The park contains an extensive arboretum featuring over 700 lilac bushes representing more than 200 distinct varieties.
The disc golf course is designed to incorporate natural elevation changes and wooded hazards, challenging players of all skill levels.
The park's namesake, John Ewing, donated the initial land to the city of Des Moines in the early 20th century.
The park functions as a major trail head connecting to the broader Des Moines metro trail system.
Ewing Park is a 291-acre municipal facility in Des Moines known for hosting one of the city's premier disc golf courses. The park grounds feature a diverse landscape including mature wooded sections, rolling hills, and expansive open fields. It is recognized as the site of the annual Des Moines Lilac Festival, which takes place in the park’s formal lilac arboretum. Beyond the disc golf layout, the park provides multiple picnic shelters and designated trails for walking and hiking. It serves as a significant recreational hub for the south side of Des Moines.
The central lilac arboretum during the spring bloom cycle.
Bring bug spray if you plan on playing the back nine of the disc golf course, as it runs through dense wooded areas.
Visit during mid-May to witness the peak bloom of the historic lilac collection.
Check the local municipal parks calendar before visiting to ensure the park is not reserved for a private event or league tournament.
Attempting to hike the wooded trails during heavy rain, as the paths can become significantly muddy and slippery.
Park facilities, including picnic shelters, are primarily seasonal and may be winterized from late autumn through early spring.
Practice pack-in/pack-out habits to keep the trails clean; yield to hikers when playing disc golf.
