Beaverdale Park

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Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Beaverdale Park is a popular park located in Des Moines, Iowa.


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Summary

It is known for its beautiful trees, well-maintained trails, and serene atmosphere. The park is an excellent destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a peaceful retreat.

One of the main attractions of Beaverdale Park is its network of trails. The park has several hiking and biking trails that wind through the woods, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. The park is also home to several sports fields and playgrounds, making it a great place for kids to play and families to enjoy a picnic.

Another point of interest in Beaverdale Park is the historic stone bridge that spans the creek that runs through the park. The bridge is over a century old and is an excellent example of the craftsmanship of the time.

Interesting facts about Beaverdale Park include its connection to the famous writer and conservationist Aldo Leopold. Leopold spent time at the park in the 1930s and 1940s and wrote about his experiences in his book "A Sand County Almanac."

The best time of year to visit Beaverdale Park is in the spring and fall when the trees are in full bloom or changing colors. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the park's winter beauty as well.

Overall, Beaverdale Park is an excellent destination for anyone looking to spend some time outdoors in a beautiful and peaceful setting.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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