Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater
The Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater is located downtown just south of City Hall at East First between Locust and Walnut. This beautiful location has been used for fun runs and walks, bike rides, political campaigns, concerts, class reunions, and weddings. It is the perfect place for any outdoor activity!
Free Public Event - $500.00 per four (4) hour session, plus $100.00 for each additional hour over four
Fee Based Event - $750.00 per four (4) hour session, plus $175.00 for each additional hour over four and 14% of gross revenue from vending
Weddings or Private Parties - $500.00 per four (4) hour session, plus $100.00 per hour for each additional hour over four
Greenwood Park Rose Garden
The historic garden has been a favorite spot for gardeners, strollers, and wedding parties since the 1930's. It is an "All American Rose Selection Public Display Garden", one of 132 such garden in the United States. You can find the Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden at Greenwood Park at 4800 Grand Avenue. It is located directly behind the Des Moines Art Center. Rental rates for the rose garden are $150.00 per hour with a two (2) hour minimum.
Gray's Lake Overlook Terrace
Plan your next event at Gray's Lake Park. The Overlook Terrace is a great place to have an event. The Overlook Terrace is made up of seven sections. Three of these sections are shaded structures which are available to rent in three (3) hour time blocks at $50 per section. Rentals of the designated open spaces throughout Gray's Lake Park are available in six (6) hour time blocks (per half day) for $250.
Organized trail system events which charge fees or collect donations and have more than 100 participants, are charged a $250 event fee. Event planner may reserve the parking lot south of the Terrace in three (3) hour blocks of time for $50. Alternative parking needs to be provided whenever a rental of Overlook Terrace involves more than 40 people or when rental of other areas of the park exceeds 200 people.
Sylvan Theater
Sylvan Theater is one of about 15 "local historic landmarks" within the City of Des Mines. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a great place to have any type of event. Rental rates for the Sylvan Theater are $150.00 per hour with a two (2) hour minimum.
Gray's Lake Watercraft Rentals
Visit Gray's Lake Concessions for boat rentals from 11:00 AM to sunset. Paddleboats, canoes, sailboats, kayaks, catamaran kayaks, and hydro bikes are available for $5.00 per 1/2 hour rental. Rentals begin in mid April.
Want to learn how to sail or canoe? Master the fundamentals of sailing such as rigging a boat, knot-tying, stopping and starting a boat, leaving and returning to the beach, and tacking and jibing. Learn canoeing basics such as basic paddle strokes and safety. Pick from a variety of sailing and canoeing classes offered through Des Moines Public Schools at Gray's Lake Park.
Plan your event around other events and activities taking place at Gray's Lake Park.
Activities On and Near Gray's Lake
Activities and Events within Gray's Lake Park
Map of Gray's Lake