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Rotary Riverwalk Park, West Des Moines Travel Guide

4.8 (145)

A playful downtown park on the Des Moines Riverwalk, perfect for a quick escape and scenic views.

Rotary Riverwalk Park, nestled along the Des Moines River, offers a tranquil escape in the heart of downtown Des Moines. This small park features a playground with a unique climbing structure, swings, and access to the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge.

A brief summary to Rotary Riverwalk Park

  • 821 W River Dr, Des Moines, Downtown Des Moines, Iowa, 50309, US
  • Click to display
  • Monday 6 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-10 pm
  • Friday 6 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-10 pm
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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rotary Riverwalk Park.

  • Visit during the day to climb on the bobber statue and enjoy the swings.
  • Take a walk across the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge for views of the river and Asian Gardens.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Lauridsen Skatepark.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of downtown Des Moines, such as the Des Moines Public Library, head east towards the Des Moines River. Cross the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge. Rotary Riverwalk Park is located at the west end of the bridge.

  • Public Transport

    The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) provides bus service throughout Des Moines. Several DART routes serve downtown Des Moines, with connections to DART Central Station. From DART Central Station, walk east towards the river and the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge. Check the DART website for specific routes and schedules. A single ride fare is $1.75.

  • Parking

    Several parking options are available in downtown Des Moines. Metered street parking is available, with rates typically ranging from $0.25 to $1.25 per hour. Several parking garages are also located nearby, with hourly rates around $1 and daily maximums around $10. Free parking is available after 5 PM and on weekends in the Polk County Administration and Election Office Lots near Court Avenue. Be aware that parking can be limited during events.

Discover more about Rotary Riverwalk Park

Rotary Riverwalk Park is a compact yet engaging public space located on the west bank of the Des Moines River, forming the northern end of the Principal Riverwalk. Created through the efforts of Des Moines-area Rotary Clubs, the park provides a distinctive and appealing environment for children, families, and visitors.The park's design incorporates a playful, artistic aesthetic, highlighted by a large 'bobber' climbing structure and swings. The Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, a pedestrian bridge, is easily accessible from the park, offering scenic views of the river and the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens on the opposite bank. The park also provides access to the Lauridsen Skatepark, effectively linking the two recreational areas.While the park itself is small, its location along the Principal Riverwalk connects it to a more extensive network of trails and attractions. This allows visitors to easily explore other nearby points of interest, such as the Brenton Skating Plaza and the various public art installations that dot the riverfront. Rotary Riverwalk Park provides a pleasant spot to relax, enjoy the scenery, and engage in light recreation within the downtown area.
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