The lake was constructed in the late 1960s as part of a flood control project.
The Mark C. Ackelson Trail is named after a former president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.
The park underwent a major multi-year restoration project completed in 2019 to improve water clarity and fish habitat.
The lake serves as a watershed basin for a significant portion of the surrounding residential area.
The shoreline features designated accessible fishing jetties designed to improve water access for mobility-impaired visitors.
Easter Lake Park is a 178-acre municipal park located in southern Des Moines, anchored by a 170-acre man-made lake used for recreational water activities. The park features the Mark C. Ackelson Trail, a multi-use paved path that facilitates circuitous travel around the water and connects to the broader Des Moines regional trail network. Anglers frequently target the lake for bass, bluegill, and channel catfish populations. The area includes several picnic shelters, boat ramps, and designated swimming beaches. Recent infrastructure improvements have focused on water quality restoration and shoreline stabilization efforts. It serves as a hub for both passive nature observation and active outdoor recreation within the Polk County Conservation system.
The bridge crossing the narrow neck of the lake offers the best panoramic view of the water and surrounding trees.
Visit during weekday mornings to avoid high traffic from weekend recreational boaters.
Check the Polk County Conservation website for water quality advisories before planning swimming activities.
Bring polarized sunglasses to better spot fish and wildlife along the shoreline.
Do not attempt to swim outside of the designated beach zones, as submerged hazards exist in other parts of the lake.
Park roads and some facilities may experience temporary closures during extreme flooding events or severe winter weather.
Leash laws apply to all pets, and visitors must carry out all trash to maintain the park's water quality.
