Walnut Woods State Park

Covering about 231 acres, Walnut Woods State Park lies in Polk County, about 2 miles east of West Des Moines.

Popular activities here are boating, wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. Water access includes a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups and group camping. Roofed lodging includes lodge rooms.

Reserve the recently renovated 1930s CCC lodge through the online reservation system for Walnut Woods State Park for weddings, graduations or large family gatherings. The year-round lodge offers both indoor and outdoor fireplaces, along with a shaded outdoor shelter area and lawn. Several shaded picnic areas with fire grills can also be found in the park.

Hike more than two miles of trails, meandering through wooded bottomland along the Raccoon River. Cross-country skiing is a popular activity in the winter. Three miles from the park is the Great Western multi-use trailhead that links Des Moines and Martensdale along its paved, 16.5 mile path.

Fish or canoe along the meandering Raccoon River. Visitors can fish from the riverbank or launch their boat from the ramp located on the west end of the park. Since the park elevation is not much higher than the normal river level, the water level is constantly changing.

Fish or canoe along the meandering Raccoon River. Visitors can fish from the riverbank or launch their boat from the ramp located on the west end of the park. Since the park elevation is not much higher than the normal river level, the water level is constantly changing.

A state fishing license is usually required.

Outdoor conditions can change quickly or be unique to a park. If you have specific accessibility questions or concerns, please contact the park directly and staff will be happy to help. Bathrooms: Accessible modern restrooms are located in the campground. Accessibility at Major Park Attractions: Built in the 1930s, the Walnut Woods Lodge is a focal point of the park and features rustic architecture typical of the time period. With recent updates visitors will find accessible parking, entrances and restrooms. See the lodge video on this page for more information. Trails: Trail users will find relatively wide, flat, natural surface trails along the Raccoon River. Due to the nature of the terrain, trails flood periodically and may remain wet and muddy following rains. The Athene pedestrian bridge spans the Raccoon River between Raccoon River Park (City of West Des Moines) and Walnut Woods State Park. The bridge features a partially shaded observation deck at the center of the span offering views of the river and wildlife. A trailhead is located at the southeast corner of Walnut Woods State Park off SW 52nd Ave. A relatively flat, 1/2-mile paved multi-use trail connects the bridge to the trailhead. Additional Accessible Features: • An accessible playground is located across from the lodge.