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Des Moines

Top 3 Lakes around Des Moines

Looking to visit the best lakes around Des Moines? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of Des Moines’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Saylorville Lake Visitor Center

Highlight • Rest Area

The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center is located at the southeast corner of the lake and offers a variety of scheduled events, a theater, several interactive displays, and a selection of maps. A butterfly garden is also a short walk away.

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Gray's Lake Park

Highlight • Lake

Gray's Lake Park has a total size of 166-acres and is located in the heart of Des Moines. The lake of the same name is the park's main feature and is surrounded by a path for cycling and hiking. One of the highlights is the bridge that crosses the lake, as it can be illuminated in the evening and nighttime.

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Raccoon River Park

Highlight • Lake

Raccoon River Park is a beautiful green park with Blue Heron Lake in the center. There is a path that runs along the banks of the lake, which is an easy ride. There are also benches to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

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Kayak launch and parking area

Highlight • Rest Area

Talking with some of the locals they said they just put this new kayak launch in last year, and that the lake was up about 4 feet higher last year. I guess the DNR or water works that manages the reservoir doesn't come back to adjust the dock placement like they should. Friendly folks fishing off the dock.

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Reservoir Access Point

Highlight • Lake

This looks like another place to put canoes and kayaks in. The signs are very confusing, it says no boats, but kayaks, canoes, paddleboards etc need passes. Reservoir is down several feet, strange to be walking on what should be underwater.

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Tips from the Community

tcbscott
May 30, 2026, Kayak launch and parking

Talking with some of the locals they said they just put this new kayak launch in last year, and that the lake was up about 4 feet higher last year. I guess the DNR or water works that manages the reservoir doesn't come back to adjust the dock placement like they should. Friendly folks fishing off the dock.

2

0

This looks like another place to put canoes and kayaks in. The signs are very confusing, it says no boats, but kayaks, canoes, paddleboards etc need passes. Reservoir is down several feet, strange to be walking on what should be underwater.

2

0

The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center is located at the southeast corner of the lake and offers a variety of scheduled events, a theater, several interactive displays, and a selection of maps. A butterfly garden is also a short walk away.

1

0

Restrooms water and a learning experience.

0

1

Gray's Lake Park has a total size of 166-acres and is located in the heart of Des Moines. The lake of the same name is the park's main feature and is surrounded by a path for cycling and hiking. One of the highlights is the bridge that crosses the lake, as it can be illuminated in the evening and nighttime.

1

0

mtm05005
September 22, 2023, Gray's Lake Park

Gray's Lake Park is a 166-acre park. The main feature of the park is the large lake, which give the park its name, and is located in the middle of the park. There is also a paved walking and biking path that goes around the lake and includes a bridge that crosses the water.

0

0

mtm05005
September 21, 2023, Gray's Lake Park

Gray's Lake Park is a 166-acre park. Its main feature is the large lake in the center of the park. There is also a paved walking and biking path that goes around the lake and includes a bridge that crosses the water.

0

0

mtm05005
September 21, 2023, Raccoon River Park

Raccoon River Park is a beautiful green park with Blue Heron Lake in the center. There is a path that runs along the banks of the lake, which is an easy ride. There are also benches to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

0

0

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Still not found your perfect lake around Des Moines? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

West Des MoinesClive

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Things to Do in Sycamore Trail Recreation Area (Webster Township)

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