Terra Park: A Serene Escape in Johnston, Iowa
Discover the tranquility of Terra Park, a beautiful city park in Johnston, Iowa, perfect for outdoor activities, picnics, and family fun.
Terra Park, nestled in the heart of Johnston, Iowa, is a picturesque city park that offers a tranquil retreat for tourists seeking nature, recreation, and relaxation. With its expansive green spaces, walking trails, and family-friendly amenities, this park is perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, and outdoor activities.
A brief summary to Terra Park
- 6400 Pioneer Pkwy, Johnston, Iowa, 50131, US
- +1515-727-8091
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-8 pm
- Thursday 7 am-8 pm
- Friday 7 am-8 pm
- Saturday 7 am-8 pm
- Sunday 7 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and stunning natural light for photography.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the many sheltered areas or on the expansive lawns.
- Check local event calendars for seasonal activities, such as outdoor concerts or community gatherings.
- Bring your sports equipment; the park's open fields are perfect for games like Frisbee or soccer.
Getting There
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Public Bus
If you're in Ankeny, start by locating the nearest bus stop for the DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) system. You can check the DART website or use their mobile app for route information. Take Bus 3 towards Des Moines, and ride it until you reach the stop at 86th Street and University Avenue. This stop is near the intersection of Ankeny and Johnston. From there, switch to Bus 12, heading north. Stay on the bus until you reach the stop at Pioneer Parkway and 64th Street. Terra Park is located just a short walk from this stop. Head east on Pioneer Parkway for about a quarter-mile, and you will find the entrance to Terra Park on your left.
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Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bike from a local rental shop in Ankeny. Start your ride on the Ankeny trails. Head towards the Des Moines River Trail and follow the signs. Once you reach the intersection of 86th Street and University Avenue, take a left and ride north. Continue until you reach Pioneer Parkway, then take another left. Terra Park will be on your left after a short distance. The entire ride is approximately 5 miles and should take about 30-40 minutes, depending on your speed.
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Walking
From central Ankeny, start walking towards 1st Street. Proceed north until you reach the intersection with Delaware Avenue. Turn left onto Delaware Avenue and continue walking until you reach the intersection with 86th Street. Cross over and head towards University Avenue. From there, walk north along 86th Street until you reach Pioneer Parkway. Turn left on Pioneer Parkway, and after about a half-mile, you will see Terra Park on your left. This walk is approximately 4 miles and will take about 1.5 hours.
Discover more about Terra Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Papa Murphy's | Take 'N' Bake Pizza
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Urbandale Historical Society
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MinGaLaBar Burmese Kitchen
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Starbucks
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Hyper Energy Bar Urbandale
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Palmer's Deli & Market
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Holiday Illahee Hills
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
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Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park and Garden
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Cottonwood Recreation Area
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Essential places to dine
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Bennigan's On Merle Hay
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Pizza Ranch
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The Beerhouse
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Culver’s
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B-Bop's
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VIVA Mexican Restaurant
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IHOP
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Cafe On Douglas
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A&W Restaurant
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Long John Silver's | A&W
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The U Bar and Grill
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Happy Joe's Pizza - Urbandale
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Merle Hay Mall
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Always Undercover
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DO Overz
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Cedar Ridge Shopping Center
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Interiors Home Furnishings
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Target
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Target Grocery
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Habitat for Humanity ReStore - Urbandale
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Jesse's Place Shopping Center
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Storey Kenworthy
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Perry Bridal Boutique
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Cottontail Lounge
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The Ridgemont
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Tapz Pub
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Sully's Irish Pub
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Buddy's Corral
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