Easter Lake Park - Image 1
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Easter Lake Park

4.5
·537 reviews·Des Moines, United States

A serene, wooded oasis with a beautiful lake, offering free admission, swimming, trails, and wildlife viewing for all.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Tranquil atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Easter Lake Park - Image 1

Easter Lake Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Tranquil atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene, wooded oasis with a beautiful lake, offering free admission, swimming, trails, and wildlife viewing for all.

4.5
(537 reviews)

"This place is amazing and at no entrance fee. 10 STARS!!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Athene North Shore Recreation Area

Athene North Shore Recreation Area

North Shore

Enjoy a swimming beach, diving platform, and watersport rentals for a fun-filled day by the water.

Instagram
Scenic Walking Trails

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.

Reddit
Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing

Various locations

Spot mama ducks with their ducklings, various birds, and other local wildlife in this beautiful wooded setting.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Experience

Easter Lake Park is a local gem, but can get busy on weekends. For a more serene visit, aim for weekdays or early mornings. Consider visiting during off-peak seasons for fewer crowds and a more tranquil atmosphere. Reddit

Embrace the Outdoors: Rentals & Activities

Make the most of your visit by exploring the lake! Kayak and other watersport rentals are available, offering a fantastic way to see the park from a different perspective. Check rental availability in advance, especially during peak season. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Tranquil atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for swimming
Crowd
High
When
Fall weekdays
Why
Beautiful foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Win a complimentary kayak rental for two at Easter Lake Park! 🌊 Whether you're a seasoned paddler or trying it for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful waters at Athene North Shore Recreation Area. To enter, simply follow @northshorerecarea and @polkcountyconservation , like this post, and tag a friend in the comments who you'd love to take along! One winne...
polkcountyconservation
39 likes • 1.6K views

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy this beautiful park without an entrance fee. A great value for a day out! Reddit

Picnic Paradise 🧺

Bring your own grill or use park facilities. Plenty of benches and tables for a delightful picnic. Reddit

💦 Enjoy sand, water, sun, and fun at Athene North Shore Recreation Park at Easter Lake Park. * Swimming beach and diving platform * Quiet, de-escalation rooms for people with sensory input disorders * Bathrooms and water fountain * Concessions and watersport rentals * Rain garden and sand play area #summerindesmoines #desmoinesmom #easterlake
desmoinesmom
115 likes • 6.2K views
reddit.com

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! Instagram

Family-Friendly Fun 🦆

Great for fishing, watching ducks, and enjoying playgrounds. Kids will love it! Reddit

reddit.com

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! Reddit

Picnic Paradise 🧺

Bring your own grill or use park facilities. Plenty of benches and tables for a delightful picnic. Reddit

Kayak & Watersports 🛶

Rentals available for exploring the lake. A fantastic way to experience the park! Instagram

Family-Friendly Fun 🦆

Great for fishing, watching ducks, and enjoying playgrounds. Kids will love it! Reddit

Peaceful Retreat 🧘‍♀️

Underrated spot for quiet reflection, drawing, or reading by the lake. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(537 reviews)

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

Beautiful natural setting
Free admission
Family-friendly amenities

What People Dislike

Occasional litter

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. InstagramReddit

Yes, the Athene North Shore Recreation Area features a swimming beach with a diving platform, making it a popular spot for cooling off. Instagram

The park is equipped with restrooms, water fountains, and concessions at the North Shore Recreation Area. Instagram

Yes, kayak rentals and other watersport equipment are available at the Athene North Shore Recreation Area. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Easter Lake is a great spot for fishing, and it's a wonderful place to take children for their first fishing experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. InstagramReddit

Yes, Easter Lake Park has numerous benches and tables perfect for picnics. You can also bring your own portable grill. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the park is beautiful year-round. Spring brings blooming flowers, summer offers lush greenery, and fall showcases vibrant foliage. Reddit

The pedestrian bridge and the lake itself provide picturesque backdrops. Keep an eye out for wildlife, which can add unique elements to your photos. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Easter Lake Park is a fantastic choice for families! The swimming beach and diving platform at the North Shore Recreation Area are huge hits for kids on warm days. Instagram Don't miss the playgrounds and the chance to spot local wildlife, like ducks and birds, which makes for exciting discoveries. Reddit Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic areas with tables and grills, or bring your own portable grill for a full barbecue experience. Reddit The park's walking paths are also great for strollers or little legs getting some exercise. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers

If you're looking for a peaceful escape, Easter Lake Park is your spot. Redditors describe it as an 'underrated' and 'peaceful' place perfect for solo activities. Reddit The four-mile paved trail around the lake is ideal for quiet walks, reading, or drawing without feeling crowded. Reddit Find a bench with a view and simply enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings. It's a great place to recharge and connect with yourself amidst nature. Reddit

🎣 Anglers & Nature Enthusiasts

Easter Lake is a prime spot for fishing, offering a relaxed environment for both experienced anglers and beginners. Reddit It's particularly noted as a great place to take children for their first fishing adventure, with opportunities to see ducks and other wildlife. Reddit Beyond fishing, the park's wooded areas and walking paths are perfect for nature enthusiasts who enjoy birdwatching and observing local flora and fauna. The boat ramp also allows for easy access for those who prefer to fish from a boat. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Easter Lake by Water

Easter Lake Park offers fantastic opportunities to get out on the water. The Athene North Shore Recreation Area is the hub for watersport rentals, including kayaks. Instagram+1 Paddling on the lake provides a unique perspective of the park's natural beauty, allowing you to discover quiet coves and observe wildlife from a different vantage point. Many visitors recommend taking advantage of these rentals for a refreshing and active experience. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Family Fun and Wildlife Encounters

Easter Lake Park is a wonderful destination for families, offering a variety of activities that appeal to all ages. The swimming beach and diving platform at the North Shore Recreation Area are perfect for a hot summer day, providing a safe and fun environment for kids to play in the water. Instagram Beyond the beach, the park boasts playgrounds and open spaces for children to run and explore.

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Peaceful Retreats and Scenic Walks

For those seeking a tranquil escape, Easter Lake Park is an 'underrated' gem. Reddit The park features four miles of paved walking paths that wind around the lake, offering stunning views and a sense of calm. Reddit These trails are ideal for a leisurely stroll, a brisk walk, or a bike ride, allowing visitors to connect with nature without the hustle and bustle of more crowded attractions. The wooded surroundings contribute to the peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for quiet reflection or simply enjoying the scenery. Reddit

Many visitors find Easter Lake Park to be an ideal location for activities like drawing, reading, or simply sitting and enjoying the quiet. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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