Walnut Woods State Park, Southeast Iowa Travel Guide

Walnut Woods State Park, a 260-acre park in West Des Moines, Iowa, offers a peaceful retreat into nature. The park is renowned for housing the largest surviving natural stand of black walnut trees in North America, creating a unique wooded landscape. These stately trees, particularly stunning in the fall, provide a canopy that shelters diverse ecosystems.The park's history dates back to 1925 when the Iowa Conservation Commission purchased the land. Originally named Elbert State Park, it was renamed Walnut Woods in 1933. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in developing the park, deepening a former channel of the Raccoon River to create an artificial lake and constructing many of the park's buildings and trails. The CCC-era lodge, renovated in the 1970s, stands as a prime example of their work and is available for reservations.Today, Walnut Woods State Park offers a variety of recreational activities. Hiking enthusiasts can explore over two miles of trails that meander through the wooded bottomland along the Raccoon River. These trails are also popular for cross-country skiing in the winter. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting over 90 species of birds, especially during the spring and fall migrations, from the bird blind observation station. The Raccoon River provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing, with a boat ramp available on the west end of the park. Camping is available in the park's shaded campground, which offers electric and full hook-up sites, modern restrooms, and a dump station.