Walnut Woods State Park Dog Park: A Premier Outdoor Adventure for You and Your Canine Companion
Discover the Walnut Woods State Park Dog Park in West Des Moines, Iowa, a fantastic destination for dog lovers seeking a natural and engaging outdoor experience.
Located at 3155 Walnut Woods Drive, this expansive park offers a 3.2-mile loop trail designed specifically for dogs, providing a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Blue Heron Lake.
The dog park features approximately 1 mile of crushed rock trail winding around the lake, perfect for a leisurely walk or a more energetic adventure.
Dogs can enjoy the scenic views and fresh air while exploring this well-maintained area.
Beyond the trail, Blue Heron Lake itself is a key attraction.
A 500-foot long beach offers accessibility with specialized beach wheelchairs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the waterfront.
Boathouse rentals are available for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards, adding another layer of recreational opportunities.
Walnut Woods State Park boasts numerous amenities beyond the dog park.
The Nature Lodge provides a space for relaxation and exploration, while the Archery Facility offers a chance to test your skills.
A seasonal ice rink and playground provide entertainment for the whole family, and a Soccer and Softball Complex is currently under development.
This park's history is rich, originating as a farmstead established in 1907 and later owned by the Elbert family.
Developed through mining operations starting in 1946, with over $12 million in investment over decades.
The park’s natural features are impressive, including densely wooded bottomland along the Raccoon River, a marshy area on the western edge, and grassland habitat on the eastern side of the lake.
Over 180 confirmed bird species inhabit the area, and the lake supports a diverse fish population, including crappie, blue gill, bullheads, catfish, carp, bass, and walleye.
Plan your visit to the Walnut Woods State Park Dog Park today and create lasting memories with your furry friend!
History
Walnut Woods State Park’s dog park began as a 3.2-mile loop trail encircling Blue Heron Lake.
Originally part of a 1907 farmstead later owned by the Elbert family, the land’s development began with mining operations in 1946.
Over decades, significant investment—more than $12 million—transformed the area.
The park’s 3.2-mile trail, featuring a 1-mile section of crushed rock, now forms the core of the dog park.
Blue Heron Lake offers recreational opportunities like boathouse rentals for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards.
The park boasts diverse natural habitats, including wooded bottomlands, marshy areas, and grasslands, supporting a rich ecosystem with over 180 confirmed bird species and a varied fish population, including crappie, blue gill, bullheads, catfish, carp, bass, and walleye.
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offers a 3.2-mile loop trail designed specifically for dogs, providing a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Blue Heron Lake.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The dog park features approximately 1 mile of crushed rock trail winding around the lake, perfect for a leisurely walk or a more energetic adventure.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Dogs can enjoy the scenic views and fresh air while exploring this well-maintained area.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Beyond the trail, Blue Heron Lake itself is a key attraction.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">A 500-foot long beach offers accessibility with specialized beach wheelchairs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the waterfront.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Boathouse rentals are available for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards, adding another layer of recreational opportunities.\n\n<strong>Walnut Woods State Park</strong> boasts numerous amenities beyond the dog park.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The Nature Lodge provides a space for relaxation and exploration, while the Archery Facility offers a chance to test your skills.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">A seasonal ice rink and playground provide entertainment for the whole family, and a Soccer and Softball Complex is currently under development.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">This park\'s history is rich, originating as a farmstead established <strong>in 1907</strong> and later owned by the Elbert family.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Developed through mining operations starting <strong>in 1946</strong>, with over $12 million in investment over decades.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The park’s natural features are impressive, including densely wooded bottomland along the Raccoon River, a marshy area on the western edge, and grassland habitat on the eastern side of the lake.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Over 180 confirmed bird species inhabit the area, and the lake supports a diverse fish population, including crappie, blue gill, bullheads, catfish, carp, bass, and walleye.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Plan your visit to the <strong>Walnut Woods State Park</strong> Dog Park today and create lasting memories with your furry friend!</p>', 'faq': '', 'history': '<p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;"><strong>Walnut Woods State Park</strong>’s dog park began as a 3.2-mile loop trail encircling Blue Heron Lake.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Originally part of a <strong>1907</strong> farmstead later owned by the Elbert family, the land’s development began with mining operations <strong>in 1946</strong>.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Over decades, significant investment—more than $12 million—transformed the area.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The park’s 3.2-mile trail, featuring a 1-mile section of crushed rock, now forms the core of the dog park.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Blue Heron Lake offers recreational opportunities like boathouse rentals for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The park boasts diverse natural habitats, including wooded bottomlands, marshy areas, and grasslands, supporting a rich ecosystem with over 180 confirmed bird species and a varied fish population, including crappie, blue gill, bullheads, catfish, carp, bass, and walleye.</p>', 'disclaimer': None, 'categories': ['Water', 'Off Leash'], 'admission': None, 'date_available': None, 'attendance_amount': None, 'exhibitor_amount': None, 'delivery_services': [], 'social_media': {}, 'stocked_brands': [], 'inventory_categories': {}, 'customer_reviews': [], 'metadescription': None, 'slug': 'walnut-woods-state-park', 'distance': 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