About Gray's Lake

With its many opportunities for walking, biking, and other activities, Gray’s Lake Park is the “Place to Meet” in the Des Moines Metro area. The centerpiece of the park’s renewal plan is the 1.9-mile trail encircling the lake. This trail is lit and equipped with emergency phones, providing a beautiful, clean, and safe outdoor experience. 
 
The 167-acre Gray's Lake Park is located in the heart of the City of Des Moines, at the site of a former gravel and sand excavation operation.  The park is located on the southwestern edge of downtown Des Moines, with entrances located on the east side of the major north/south arterial corridor of the City, at 2101 Fleur Drive.  Water for the Park's 100-acre namesake lake is supplied by the adjacent Raccoon River back-up waters and storm water runoff from the City's southwest side.

Park Hours

Fall and Winter   
November through March: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Spring and Summer  
April through October: 5:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight

Concession Stand Hours

Spring
Beginning mid-April: 4pm - 8pm on weekdays, 10am - 8pm on weekends until Memorial Day Weekend.

Summer
Beginning after Memorial Day Weekend: 10am - 8pm, daily through Labor Day. Rentals end at 7:10pm.

Do More than the Loop a Gray's Lake

Venture off of the Kruidenier Trail at Gray’s Lake Park and try out some of the wonderful activities and lessons that the Parks and Recreation staff plans throughout the year.  

Fishing
Gray's Lake hosts an unusual combination of fish - those typically found in rivers as well as those found in lakes and, according to the Iowa DNR, i one of the best cat fishing spots in central Iowa. The lake offers many good fishing access points from shore for the fishing enthusiast who does ot have a boat. Fishing is permitted in all areas except the pedestrian bridge and on the boat rental dock when it is open for rentals. The major species of fish include channel catfish, crapies and largemouth bass.

Sailing and Canoeing
Bring your sail boat or canoe to beautiful Gray's Lake for a day-long or early evening outing. Visith Gray's Lake concessions for boat rentals from 10:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Click here for more information about Watercraft Rentals.
Learn to Sail
Learn Canoe Basics

Swimming
Swimming is allowed in the designated beach area only. No lifeguard is on duty but life jackets are provided free of charge. Glass containers, dogs and smoking are not allowed at the beach. Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages is not allowed within the park.