
Water Works Park
A vast urban park with trails, fishing, event spaces, and playgrounds, offering diverse outdoor recreation and community gatherings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Water Works Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast urban park with trails, fishing, event spaces, and playgrounds, offering diverse outdoor recreation and community gatherings.
"This place is huge! It just keeps going! So much variety for whatever someone is looking for."

🗺️ Explore Different Zones
The park has distinct areas: event spaces, fishing ponds, and open fields. Choose your zone wisely! :world_map:
🦟 Bug Spray is Key
The fishing pond area can be buggy; pack repellent for a more comfortable visit. :bug:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Event Stages & Playgrounds
Near Gray Lake
Spacious fields perfect for kites, public events, and a unique wooden play structure for kids.
Fishing Ponds
Second area of the park
Serene ponds offering a peaceful fishing experience amidst natural surroundings.
Open Recreation Areas
Between event and fishing areas
Expansive, well-maintained open spaces ideal for picnics, walking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Water Works Park
Water Quality Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Explore Different Zones
The park has distinct areas: event spaces, fishing ponds, and open fields. Choose your zone wisely!
:world_map:🦟 Bug Spray is Key
The fishing pond area can be buggy; pack repellent for a more comfortable visit.
:bug:🚗 Event Parking Strategy
For concerts, arrive early or expect traffic. Volunteers help with parking flow.
:car:🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Great for dogs! Paved trails connect to Gray's Lake, perfect for walks.
:dog:Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Explore Different Zones
The park has distinct areas: event spaces, fishing ponds, and open fields. Choose your zone wisely!
:world_map:🦟 Bug Spray is Key
The fishing pond area can be buggy; pack repellent for a more comfortable visit.
:bug:🚗 Event Parking Strategy
For concerts, arrive early or expect traffic. Volunteers help with parking flow.
:car:🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Great for dogs! Paved trails connect to Gray's Lake, perfect for walks.
:dog:💧 Hydration Stations
Plenty of water fountains available, especially in the main event area.
:droplet:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Water Works Park for its vastness, diverse recreational options, and natural beauty, making it a beloved escape. While the park offers excellent amenities for events, families, and anglers, some note challenges with parking and traffic during large gatherings, and potential for bugs in less developed areas.
"Love it here. Huge field great for kites, plenty of water ways to fish lots of wild life so don't be surprised to see some deer. My favorite place to get a way that's not too far from home."
Dominick Constabileo
"Love Des Moines Symphony concerts there on Labor day weekend. Parking and traffic can be overwhelming."
Winnie Logan
"This place is huge! I didn't realize how big it was my first few visits, but it just keeps going! I think it would be easiest to explain as 3 different areas. One area near Gray Lake, with a small and large stage - this is where the public events are - has a nice playground, circle walking path, nice clean bathrooms, lots of water fountains and trash cans, always very upkept, also has a few sculptures, and is handicap accessible. A second area is a series of what I can best describe as ponds that seem good for fishing. Lots of people fishing here. This area is the opposite of the last one. Lots of bugs, overgrown, some trash around, no facilities in this area, but very pretty - was scared by a snake 😅. After this area is another large area that is in-between the two. Big open upkept areas, less bugs as the grass is short but more towards a very large pond in the middle, several picnic tables, there was a shelter area with tables that might have had restrooms, but there was a large group using the area so didn't check that part out yet. Seems large enough with enough variety that it could meet whatever someone is looking for in a park. Not sure if it has any wooded trails, but tons of space to walk and check things out. Also right by Gray's lake and Jasper winery - lots to do in a small area."
Jordan Arp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Water Works Park is located in Des Moines, Iowa. It's accessible by car, with parking available, though it can get congested during large events. It's also connected to Gray's Lake via a tunnel, making it accessible for cyclists and pedestrians.
Yes, parking is available at Water Works Park. However, during major events like concerts, parking can become overwhelming and traffic congested. Arriving early is recommended.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can be used to get to Water Works Park. However, be aware that exiting during large events might be challenging due to traffic bottlenecks.
Information on direct public transport routes to Water Works Park is limited. It's best to check local Des Moines transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The park is quite large and divided into different zones. It's recommended to identify which area you want to visit (e.g., event stages, fishing ponds) beforehand to plan your route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Water Works Park is generally a free public park. However, specific events held within the park, such as concerts, may require tickets for entry.
As a public park, Water Works Park is typically open from dawn until dusk. Specific event hours will vary. It's always a good idea to check for any special event schedules.
Yes, if a concert or special event is scheduled at Water Works Park, you will likely need to purchase tickets for admission.
Season passes are typically associated with specific ticketed events or water parks, not the general public park access. For event-specific passes, check the event organizer's details.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to Water Works Park, especially for picnics. Some events might have restrictions, so check event details if applicable.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Water Works Park offers a variety of activities including jogging and cycling on paved trails, fishing in designated ponds, picnicking with grills, and enjoying sports fields. It's also a venue for concerts and public events.
Absolutely! There's a nice playground, open fields for running around, and the paved trails are great for biking. The unique wooden play structure is a hit with children.
Yes, there are ponds within Water Works Park that are suitable for fishing. Many visitors enjoy fishing here.
Restrooms are available, particularly in the main event area near Gray Lake. Some areas might have fewer facilities, so it's good to be aware of your location within the park.
Yes, Water Works Park is very dog-friendly. The paved trails, especially those connecting to Gray's Lake, are perfect for walking your dog.
:dog:🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During special events like concerts, a variety of food trucks and beverage vendors are often present, offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Yes, Water Works Park has picnic tables and areas suitable for picnics. You can bring your own food and enjoy a meal outdoors.
The park description mentions a picnic area with grills, suggesting they are available for public use.
Events often feature a diverse range of food trucks, providing options from local favorites to international cuisine.
Yes, the park is equipped with numerous water fountains, especially in the well-maintained areas.
:droplet:📸 📸 Photography
The areas near Gray Lake offer scenic views, especially with the event stages and sculptures. The fishing ponds can also provide a more natural, serene backdrop.
Yes, the park is known for its wildlife, including deer. Early mornings or late afternoons might offer the best opportunities for spotting and photographing animals.
The park features several sculptures, and the connection to Gray's Lake provides picturesque water views. The unique wooden play structure is also a fun subject.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, will offer the most flattering light for landscape and wildlife photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management regarding drone operation policies before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the fishing pond area might be less suitable for very young children due to potential bugs and overgrowth, the developed areas offer ample space and amenities. Restrooms are available in the main event zone, adding to the convenience for families.
🎣 Anglers and Nature Lovers
While the fishing pond area can be a bit overgrown and buggy, it provides a more natural setting. The park's connection to Gray's Lake also expands opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. Early mornings or late afternoons are often the best times for wildlife observation.
🎶 Concert and Event Goers
To make the most of your event experience, arrive early to manage parking and avoid the worst of the traffic. Be prepared for potential crowds and consider the weather, as concerts can occur after rain, leading to muddy conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Water Works Park's Layout
The fishing ponds offer a more natural, albeit sometimes overgrown, experience. Visitors seeking tranquility and a connection with nature might prefer this section, though it's noted to have more bugs. Between these two distinct areas lies a large, well-maintained expanse perfect for picnics, casual strolls, and enjoying the open sky. This variety ensures that Water Works Park can cater to a wide range of visitor preferences.
Connectivity is also a strong point, with paved trails linking to Gray's Lake, enhancing its appeal for cyclists, dog walkers, and those looking for extended outdoor activities. The park's proximity to other attractions like Jasper Winery further adds to its appeal as a destination for a full day of exploration.
Navigating Events and Crowds
Despite the potential for congestion, the park's infrastructure is designed to accommodate large gatherings. The presence of numerous food trucks and beverage vendors, including adult beverages, enhances the event experience. However, post-event traffic can be slow, and muddy conditions can occur after rain, impacting exit routes. Planning your departure strategy or considering alternative transportation can mitigate some of these issues.
Environmental Considerations
The park itself offers a natural escape, with opportunities to observe wildlife, including deer. The diverse habitats within the park, from developed event spaces to more natural pond areas, support a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and practice leave-no-trace principles during their visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit