Polk: Nature, Trails and Culture

Explore Polk’s natural areas and long trails, as well as its art, museums and events. When planning your stay, you can choose different focuses: landscapes and outdoor activities, or culture and places to visit. Options range from prairies, forests and wetlands to sculptures and interactive insights into the history of the Midwest.

Nature and Landscapes

Polk County Conservation manages more than 16,000 acres of parks, trails, prairies, forests and wetlands. Walnut Woods State Park is home to Iowa’s largest stand of black walnut trees. Big Creek State Park has the largest beach in Iowa’s state park system. Each of these places offers something distinct: remarkable trees, expansive natural areas and a large beach.

The habitats in the Chichaqua-Neal Smith Bird Conservation Area are also diverse, including grasslands, woodlands and oak savanna. Chichaqua Bottoms is one of the two main public areas within this conservation area. The natural landscape therefore encompasses both a range of habitat types and designated public areas.

Compare Hiking and Biking Trails

Two trails are easy to compare by length and design. The Neil Smith Trail in Big Creek State Park is paved, 27 miles long, and designated for hiking and biking. It runs between the beach, the Saylorville Lake area and Des Moines.

The Chichaqua Valley Trail is 26 miles long and follows a converted rail line between Valeria and Bondurant. The trails are similar in length, but their described features differ. For the Neil Smith Trail, the pavement and intended activities are specified; for the Chichaqua Valley Trail, the former rail line and its two endpoints are given. These differences provide a concrete guide when choosing a route.

Art, History and Events

The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park covers 4.4 acres in Western Gateway Park. It opened in 2009 and features works by more than two dozen artists. For a cultural visit, it offers a clearly defined alternative to natural areas and long trails.

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines covers 49 acres. Its exhibits include areas for tigers, seals, lions and giraffes, and there are opportunities to feed animals. The zoo is the only AZA-accredited zoo in Iowa. For visitors who want to include animal viewing in their trip, it offers a distinct activity.

Admission to the State Historical Museum of Iowa and its research center is free. Since official admission policies can change, check the latest information before your visit. Living History Farms is an interactive open-air museum about the rural history of the Midwest. The visitor route is via Interstate 35/80, Exit 125 at Hickman; check your route if traffic conditions change.

Outside of the annual Iowa State Fair, the Iowa State Fairgrounds hosts car shows, livestock shows, flea markets, antique shows, concerts and trade shows. Since the event calendar changes, check the current listings for specific dates. At the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, tours include the conservatory and outdoor grounds, weather permitting; tour schedules may change. Tours at Salisbury House offer insight into the life of the Weeks family, who built the house.

In the Surrounding Area

Saylorville Lake is near Des Moines, in the surrounding area of Polk County. Activities there include camping, boating, fishing, hiking, biking and wildlife watching. On the lake’s west shore, Jester Park covers 1,675 acres. To reach the park, take Exit 127 from I-80 and I-35, then drive 6.5 miles west on Highway 141. Along with trails and cultural attractions, these lake activities and a large park on the shore provide more options for planning your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Johnston, Clive, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Grimes, Des Moines, Muscatine County.

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