If you are a dog owner living in Iowa, you may be looking for new dog parks to try in Des Moines. If so, then you’re in the right place. This article is all about the best dog parks in Des Moines.
If you have pets, Des Moines is a great place to live. There are numerous dog-friendly locations in this city, including dog parks.
Dog parks not only allow the dogs to unwind, but they also provide pet parents with a place to relax and enjoy their canine companions. The best part is that dog parks are enjoyable regardless of the season. And there are undeniably many excellent dog parks in Des Moines.
Depending on the park, facilities may vary — some will only have fresh drinking water and complimentary doggy bags. On the other hand, some go above and beyond by providing amenities such as picnic pavilions, canine agility equipment, hiking trails, and water features.
This article will discuss all the good parks in Des Moines, ideal for your dog to run around and interact with other friendly dogs. We’ll also go over the specifics of what each park offers.
Before you scroll down this list of dog parks in Des Moines, Iowa, you can check out these other dog-related articles: 8 Best Australian Shepherd Breeders in Iowa! (2023) and 7 Best French Bulldog Breeders in Iowa! (2023).
1. Ewing Dog Park
Ewing Dog Park is the first on the list of dog parks in Des Moines, Iowa. The amenities at Ewing Dog Park are typically only available to members; however, you may be able to obtain free admission if you volunteer at the dog park for a few hours.
Park memberships are subject to an annual fee. Please visit the park’s website for more information on permit prices and how to get one for free while also helping to expand Ewing Dog Park.
The Ewing Dog Park in Des Moines is enormous compared to other parks in the area. It has 9.5 acres of space for dogs to run around, and the park is divided into two zones.
Puppies, small dogs, and toy breeds are given one acre, while dogs of all other sizes are given eight and a half acres. Fences and grass surround these vast enclosures, which makes it easy on the dogs’ paws.
The park management keeps the grass healthy and green from spring to summer and into autumn. The park’s tall trees provide lovely shade for most of the day, and if you happen to be there when the sun is at its hottest, you can always seek shade under the pavilion.
Restrooms are available in the parks, and fresh drinking water is also available. Use the water provided at the gated area’s entrance to keep yourself and your dog hydrated.
There is plenty of space at Ewing Dog Park. If you throw a frisbee or tennis ball from the entry point, the dogs will have a fantastic time chasing it through the park. Even the most energetic dog would tire in this environment.
Your dog will have plenty of room to play, but you won’t have to worry as this is a fenced dog park in Des Moines so your dog is safe. Poop bags are available at the fenced-in area’s entrance, and trash cans are placed throughout the park.
Ewing Dog Park Details:
- Location: 4660 Indianola Ave. Des Moines, Iowa
- Phone Number: 515-237-1364
- Website: Ewing Dog Park
- Social Media: Facebook
2. Raccoon River Dog Park
Raccoon River Dog Park is a large dog park in West Des Moines, Iowa, open for residents and non-residents. Non-residents pay $40 for membership, while West Des Moines residents pay $20.
If you need to know whether Raccoon River Park is worth the money, you can purchase a $5 one-day permit at the Parks and Recreation office or the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge to test the park.
There are plenty of parking spaces near the 10-acre dog park. The dog park has two gates and a concrete area with water fountains, trash cans, and dispensers for biodegradable waste bags.
The park is suitable for small and large dogs; it has an approximately half-acre enclosure dedicated to small dogs. Large dogs can run around and interact with other dogs on the remaining 7.5 acres.
The park is rarely crowded because of its size. You can take your dog for walks on mowed paths through the tallgrass prairie that is completely walled off from and close to the main park.
Canines are welcome to drink from water bowls placed throughout the dog park. Plenty of lounging areas are scattered throughout the off-leash areas of this fantastic dog park’s manicured open fields, grassland, and forest sections, allowing owners to keep an eye on their dogs while exploring.
Visitors frequently mention the park’s friendliness and beauty.
Raccoon River Dog Park Details:
- Location: 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa
- Phone Number: 515-222-3444
- Website: Raccoon River Dog Park
- Social Media: Facebook
3. Riverwalk Dog Park
Riverside’s Riverwalk Dog Park is a great place to take your dog for afternoon play and exercise. You can let your dog loose in this off-leash dog park in Des Moines, so they can run around and make new friends.
Many Riverside dog owners visit the Riverwalk Dog Park in the late afternoon sun to let their dogs run around and play. Your dogs are welcome on the grass, and there is a gated area, an agility course, seats, and picnic tables.
Your pet will have plenty of space to play, given the park’s size. If you plan to visit this park on a sunny day, bring a hat and sunglasses because there isn’t much shade.
Moreover, visitors to the park are subject to Riverside city ordinances. Therefore, it is the owner’s responsibility to monitor and clean up after their dog constantly. All dogs must also have identification tags, a license, and vaccination records.
No naughty or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be tolerated, and all pet owners are responsible for their animals’ actions. Furthermore, visitors are not permitted to bring food or beverages into the park, and there is no designated small-dog area.
Unfortunately, Riverwalk Dog Park visitors only sometimes follow the rules. You must keep a close eye on your dog if you bring it to this park. Failing to watch out for your dog can lead to unpleasant incidents.
This dog park is clean, friendly, and well-liked. If you want a dog park that is both convenient and sanitary, it is an excellent choice
Riverwalk Dog Park Details:
- Location: 1111 Illinois St, Des Moines, Iowa
- Phone Number: 515-237-1386
- Social Media: Instagram
4. Reno Memorial Dog Park
Reno has 4.2-acre fenced-in property, which makes it a medium-sized park (relatively speaking). There is a short asphalt path, but most of Memorial Dog Park comprises grassy areas with picnic tables and trees.
In addition, dog waste stations are littered (pun intended) throughout the park for convenience. The park also provides complimentary doggy bags, but it may run out of them, so we suggest bringing your own backups.
Reno Memorial Dog Park also has fresh drinking water for dogs and humans. You will find water stations at multiple points. On top of that, this well-kept park has plenty of parking.
You can get a permit to visit the park from the Des Moines Parks & Recreation department. Each annual dog park pass costs $20 per person, and you can get it from the City Clerk’s office at Des Moines City Hall (400 Robert D Ray Drive). This permit allows access to all three of the city’s dog parks managed by Des Moines Parks & Recreation.
To enter the park, you must present documentation proving your rabies vaccination, which you can obtain from the City Clerk’s office at Des Moines City Hall.
Reno Memorial Dog Park Details:
- Location: 3325 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, Iowa
- Phone Number: 515-237-1386
- Website: Reno Memorial Dog Park
- Social Media: Facebook
5. 17th Street Dog Park
Last on the list of the best dog parks in Des Moines, Iowa, is 17th Street Dog Park. This is not in Des Moines but is located in Altoona, which is within reach of Des Moines residents.
This fenced, off-leash dog park is located west of the Altoona Campus. It has a fire hydrant, trees, benches, rocks, a dog waste station, and rolling grounds covered in plush grass. There is a water fountain near the front entrance for dogs and their owners.
The park’s nine acres provide ample space for large dogs to run around and exert their pent-up energy. Smaller and older dogs should be restricted to the park’s final tenth acre, which is gated off from the rest of the property.
These rules and guidelines must be followed in the park:
- You may be liable for any damages or medical costs if your dog attacks someone at the park.
- Dogs and puppies must be healthy, registered, and immunized.
- Collar tags must always identify pets.
- It is the responsibility of dog owners to clean up after their pets.
- The park welcomes all breeds of dogs, but aggressive dogs that bite or harass people or other animals will be asked to leave. Aggressive pets were previously prohibited.
- The park requires the pups to be at least four months old for safety.
- Never abandon a dog or separate it from its owner.
- Although children are welcome at the dog park, they must be closely monitored.
- Before entering or leaving the park, all dogs, including service dogs, must be restrained on a leash.
- Anyone who violates the terms of their agreement will have their park privileges revoked.
17th Street Dog Park Details:
- Location: 4570 17th St, Sarasota, FL 34240, United States
- Phone Number: 941-861-7275
- Website: 17th Street Dog Park
How To Find the Best Dog Parks in Des Moines, Iowa
There are a few things to consider when looking for a good dog park. First, consider the park’s size. Some dogs prefer more space to run around, while others thrive in small, enclosed areas.
Consider the park’s amenities next. Is there a water fountain available for the dogs? Shade? Benches? Next, examine the security precautions. Is the fence tall enough to keep dogs in? Are there two gates to keep the dogs from escaping?
The next step is to inspect the park’s cleanliness. Do they have trash cans and dog waste bags? Is there any debris on the ground?
Finally, consider the working hours of the park. While some parks are only open during the day, others are open 24 hours a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
The mandatory dog park permit can be purchased for $20 either online, by mail, or in person at the City Clerk’s office. For more information, check out the City of Des Moines website.
Once purchased, a dog park permit is good from January 1 – December 31. You’ll have access to Ewing, Reno Memorial, and Riverwalk dog parks, so it’s a good value, and the fee helps fund the local animal shelter.
Really, it depends on your individual dog and other dogs’ behavior at the park. Dog parks are a great outlet for exercise and stimulation, but some dogs can become overwhelmed. It’s best to pay close attention to your pet and know when they’ve had enough.
Conclusion For “Best Dog Parks in Des Moines, Iowa”
After reading about all of Des Moines’ wonderful dog parks, it isn’t easy to pick a favorite. However, the five parks mentioned above would be our best choices based on amenities, location, and general attitude.
These parks have beautiful views and large off-leash areas, making them ideal for your dog to play and socialize. We hope you and your dog have a great time in the park!
For more guides similar to this list of dog parks in Des Moines, Iowa, you can check out these other related articles:
- 10 Best Pet Stores in Des Moines! (2023)
- 11 Best Dog Breeders in Iowa! (2023)
- Where Can You Get Free Puppies in Iowa? (2023)
Before heading to a dog park in Des Moines, Iowa, you can learn more about dog parks by watching “Before You Bring Your Puppy To The Dog Park” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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