Birdland Park

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Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Birdland Park is a 304-acre park located in Des Moines, Iowa.


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Summary

The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities including fishing, hiking, biking, and boating. There are numerous trails throughout the park that provide scenic views of the Des Moines River and downtown skyline.

One of the most popular attractions in Birdland Park is the bird sanctuary, which is home to a variety of bird species. Visitors can observe and learn about different bird species in their natural habitat. Additionally, the park features a large pond that is stocked with fish, making it a popular spot for fishing.

In addition to outdoor activities, Birdland Park also has several picnic areas and playgrounds for families to enjoy. The park is also a popular location for events and festivals, such as the annual Des Moines Renaissance Faire.

Interesting facts about Birdland Park include that it was originally a landfill before being transformed into a park in the 1970s. The park is also home to the Des Moines Police K9 Memorial, which honors police dogs that have died in the line of duty.

The best time of year to visit Birdland Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. However, the park also offers a unique experience during the fall months when the leaves on the trees change color.

Overall, Birdland Park is a must-visit destination for those traveling to Des Moines, Iowa. With its beautiful natural scenery and variety of recreational activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

       

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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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