be found on the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) website. It's recommended to check their schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The park has several access points, with the Athene North Shore Recreation Area being a popular entry point. Other entrances provide access to different sections of the park and its trails.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at various locations throughout Easter Lake Park, including near the beach, picnic areas, and trailheads.
Easter Lake Park is accessible by bike, and there are paved trails within the park. You can plan your cycling route using local bike maps.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Easter Lake Park offers free admission, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination for everyone.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like the beach or rental areas may have separate operating hours, so it's best to check the official Polk County Conservation website for details.
While general park entry is free, if you plan to rent a kayak or other equipment, or reserve a shelter for an event, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Standard park rules apply, such as leash laws for pets and regulations regarding fires. Check the park's official guidelines for any specific restrictions.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own portable grill to enjoy a barbecue at Easter Lake Park. There are also designated picnic areas with grills available.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming at the beach, kayaking and watersport rentals, fishing, bird watching, picnicking, and walking or biking on the scenic trails.
Yes, the Athene North Shore Recreation Area features a swimming beach with a diving platform, making it a popular spot for cooling off.
The park is equipped with restrooms, water fountains, and concessions at the North Shore Recreation Area.
Yes, kayak rentals and other watersport equipment are available at the Athene North Shore Recreation Area.
Absolutely! Easter Lake is a great spot for fishing, and it's a wonderful place to take children for their first fishing experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Athene North Shore Recreation Area offers concessions. Additionally, you can bring your own food and utilize the picnic areas with tables and grills.
Yes, Easter Lake Park has numerous benches and tables perfect for picnics. You can also bring your own portable grill.
While the park offers dining options, you can also find a variety of restaurants in the surrounding Des Moines area if you're looking for more extensive choices.
Yes, shelter rentals are available for group events and gatherings. It's advisable to book these in advance through Polk County Conservation.
Concessions typically offer snacks, drinks, and light meals suitable for a day at the park. Specific offerings may vary.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic walking paths around the lake, the North Shore Recreation Area with its beach, and areas with abundant wildlife offer beautiful photo opportunities.
Yes, the park is beautiful year-round. Spring brings blooming flowers, summer offers lush greenery, and fall showcases vibrant foliage.
The pedestrian bridge and the lake itself provide picturesque backdrops. Keep an eye out for wildlife, which can add unique elements to your photos.
Drone usage is typically regulated in public parks. It's essential to check the specific drone policies for Easter Lake Park and Polk County Conservation areas before flying.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows. This also coincides with lower crowd times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
🎣 Anglers & Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Easter Lake by Water
For those who prefer to bring their own watercraft, there's a boat ramp available. This makes it convenient for launching canoes, kayaks, or small motorized boats. Remember to check park regulations regarding boat types and any necessary permits. The calm waters of Easter Lake are generally well-suited for leisurely paddling and enjoying the serene environment.
Whether you're renting or bringing your own, spending time on the water is a highlight for many visitors. It's a chance to escape the shore, enjoy the sunshine, and truly immerse yourself in the park's aquatic landscape.
Family Fun and Wildlife Encounters
A particularly heartwarming aspect of Easter Lake Park for families is the abundance of wildlife. Visitors often report seeing mama ducks with their ducklings, various bird species, and other small creatures. Taking a child fishing for the first time here is a memorable experience, as the calm environment and visible wildlife make it engaging and educational.
With picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, families can easily spend a full day enjoying the park. The combination of recreational facilities, natural beauty, and opportunities for wildlife observation makes Easter Lake Park a highly recommended spot for a family outing.
Peaceful Retreats and Scenic Walks
Many visitors find Easter Lake Park to be an ideal location for activities like drawing, reading, or simply sitting and enjoying the quiet. The presence of numerous benches strategically placed along the paths ensures that you can rest and soak in the serene environment whenever you wish. The park's natural beauty, combined with its well-maintained trails, creates an inviting atmosphere for anyone looking to de-stress and find a moment of peace.
Whether you're a local looking for a nearby sanctuary or a visitor seeking a quiet natural space, Easter Lake Park delivers. Its accessibility and the abundance of peaceful spots make it a go-to destination for unwinding and enjoying the outdoors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit