Cool New Outdoor Things in DSM

Riverview Park Sees Major Upgrades in Marshall County

402 Woodland St, Marshalltown

If you’re looking for an outdoor space to explore this summer, Riverview Park in Marshalltown deserves a spot on your list. Located along Highway 14 on the north edge of town, this expansive park combines scenic green space with recreation, camping and family-friendly amenities — all alongside the Iowa River.

Already popular as a go-to camping destination in the area, Riverview Park features everything from playgrounds and a dog park to an 18-hole disc golf course, ATV course, flower gardens and unique tree sculptures. Visitors can also take advantage of several open-air shelters and enclosed buildings available for gatherings and events.

The park is also a major access point to regional trail systems. Riverview Park connects to the hard-surfaced Linn Creek Recreational Trail, which stretches eight miles west to the Grimes Farm Nature Trail, while also linking to the Iowa River’s Edge Trail toward Albion.

In late 2025, the park received several exciting upgrades designed to make the space even more welcoming and active for visitors of all ages.

Recent Additions to Riverview Park:

• Upgraded playground equipment with a new climbing structure
• New pond — great for fishing!
• Four new pickleball courts
• Added Astroturf volleyball court
• Court lighting, allowing for extend hours of playtime
• Horseshoe pit
• Disc golf course updates
• Pedestrian bridge
• Improved sidewalks

Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip, an afternoon on the trails or a friendly pickleball match, Riverview Park continues to evolve as one of Central Iowa’s standout outdoor recreation destinations.

Check out Riverview Park in Marshalltown.

MidAmerican Energy Opens Two Rivers Park in Downtown DSM

200 SE 2nd St., Des Moines

One of DSM’s newest green spaces is transforming the edge of Downtown DSM into a modern urban escape. MidAmerican Energy Two Rivers Park, a $15.5 million, nine-acre park located in the city’s growing Market District, combines scenic river views, native prairie landscaping and contemporary design just steps from the downtown skyline and Principal Park.

What makes this space especially unique is its thoughtful blend of urban development and environmental restoration.

What You’ll Find Here:

• Walking paths
• A wow-factor, eye-catching elevated river overlook (perfect for viewing Friday night fireworks after the Iowa Cubs game!)
• An event lawn
• Bike amenities
• A unique open-air shelter with picnic seating
• Accessible features throughout the park

While the park embraces the energy of the surrounding city, it also creates space to slow down and connect with nature. The park includes hundreds of trees representing dozens of species, along with native flowers and grasses designed to support pollinators and local wildlife.

While still owned by MidAmerican Energy Company, the park is operated and maintained by the staff team at Polk County Conservation. The park has quickly become a standout example of how outdoor recreation, sustainability and city life can come together in one shared community space.

Plan a visit to Two Rivers Park in Downtown DSM.

Playground Refresh & New Splash Pad at Wild Rose Park

6801 Cody Drive, West Des Moines

Tucked into a quiet West Des Moines neighborhood just a few blocks north of Jordan Creek Town Center, Wild Rose Park has long been a favorite neighborhood gathering spot for families. Now, thanks to recent updates and expanded play features, the park offers even more opportunities for kids to climb, explore and play.

The refreshed playground was thoughtfully designed with a variety of ages and abilities in mind, making it an easy choice for everything from quick after-school outings to full afternoons at the park. With plenty of shade, open space and family-friendly amenities, Wild Rose Park blends the feel of a neighborhood park with the excitement of a destination playground.

Highlights of the Recent Updates:

• Brand-new playground areas designed separately for younger children and older kids
• A variety of swing options, including toddler swings, inclusive seating and a side-by-side duo swing
• Soft rubberized turf surfacing for added comfort and accessibility
• Interactive sensory play elements, including accessible spinner features
• Seasonal water play area where kids can pump and control flowing water during warmer months

More Amenities to Enjoy:

• A paved 0.4-mile loop trail perfect for walking, scooters or strollers
• Benches placed throughout the park for relaxing and supervising play
• A spacious covered shelter with picnic tables for gatherings and snack breaks
• Mature trees that provide plenty of natural shade around the playground
• Basketball courts featuring both standard and lower-height hoops
• A large open-use field for games and recreation
• Baseball backstop for casual practices and pickup games
• Public restrooms and drinking fountains conveniently located nearby
• Easy off-street parking access for visitors

Explore more at Wild Rose Park.

Birdwatching & Nature Fun at Brenton Slough

8801 Y Ave., Grimes

Officially opening in June 2026, Brenton Slough is one of the newest outdoor destinations in Greater Des Moines and a unique place for nature lovers to explore. Located between the growing communities of Grimes and Granger, the site preserves more than 1,100 acres of wetlands, woodlands and oak savanna — offering a peaceful natural retreat just minutes from the metro.

At the heart of the property are 52 acres of water that form one of only 15 mapped sloughs in Iowa, making the area both environmentally significant and incredibly scenic. The diverse landscape supports a wide variety of wildlife and has quickly become known as a hotspot for birdwatching and outdoor discovery.

What Makes Brenton Slough Unique:

• One of Iowa’s few officially recognized slough ecosystems, featuring seasonal wetlands and natural water habitats
• A mix of prairie, woodland and savanna environments that create diverse scenery and wildlife habitats
• Home to more than 200 identified bird species, along with amphibians, turtles and other native wildlife
• A known nesting site for Sandhill Cranes and habitat for threatened and endangered species
• A rare large-scale natural area preserved near two of Iowa’s fastest-growing counties

Things to Do at Brenton Slough:

• Go birdwatching and wildlife spotting
• Explore the area through hiking and nature walks
• Take part in scavenger hunts and kid-friendly outdoor activities
• Search for insects, amphibians and native plants
• Enjoy guided tours, volunteer opportunities and future educational programming

Current plans for the area include mowed hiking paths, improved infrastructure for birders and expanded educational and volunteer events. A future mixed-use trail connecting Grimes and Granger is also being explored, helping make this natural oasis even more accessible for the community.

Check out Brenton Slough in Grimes.

Unique Play Structure at Painted Woods West

950 Indian Ridge Drive, Waukee

Painted Woods West Park offers a playful, nature-inspired experience that feels a little different from a traditional neighborhood park. Spanning 8.5 acres, the space combines imaginative playground design with recreational amenities and open green space, creating a destination that appeals to both kids and adults.

The park’s standout feature is its series of treehouse-style play structures, some rising as high as 16 feet, encouraging children to climb, explore and use their imaginations. Thoughtful inclusive features throughout the playground help ensure children of varying abilities can play together, including a ground-level trampoline designed to accommodate mobility aids and a transfer-height bowl swing for wheelchair users.

Beyond the playground, parents and caregivers can enjoy a paved walking trail that loops around the park, making it easy to stay active while keeping an eye on kids at play. Stone benches, Adirondack chairs, picnic shelters and extensive landscaping add to the park’s relaxed, woodsy atmosphere.

Amenities You'll Find Here:

• Treehouse-inspired playground structures
• Inclusive and accessible play features
• Paved walking trail throughout the park
• Half basketball court
• Pickleball courts
• Open green space for recreation and play
• Shaded seating areas and picnic shelters
• Restrooms and drinking fountain
• On-site parking lot

Visit the new Painted Woods West Park.

Get Out & Explore in Greater Des Moines

As Greater Des Moines continues to grow, so does its commitment to creating outdoor spaces that enhance quality of life and strengthen community connections. From thoughtfully designed neighborhood parks to large-scale conservation areas, these destinations reflect the region’s focus on accessibility, recreation and preserving natural beauty for future generations.

One thing is certain: There’s never been a better time to get outside in DSM.

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