Wow! Beautiful lake and grounds, covered with grass and highly established trees. Walking and biking paths, along with a cool concession area, bathrooms and a park with swing set! I sat here and soaked up the warm air under a shade tree, drinking my coffee. No better way to end this work trip. read more

Gray's Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I was fortunate enough to be able to be at Gray's Lake Park here in Des Moines, IA. The park itself was flat and featured a long bridge among many basic and lush amenities here. Definitely a place I'd want to come back to. One full circumference around Gray's Lake Park was approximately 2 miles and the fact that I was here doing more than just one of these loops around was proof positive that I was certified crazy. I was here for the annual Equilizer Endurance run event that featured a 24, 12, or 6 hr timed run. The park itself was beautiful and scenic. The lake was tranquil and quiet as i rounded the park with some reckless abandon and full crazy mode on. The bridge had some neon lighting installed on it. Initially thought it was something odd, but when night fell, the bridge illuminated itself and we could see it at all points around the park itself. I noticed that Gray's Lake Park has at least one centralized restroom facility on site, which is awesome for those who need them on any particular day. For my experience here at Gray's Lake Park, I didn't need to use it, which was surprising. I enjoyed the aspect that the park itself was accessible and lush at the same time. There are 2 main parking lots at the public's disposal. We parked at the main one that's close to Fleur Drive. There's also another one next to the restroom facilities. To be honest, October 29, 2022 was a great day to be here at Gray's Lake Park. I'm sure any other day would be as sweet, but I was here on that day doing what I do best: attempting to run a marathon or ultra in Des Moines, IA. The overall experience here at Gray's Lake Park in Des Moines, IA was as peaceful as grueling since I was here doing a stupid stupid thing. There were passerby's as well as families walking around and people choosing to do a picnic on a fine Saturday afternoon. Some people were wondering if there was a race going on, until they saw my race number. "Oh" they said. It was nice to see other peoples using the park on a Saturday afternoon, other than being active like how I was. Anyone and everyone can use the park for legitimate activities. Best thing is the restroom facilities on site, so you don't have to leave and go elsewhere and then return to the park for additional added fun. A friend of mine pointed out the city of Des Moines skyline when we were near the restrooms and it was nice to see that, hidden amongst the trees that lined the canal just beyond the walking path. Gray's Lake Park is suitable for all ages as well as pets, but keep them on a leash so they don't wander off unexpectedly. If you enjoy the peaceful calm and want stress to leave you temporarily, consider coming to Gray's Lake Park in Des Moines, IA. It is pretty cool if you are either in the area or just passing thru. Gray' Lake Park is located at 2101 Fleur Drive in Des Moines, IA. It's a few miles from the Des Moines regional airport, also on Fleur Drive. It's a place where you can go to chill before your flight if you need to and enjoy mother nature in her glory before leaving. Everything is wide open spaces, except for the restroom facilities. Best thing to do is bring your own stuff like chairs and tables, to enjoy a day here outside. Best bet would be to come here early to secure a good prime parking spot. I arrived here in a private vehicle and had a fun time here at Gray's Lake Park. If you are familiar with the DART bus system, consider the routes you need to come here. And as always, there's Uber and Lyft at your disposal. For the most part though, the experience here is immeasurable, especially because I ran a marathon here at Gray's Lake Park. Hope to be back soon, if travels and races allow me to do so. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Support local! A+ read more

An awesome two mile walk around the lake. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards too! I walk my dogs there as often as I can. Completely paved...there are three parking lots, it doesn't matter which one you use! Go thru the tunnel into Water Works. If you catch a schedule you might find a fun concert in Water Works at the new amphitheater! We get some great bands and even Willie Nelson just played here! read more

Gray's Lake Park - These two... they get so excited to go to the lake! - Parks Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We visited this lovely park on a Sunday afternoon and really enjoyed it. We drove around most of the lake to get a good view of everything and during which there was a marathon or 5K going on which was cool to see. We ended up parking on the south and north side of the lake to look around. On the north side, we walked over the Coleman Bridge and got to see ducks and geese in the water. It was a very clean park and had a good amount of people out and about. There is also part of the walkway (a path goes all the way around the lake) where you can walk over part of the lake on the south side. It is a really nice, beautiful, and peaceful area for sure! read more

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Such a peaceful location! Kayaking there with my mother was so soothing and fun. Lots of laughs shared. It was very tranquil. And the bridge was stunning! read more

Nice park by the water and just outside of Downtown Des Moines. Sweet little jogging trail and various little vignettes spread around. Plenty of parking when I was there. Good amount of folks strolling, exercising, and enjoying food (quasi-picnic) around in the late afternoon. Very chill vibe. read more

Great place for a nice walk, run or ride! Whether its planning a party on the beach or going for a casual stroll this is one of the best spots in town. Gorgeous view of the city and nice paths. Parking can get a little crazy but once youre out and on the trail its usually quite peaceful. Had our first walk there this year a couple weeks ago and excited to go again in even warmer weather! read more

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Gray's Lake is a great place to make memories with family and friends! Not all park activities cost money, in fact most of them are free! The trail around the lake is fun to jog or bike around, the beach area is a nice spot for kids of all ages, and other reasonably priced water activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking are available until 8 PM every day! read more

Gray's Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

This is a great place it's a good place for families, there's lots of family-friendly activities even if it's just walking in a picnic with plenty of parking all around. in the summer you can rent kayaks or paddle boats and things like that the city of Des Moines does a good job in maintaining the park. It's a good place for people with dogs that want to walk their dogs they have lots of waste pickup points for dog waste. Sometimes it can be crowded so if you are a person of a certain age, who has flexibility in their time you can go during the time periods when it's not crowded. You can see wonderful birds at different times of the year depending on when they're there there is an eagle's nest that's been there I know of at least five years. the city is also really work hard with volunteers to put in prairie plants and prairie pollinators. Eventually when the tunnel is open it'll offer easier access to water works park. It would not be a place that I would bike there's a bike trail right next to it that links up to the downtown and all the way out through water works in the suburbs there's just too many people normally on the trail to biking if you do bike have to really go slow and be aware of people who are walking and talking and dogs and all that. read more

Gray's Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I enjoy coming here for a nice walk with my family and/or friends when it's nice outside. It gets really busy on the weekends and after work. There is a small playground area, an area to grill out/picnic, a beach, a path around the lake, and other stuff too. Currently there's even Bald Eagles nesting in the park. I always feel safe here whether it's just my daughter and I or with a group. read more

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Gray's Lake is a park just outside of downtown and on the way to the airport. Today's lake is actually an oxbow left behind as the course of the Raccoon River changed over time. Over time, this area was also a quarry (founded by Gaylord Gray) and then a commercial area that at one point had a Holiday Inn. The big flood of 1993 destroyed that establishment and through the generosity of many local citizens, the land was reborn as a beautiful park and Des Moines' "Place to Meet". Most recently the Meredith trail was completed that connects Gray's Lake Park directly to the Downtown area. I recently had some extra time before Gayle's flight arrived at DSM and decided that a nice 2 mile walk around the lake would be a good idea. It was also a great evening to get out as the weather was warm, but not humid. It's a pretty, well appointed park, and with lots of trees and places to relax. People watching was interesting too as a wide variety folks were fit and clearly enjoying themselves. And Gray's Lake Park is definitely popular! Both parking lots were almost full when I arrived. My parents will also make a special trip to come down here. They also took an early morning walk around the lake after they dropped Gayle, my son, and I off at the airport a few days ago. I also liked the long Pedestrian bridge, which features individual brushed aluminum plaque donations. My parents' names are there somewhere and after walking the bridge twice, I couldn't find it among the hundreds of memorials, tributes, and at least 1 wedding proposal. The bridge itself is beautifully lit at night. The lake also features paddle boat, hydrobike, and canoe rentals and a very nice beach for laying out and swimming. read more

Close to downtown and a nice place to sit and think, or walk, or run, or walk your dog! At night there is a bridge that is lit up in different colors. The picture does not do it justice! There is a parking lot if you drive deeper inside the lake. Unfortunately you can't drive completely around the lake so you will have to backtrack to leave. Park closes at 10pm. They also have public restrooms here too! read more

Gray's Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

LIt's so nice here. The city is really doing a good job keeping this park looking good. Today we are frequenting the far east part of the lake. There is a beautiful big lawn where they hold the Saturday mornings in the summer time. We were there for yoga but just a slightly different event. The parking lot was full and there is only one road in and out. I have walked the lake path many times. You can see the bald eagles nest on the northern shore over the river. Just a really nice lake all around. read more

We're huge fans of this place. Fantastic walking train, small beach area, kayak and paddle board rental, and offshoots to walk up toward MLK or up the SE side of downtown. We walk the dogs here frequently and they love it. Waste bags abound although waste baskets are scarcer resources. Beautiful place and worth a visit and a 2 mile walk or a picnic! read more

Gray's Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Round and round and round and round. I seriously can go around this lake a ton of times and not get bored just because you're never alone. That might not be a positive aspect to some people, but I love people, especially those who are getting out there and doing something good for themselves, in this case, exercising. There's a great vibe all around. The lake itself is beautiful, but I'm sure it's quite dirty. Lots of people sail, kayak, swim, run, bike, road ski, roller blade, walk, etc. around and in the lake. Going at night is a lot of fun as well. The weather is super nice. The route around the lake is fairly flat. It's about a little under 2 miles all the way around. You can venture off the immediate trail to other trails that can take you all over des moines. The most notable one would probably be that the lake is 2 miles away from Court Ave. in downtown DSM. Many might be worried about parking, but there are literally 3 parking lots at different parts of the lake. I never worry about parking anymore because I've always found a spot in the first lot I get to! Overall, LOVE IT. A++++++ WOULD GO AGAIN. Hours: 5am to midnight! read more

Where do you go to free your mind a little bit in the city! A place you can exercise, relax, and feel at one with nature. I would say this might be your best option in Des Moines. I love walking around the lake, biking the trail or just sitting on a blanket and relaxing in the summer! With so many great little pockets for picnicking Grey's Lake is hot spot for good weather chilling! I have never rented a paddle boat but I hope to make that happen this year! I'm so glad our city has this beautiful spot! read more

Gray's Lake Park - Perfect day at Gray's Lake - Parks Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

What a great park! A nice loop for walking/running, water equipment available for rent (kayaks, peddle boats, etc.), and plenty of places to just hang out. There's some nice views of downtown, and the bridge is pretty at night when it's all lit up. It's also right off the bike trail, so you could park here and jump on the trail. The bathrooms by the water rental place are also pretty clean, especially by park standards. I wish we had a park like this in Phoenix! read more

This is my all-time favorite running spot in Des Moines! It's nearly two miles to do one loop, so you can choose your number of laps accordingly. Don't miss it at sunset when the rainbow-colored lights come on along the paved path that runs over the lake! Beautiful. Be sure to take advantage of the free yoga and/or Zumba in the park each Saturday during summer. Each week a new instructor from a different studio around town leads a class, so you're able to sample several different styles. read more

I have lived in DSM for almost 2 years now, and finally made it here. What was I waiting for!?! Gray's Lake is truly a highlight of the beauty of Des Moines. Take the paved path and walk, jog, or stroll leisurely along around the beautiful lake. While I miss the Chicago lakefront path, this is an acceptable substitute for now. Doing the potty dance?? The public restrooms were the cleanest, least scary facilities I have ever used. Potty crisis adverted! read more

Took a stroll around Gray's Lake today with the baby and a friend. It's a lovely spot - ample parking, a nice 1.9-mile loop, nesting bald eagles, some dramatic heron, the usual. Most of the walk is exposed, so I was grateful to have some cloud cover. (I don't need a sunburned baby on my hands.) I expect we'll be back a few more times while we're in Des Moines this week! read more

Great park to come to for a walk or late night stroll, or even have a picnic! My s/o and I love to bring our dog here for walks. It is always busy with people who are trying to stay active! Gray's lake has a path that goes around in a circle, with a beautiful, colorful bridge that lights up during the night. They also have bike and boat rentals, and offer Yoga in the Park, where people do Yoga out on the water. I highly recommend anyone to come to Gray's Lake as it is super clean and safe! There are plenty of people here during the night and the pathways are lit, with emergency booths spread out through the path! read more

Gray's Lake Park - Colorful bridge at night! - Parks Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

In the heart of the city, this park is a wonderful icon for Des Moines. I have come here countless amount of times to enjoy a relaxing walk in the morning or a brainstorming jog at night. The park is clean, safe, and beautiful. The people of Des Moines you see here are friendly as can be. I enjoy this Grays Lake because it is by no means a HUGE lake, which means it is very practical to walk or run around the trail. I have been to other lakes in other cities where it would be very impractical to run around the crazy big lake. Parking is convenient, lots of spaces in various lots around the park. Very kid and family friendly. read more

Grays Lake is a wonderful des moines fixture! I'm @ Grays religiously! It's local, and coming from the southside, its about a 7 minute drive, and also conveniently located just off the 235 fwy. This park is well kept & maintained. And the trails are lovely and accomodates to pedestrians, dog walkers & bikers! They also offer paddle boat rentals & canoe rentals. The parking lots do tend to get packed (the crowds tend to come in waves), however, there are several parking lots available. In other aspects, Grays is definitely a great place to bring a date before or after dinner, have a picnic, spend an afternoon paddle-boating in the lake, or an after dinner stroll - where you'll find a great vantage view of the multi-colored lit bridge. read more

This is such a nice park! I stopped here to walk around as a break from a long road trip. This park is clean and well maintained. There's a 2 mile loop all the way around that was nice to walk, even without the proper shoes/clothes. There are paddleboats, canoes and kayaks for rent. If I had had more time, I would have rented one to explore the lake. I also saw stand up paddlers and a catamaran. It was a very nice place to visit; especially as a stop to stretch out after hours of driving. read more

Gray's Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Was in Des Moines last week on a business trip and stayed downtown. I was considering where I might go for a run, as running downtown with all the intersections and cars was not sounding appealing, when this park was recommended to me. The website was extremely helpful and it had a map of the trail around the lake with precise distances for each section of it, so if I was planning to deviate or turn around at a certain time it would be easy to plan out a certain length route. It was cold, overcast and lightly raining, so not nearly as gorgeous as the pictures I now see are. It was also around 6 so it was not yet dark - I thought the bridge was cool when I was there, but looking at the pictures now I did not get to see the full effects of the lights! There were quite a few people out for a 40 degree, slightly rainy Thursday evening, so I imagine it gets pretty packed when it's nice out. The trail seemed well maintained, and there were restroom facilities onsite at a couple points. A little under 2 miles around the lake, which is decent for a walk, and not monotonous to get in a decent length run with just a couple laps. There were also signs up along the path with some quotes it seemed. I thought it was cute, though I didn't read all of them because some were too long to consume while running by. I would most definitely come back here for a run if I'm in town again. read more

Walking park surrounding a lake, which is great for taking a stroll or jogging. There are bike paths both around the park and leading up to it. You can also rent a paddle boat or bring your own kayak for a light sail around. Great place to walk your dogs! I saw a family teaching their kids to fish here one weekend. They have some areas to rest under trees. And you can sit, as I did, at the small tables to read. Ample parking space. And easy access off the road, near the airport. read more

Hey, I've been spoiled by the many and beautiful lake parks in Minneapolis. Gray's Lake is clean, the people are respectful, it seems safe most hours and the although the parking can be a problem, you can always bike there! If you know the history of Gray's Lake, you'll understand that the city of Des Moines has done about everything they can do within reason to make this a nice place. If you don't know the history, and you have some kind of axe to grind, I suggest you research it before leaving a negative review. That said, one of the major things this park lacks is a high volume of nice places to stop and sit in the grass and/or shade. Sure, there are benches along the way, and there are two viable locations to picnic, but these can get pretty crowded on a busy day. Sometimes you want to play volleyball, or bring a group for frisbee, or just kick back. Gray's Lake doesn't really have many of those kinds of areas. Everyone seems intensely focused on "fitness". That's fine, I guess, but what about just relaxing? I guess that's what Water Works is for across the street? Hardly. If you don't mind getting run over by soccer moms and dog walkers with no place to sit and relax, this place is great. Oh, and if you don't mind a carp-filled gravel pit, but who's askin'? read more

My friends and I had a picnic here the other day, and it was wonderful. There was a nice covered area with tables to block out some of those strong rays during the summer. There was also a nice walking path around the lake and paddleboats out--a great spot. read more

Love to stretch my legs while seeing the sights of downtown from the beautiful Grays lake! There are always friendly people along the path. Groundskeepers are always working to keep the area nice & tidy- thank you! Recently I noticed a few people just leave their dogs messes. People, if you have a dog take care of it's messes OR stay home, please. Great place to run, walk, paddle board, pedalboard or just relax. read more

Nice park. They have a great 2 mile track that circles the lake. In the summer they have paddle boards, a small beach and small little grill sites that are utilized quite a bit. It is nice to have such a well maintained and manicured walking and running trail in the heart of the city. read more

Gray's Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Fantastic park. The walking trails are well kept. Every time I have been there, there is a great mix of walkers, runners and even bikers. There is a small beach for people to play in. During the summer season you can rent paddle boats to kayaks. Number of convenient places to park. Great place to exercise or take a leisurely stroll. Close to downtown so you can loop out and spend time downtown and come back and finish the path through the park. read more

Easy access in & out of this park. One of Des Mones largest recreational areas to walk, run, bike, swim, canoe, or just sight see. Almost 2 miles around a nice lake with a multicolor lit bridge that captures a perfect summer night's walk around the park. They have paddle boat and small sail boats you can rent as well as a small concession store located on the southwest side. I live in WDM but frequent this park on my bike rides through the downtown area. read more

I come here everyday on my lunch during the work week to exercise. This is an amazing park for so many things. The boat rentals are great and affordable. The trail is amazing, and the bridge is beautiful at night time. read more

a slice of heaven hidden downtown. I thought I was playing eye spy like a kid all over again. we saw catfish, otters, bald eagles, and plenty of adorable dogs!! read more

When it's nice out you will know. Gray's Lake will be packed - whether it's families walking, people running, sunbathers on the beach, or grillers grilling. This is the living room of Des Moines. Not a great place for cyclists as it's crowded when it's nice. It's a great central location with great walking paths and a nice beach. It's very cool to have this adjacent to downtown. The bridge is lit up at night - very cool! In the summer the concession stand rents out items (bikes, boats, and such). I've rented a paddle boat before and it was fun! read more

Beautiful spot. Great 2 miles around the lake for a walk, bike, or run. Love the bridge, especially lit up at night. Fishing, boats, swimming options too. Good pokestops too! read more

Popped in for a Sunday morning trip around the lake in a tandem 'yak. The white guy running the booth was so high he could barely tell us directions. It took way too long to get checked out. The lake was gorgeous and the launch/land on the dock was super easy and convenient. An hour is more than enough time to cruise the lake a time and a half and challenge yourself by paddling in and out of the columns under the pedestrian bridge. read more

Beautiful park in Des Moines. This park really is a little gem in Des Moines. The trail around the park is nice and well maintained and the bridge is really exceptional at night. There are blue light systems around the park, but at most hours of the day there are lots of people going around the park (at least for most of the year). Plus you can connect to a lot of local trails from Grays Lake Park. Definitely worth a visit when in Des Moines. read more

Paddle boarding costs five bucks per half hour - you can't beat that! The men working the boat rental were friendly and lenient when I returned the two paddle boards and paddle boat 20 minutes late ( I was nannying and the kids weren't the greatest navigators). Beautiful lake, great path for dog walking, biking, or skating. Numerous picnic areas and a playground. Glad I live so close! read more

This is a nice place to spend some time when the weather is great. It can be a relaxing and beautiful place. Walking across the bridge at night as it is all lit up always proves to be a great experiencr - especially if you are with someone that you care about. read more