| The park is located right along the Raccoon River which offers great fishing & canoeing opportunities. You can fish from the river bank or put your boat in the H2O at the boat ramp located on the west end of the park.
Walnut Woods encompasses 260 acres of wooded bottomland along the Raccoon River. Within the park lies a large surviving natural stand of black walnut trees. More than 90 species of birds have been identified along the numerous foot & bridle trails throughout the park & along the river.
The valley in which Walnut Woods is located was created by the meandering of the Raccoon River. Since the park elevation is not much higher than the normal river level, constant changes can be seen in its banks. The most dramatic is where the river channel runs against the western edge of the park. Constant churning & washing in the past removed tons of soil, sand & gravel. In the mid-1980s, the most vulnerable areas of the riverbank were protected by rock "riprap" & special jetties designed to minimize erosion.
Located only minutes southwest of Des Moines, the park provides shaded picnic areas with fireplaces & tables & peaceful spots for river fishing. The park is open year-round & is perfect for cross-county skiing with two 1/2 miles of ski trails. A pleasant equestrian trail is also located in the park. |
Walnut Woods State Park Campground Web Site
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
41.537519, -93.724303
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Campground: Walnut Woods State Park in West Des Moines Iowa *