By Claire Kohl
Have you been spending too much time indoors behind a screen? Need to “touch grass”? Celebrate Earth Month by visiting a local park. 🌎🌳 Breathe in the fresh air while admiring the public art and beauty that the parks within walking distance of The Avenues have to offer. Choose your next picnic destination from this list of Des Moines parks along or near The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand. 🧺
“LOVE” by artist Robert Indiana at Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
1330 Grand Avenue
- This grassy 4.4-acre park hosts over 30 pieces of art. These pieces were donated to the Des Moines Art Center by John and Mary Pappajohn.
- Unique Park Hours: Open from 6 AM – 12 AM
- Fun Fact: The sculpture “Air Gets Into Everything Even Nothing” is a cast of a 2,000-year-old olive tree near Naples, Italy.
- The Des Moines Art Center provides many educational resources regarding the Pappajohn Sculpture Park rules and art:
Greenwood Park – Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden
Roses and structures at Clare & Miles Mills Rose Garden.
4800 Grand Avenue
- The backyard of the Des Moines Art Center is home to one of 132 All-American Rose Selection Public Display Gardens in the United States.
- The park’s enchanting architecture and blooming roses make it a popular destination for photoshoots, proposals, and events.
- Learn more about Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden from this brochure provided by the City of Des Moines: 🔗 Rose Garden Brochure
- Some Rules of Note:
- No pets, alcohol, smoking/vaping, or tobacco allowed.
- Do not walk in flower beds or pick flowers.
- No climbing on structures.
Art on the Avenues, 2025: A child colors our “Doodle Wall” at Chamberlin Park.
Chamberlain Park
2134 Woodland Ave
- This park has served as a venue for The Avenues’ Art on the Avenues events.
- Day at the Park: Grab takeout with your family from one of the popular restaurants along the corridor for a picnic at the park. As the home of a great playground, this is a popular destination for children to play.
- While picnic tables are available, there is also an open-air shelter. This shelter can be rented out, so availability is limited.
- Some Rules of Note:
- No alcohol, smoking/vaping, or tobacco allowed.
- No climbing on structures other than the playground.
- More Park Rules
Water Works Park
2201 George Flagg Parkway
- At 1500 acres, Water Works Park features trails, picnic tables with grills, and open spaces for sports.
- April 25: 🔗 Earth Day in The Park Event at Water Works Park
- May to October, Wednesday – Sunday: Enjoy some German beers, street food, live music, and yard games! 🔗 Des Moines Biergarten
- Lauridsen Amphitheater: Home of many large concerts: 🔗 Concerts & Ticketing
- For more information about future events, check out this event calendar provided by the Des Moines Water Works Foundation: 🔗 Water Works Park Event Calendar
- Water Works Park Rules: 🔗 Des Moines Water Works
Green Space Shout-Outs:
Want to learn about more parks and trails in the Des Moines area?
