Best Lakes in Des Moines, IA
Aug 02, 2022Best Lakes in Des Moines, IA
Lakes offer a great opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. The Des Moines area is home to several lakes that are perfect for a day of fishing, swimming, or picnicking. Some of the best lakes in the area of Des Moines include:
Lake Ahquabi
Lake Ahquabi is a serene and beautiful spot located just minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Des Moines. With its clear blue water and sandy beaches, the lake is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can swim, fish, paddleboat, or just take in the stunning views. The park also offers miles of hiking and biking trails, making it a great destination for those who love to be active. And with a campground and picnic area, Lake Ahquabi is the perfect spot for a family outing. Whether you’re looking for a day of adventure or a place to simply relax and enjoy nature, Lake Ahquabi is sure to please.
Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a beautiful and popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating in the summer months. The sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing or building sandcastles, and the clear water is great for swimming and paddling around. There is also plenty of fish to be caught in the lake, making it a popular spot for anglers. In the winter, the lake is transformed into a place for ice skating, hockey, and sledding. The snow-covered hills are perfect for tobogganing down, and the smooth surface of the lake is ideal for skating. No matter what time of year it is, Lake Manawa is a great place to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.
Lake Red Rock
Lake Red Rock is a beautiful spot for a family outing or a romantic getaway. The lake is situated in the middle of Des Moines, and it is surrounded by parks, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The water is clean and clear, and the views are simply breathtaking. Lake Red Rock is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. And when the sun goes down, the lake comes alive with the twinkling lights of the city. if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a leisurely stroll or an adrenaline-pumping hike, Lake Red Rock is the best place to be.
Easter Lake
Easter Lake is a beautiful body of water located in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including bass, bluegill, and catfish. Easter Lake is a popular destination for boat enthusiasts, as there are several boat ramps located around the lake. Easter lake is also a great place for swimming, picnicking, and hiking. In addition to the many recreational opportunities available at Easter Lake, the lake is also home to a diverse ecosystem of plants and animals. The wetlands around the lake provide critical habitat for a variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The wooded areas around the lake are home to deer, squirrels, and other wildlife. Easter Lake is a cherished asset to the community of Des Moines, and it provides endless opportunities for enjoyment and exploration.
Big Creek Lake
Big Creek Lake is a man-made reservoir that was completed in 1978. It is located within the city limits of Des Moines, Iowa, in the United States. The lake has a surface area of approximately 1,500 acres (6.1 km2), and its maximum depth is about 60 feet (18 m). The lake was created for several purposes, including flood control, recreation, and water supply. Big Creek Lake is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and boating. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, herons, and deer. In recent years, the number of visitors to the lake has increased significantly, due in part to the addition of several new amenities, such as a beach house and playground.
Saylorville Lake
Saylorville Lake is one of the best-kept secrets in Des Moines. This hidden gem is a great place to spend a day with family and friends. With miles of hiking and biking trails, a sandy beach, and plenty of picnic areas, there is something for everyone at Saylorville Lake. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, boating, and canoeing. In addition to its recreational opportunities, Saylorville Lake is also a great place to watch wildlife. Herons, eagles, and other birds are often seen around the lake, and deer are often spotted in the woods near the shore. With its beautiful scenery and abundance of activities, Saylorville Lake is a must-visit destination in Des Moines.
Rathbun Lake
The Rathbun Lake in Des Moines is a beautiful place to spend a day with your family. The lake has something for everyone, whether you enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, or just relaxing on the shore. The scenery is breathtaking, and the wildlife is abundant. In addition to the many recreational activities available, Rathbun Lake also offers an important lesson in conservation. The lake is part of the Rathbun Waterfowl Refuge, which was established in 1992 to provide a refuge for migrating waterfowl. Today, the refuge is home to over 200 species of birds, including several endangered species. Every year, thousands of visitors come to Rathbun Lake to enjoy its beauty and learn about the importance of conserving our natural resources.
Clive Lake
Clive Lake is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The lake is situated in a picturesque setting, with plenty of trees and greenery surrounding it. The water is clean and clear, making it perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. In addition to its natural beauty, Clive Lake also offers a number of amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and herons.
Whether you’re looking for a place to fish, swim, or hike, the Des Moines area has a lake that’s perfect for you. So get outside and enjoy the beauty of Iowa!
Cari S. 