Discover the Best Outdoor Spots that Capture Des Moines Charming and Welcoming Vibe

Des Moines is not just a vibrant city with rich cultural offerings, but it also boasts of scenic outdoor spots showcasing its natural beauty. Here are some of the best places to explore nature while experiencing the friendly and welcoming vibe that defines Des Moines:

1. Grays Lake Park (2101 Fleur Dr): Admire stunning views of downtown while strolling along the lake shore, enjoying paddle boating or watching a concert at one of their many amphitheaters.

2. Pappajohn Sculpture Park (1330 Grand Ave): Take a break from hiking trails and be stunned by modern sculptures dotted around this 4acre park. Dont forget to take selfies with your favorite piece!

3. Walnut Woods State Park (3155 Walnut Woods Drive): Enjoy over 260 acres filled with oak trees in one of Iowas largest butterfly protection areas! Make sure to bring binoculars and identify rare bird species like Barred Owl or Eastern Bluebird.

4. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (909 Robert D Ray Dr): See thousands of plants in various greenhouses as well as outside gardens designed for different ecosystems such as orchids, cacti succulents and even carnivorous plants!

5. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (9981 Pacific St Prairie City): Explore restored prairie landscapes including bison herds roaming free on more than five miles worth of trails through cedar woodlands upland tallgrass prairies among other habitats,some once extinct natively from Iowa before being reintroduced here.Showcasing environmental conservation at work since1978 ,the refuge serves an educational role besides providing recreational enjoyment opportunities for all abilities.

Whether youre an art lover who wants to get close to inspiring pieces or a nature enthusiast looking for unique flora & fauna within humming urban surrounds; there is no shortage of delightful surprises in Des Moines. Make sure you pack your sense of curiosity to fully immerse yourself.

Scientific evidence supports the fact that spending time outdoors has direct positive impacts on human health and wellbeing, including reducing stress levels, improving cognitive function and boosting mood; including every one of these locales nearby could make for a happy and rejuvenating experience with Mother Nature . Discover first hand why locals are proud to call this area home.

Websites & Twitter handles:

Grays Lake Park https://www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/GraysLake.aspx

Pappjohn Sculpture Park https://dsmpublicartfoundation.org/artworks/pappajohnsculpturepark/

Walnut Woods State Park https://www.iowadnr.gov/idnr/Fishing/WheretoFish/LakesPondsReservoirs/LakeDetails/lakeCode/WAL53

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge:https://www.fws.gov/refuge/neal_smith/about.html