The park serves as a natural filtration system for the city's drinking water supply.
It covers an area roughly four times the size of New York City's Central Park.
The Lauridsen Amphitheater is a LEED-certified outdoor performance venue.
The park's trail system connects directly to the larger Des Moines regional trail network.
Portions of the park are designated as protected natural floodplains to mitigate river surge impacts.
Water Works Park spans 1,500 acres along the Raccoon River, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The park serves a dual purpose as a critical water treatment facility for the Des Moines metropolitan area and a recreational woodland space. It features extensive open woodlands, paved multi-use trails, and vast meadows. The site hosts the Lauridsen Amphitheater, a prominent outdoor venue for concerts and events. Visitors frequently use the park for cycling, fishing, and picnicking. The grounds are designed to support natural floodplains, providing significant environmental benefits to the local watershed. Managed by Des Moines Water Works, the area transitions from dense tree lines to expansive open spaces.
The elevated boardwalks overlooking the Raccoon River near the park entrance.
Bring insect repellent as the wooded areas near the river can have high mosquito activity.
Utilize the paved trails for cycling to cover the large geographic footprint efficiently.
Check the park's event calendar for scheduled concerts at the amphitheater before visiting.
Attempting to traverse the entire 1,500-acre park on foot in a single afternoon.
Leash your pets and stay on marked trails to protect the natural watershed.
