Gray’s Lake Park

I used to love going to grays lake. I appreciated the staff and water available to the citizens of Des Moines. Yesterday, we were told to get out of the water after jumping off a paddle board without any warning whatsoever. We are good law abiding citizens, we care about nature and the goods of other people. If we were just told to stop we would have been able to just paddle. We were given no rules to abide by, so how could we have known. We were also not given our money back, even though we payed for an hour each. Just because we are teenagers, does not mean we are angsty, Ill-​mannered, unmannerly, or discourteous. In the great words of Robert Frost: «In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.» Life does go on, but I will not forget this incident, and thought it be made clear our issues on this wonderful sight.

My friends and I had a picnic here the other day, and it was wonderful. There was a nice covered area with tables to block out some of those strong rays during the summer. There was also a nice walking path around the lake and paddleboats out – a great spot.

Gray’s Lake is an awesome park that is minutes from both the airport and downtown. The loop around the park alone is around 2 miles. You can walk, cycle, fish and rent boats. One of the great features of this park, is that it connects to several bike paths. We parked our car at the park, and cycled from Gray’s Lake to the farmer’s market. There are also plenty of dog waste receptacles, parking, benches/​tables to sit at and restrooms located around the park. I can’t recommend visiting here enough.

Hey, I’ve been spoiled by the many and beautiful lake parks in Minneapolis. Gray’s Lake is clean, the people are respectful, it seems safe most hours and the although the parking can be a problem, you can always bike there!
If you know the history of Gray’s Lake, you’ll understand that the city of Des Moines has done about everything they can do within reason to make this a nice place. If you don’t know the history, and you have some kind of axe to grind, I suggest you research it before leaving a negative review.
That said, one of the major things this park lacks is a high volume of nice places to stop and sit in the grass and/​or shade. Sure, there are benches along the way, and there are two viable locations to picnic, but these can get pretty crowded on a busy day. Sometimes you want to play volleyball, or bring a group for frisbee, or just kick back. Gray’s Lake doesn’t really have many of those kinds of areas.
Everyone seems intensely focused on «fitness». That’s fine, I guess, but what about just relaxing? I guess that’s what Water Works is for across the street? Hardly. If you don’t mind getting run over by soccer moms and dog walkers with no place to sit and relax, this place is great.
Oh, and if you don’t mind a carp-​filled gravel pit, but who’s askin’?

I enjoy coming here for a nice walk with my family and/​or friends when it’s nice outside. It gets really busy on the weekends and after work. There is a small playground area, an area to grill out/​picnic, a beach, a path around the lake, and other stuff too. Currently there’s even Bald Eagles nesting in the park. I always feel safe here whether it’s just my daughter and I or with a group.

When it’s nice out you will know. Gray’s Lake will be packed — whether it’s families walking, people running, sunbathers on the beach, or grillers grilling. This is the living room of Des Moines. Not a great place for cyclists as it’s crowded when it’s nice. It’s a great central location with great walking paths and a nice beach. It’s very cool to have this adjacent to downtown. The bridge is lit up at night — very cool! In the summer the concession stand rents out items (bikes, boats, and such). I’ve rented a paddle boat before and it was fun!

Nice park. They have a great 2 mile track that circles the lake. In the summer they have paddle boards, a small beach and small little grill sites that are utilized quite a bit. It is nice to have such a well maintained and manicured walking and running trail in the heart of the city.

Beautiful park in Des Moines. This park really is a little gem in Des Moines. The trail around the park is nice and well maintained and the bridge is really exceptional at night. There are blue light systems around the park, but at most hours of the day there are lots of people going around the park (at least for most of the year). Plus you can connect to a lot of local trails from Grays Lake Park. Definitely worth a visit when in Des Moines.

This is a very nice urban park just south of downtown Des Moines. It has a staffed boat house and concessions on the southwest side of the park. There’s always a lot of activity going on here. High points include the scenic lighted bridge and the connecting bike trails that will take you to points west, east and south from here!

We’re huge fans of this place. Fantastic walking train, small beach area, kayak and paddle board rental, and offshoots to walk up toward MLK or up the SE side of downtown.
We walk the dogs here frequently and they love it. Waste bags abound although waste baskets are scarcer resources.
Beautiful place and worth a visit and a 2 mile walk or a picnic!

Great park to come to for a walk or late night stroll, or even have a picnic! My s/​o and I love to bring our dog here for walks. It is always busy with people who are trying to stay active! Gray’s lake has a path that goes around in a circle, with a beautiful, colorful bridge that lights up during the night. They also have bike and boat rentals, and offer Yoga in the Park, where people do Yoga out on the water. I highly recommend anyone to come to Gray’s Lake as it is super clean and safe! There are plenty of people here during the night and the pathways are lit, with emergency booths spread out through the path!

a slice of heaven hidden downtown. I thought I was playing eye spy like a kid all over again. we saw catfish, otters, bald eagles, and plenty of adorable dogs!

Round and round and round and round.
I seriously can go around this lake a ton of times and not get bored just because you’re never alone. That might not be a positive aspect to some people, but I love people, especially those who are getting out there and doing something good for themselves, in this case, exercising. There’s a great vibe all around.
The lake itself is beautiful, but I’m sure it’s quite dirty. Lots of people sail, kayak, swim, run, bike, road ski, roller blade, walk, etc. around and in the lake. Going at night is a lot of fun as well. The weather is super nice.
The route around the lake is fairly flat. It’s about a little under 2 miles all the way around. You can venture off the immediate trail to other trails that can take you all over des moines. The most notable one would probably be that the lake is 2 miles away from Court Ave. in downtown DSM.
Many might be worried about parking, but there are literally 3 parking lots at different parts of the lake. I never worry about parking anymore because I’ve always found a spot in the first lot I get to!
Overall, LOVE IT. A++++++ WOULD GO AGAIN.
Hours: 5am to midnight!

Where do you go to free your mind a little bit in the city! A place you can exercise, relax, and feel at one with nature. I would say this might be your best option in Des Moines. I love walking around the lake, biking the trail or just sitting on a blanket and relaxing in the summer!
With so many great little pockets for picnicking Grey’s Lake is hot spot for good weather chilling! I have never rented a paddle boat but I hope to make that happen this year! I’m so glad our city has this beautiful spot!

I have lived in DSM for almost 2 years now, and finally made it here. What was I waiting for!?! Gray’s Lake is truly a highlight of the beauty of Des Moines. Take the paved path and walk, jog, or stroll leisurely along around the beautiful lake. While I miss the Chicago lakefront path, this is an acceptable substitute for now.
Doing the potty dance? The public restrooms were the cleanest, least scary facilities I have ever used. Potty crisis adverted!

In the heart of the city, this park is a wonderful icon for Des Moines. I have come here countless amount of times to enjoy a relaxing walk in the morning or a brainstorming jog at night. The park is clean, safe, and beautiful. The people of Des Moines you see here are friendly as can be.
I enjoy this Grays Lake because it is by no means a HUGE lake, which means it is very practical to walk or run around the trail. I have been to other lakes in other cities where it would be very impractical to run around the crazy big lake. Parking is convenient, lots of spaces in various lots around the park. Very kid and family friendly.

This is my all-​time favorite running spot in Des Moines! It’s nearly two miles to do one loop, so you can choose your number of laps accordingly. Don’t miss it at sunset when the rainbow-​colored lights come on along the paved path that runs over the lake! Beautiful.
Be sure to take advantage of the free yoga and/​or Zumba in the park each Saturday during summer. Each week a new instructor from a different studio around town leads a class, so you’re able to sample several different styles.

This is a nice place to spend some time when the weather is great. It can be a relaxing and beautiful place. Walking across the bridge at night as it is all lit up always proves to be a great experiencr — especially if you are with someone that you care about.

Walking park surrounding a lake, which is great for taking a stroll or jogging. There are bike paths both around the park and leading up to it. You can also rent a paddle boat or bring your own kayak for a light sail around. Great place to walk your dogs!
I saw a family teaching their kids to fish here one weekend. They have some areas to rest under trees. And you can sit, as I did, at the small tables to read.
Ample parking space. And easy access off the road, near the airport.

Was in Des Moines last week on a business trip and stayed downtown. I was considering where I might go for a run, as running downtown with all the intersections and cars was not sounding appealing, when this park was recommended to me. The website was extremely helpful and it had a map of the trail around the lake with precise distances for each section of it, so if I was planning to deviate or turn around at a certain time it would be easy to plan out a certain length route.
It was cold, overcast and lightly raining, so not nearly as gorgeous as the pictures I now see are. It was also around 6 so it was not yet dark — I thought the bridge was cool when I was there, but looking at the pictures now I did not get to see the full effects of the lights! There were quite a few people out for a 40 degree, slightly rainy Thursday evening, so I imagine it gets pretty packed when it’s nice out. The trail seemed well maintained, and there were restroom facilities onsite at a couple points. A little under 2 miles around the lake, which is decent for a walk, and not monotonous to get in a decent length run with just a couple laps. There were also signs up along the path with some quotes it seemed. I thought it was cute, though I didn’t read all of them because some were too long to consume while running by.
I would most definitely come back here for a run if I’m in town again.