Ewing Park

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Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Ewing Park is a 314-acre park located in Des Moines, Iowa.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for visitors with a variety of interests. One of the main reasons to visit Ewing Park is its beautiful nature trails. The park has over five miles of trails that wind through wooded areas, prairies, and along the Des Moines River. The trails are perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

There are also several points of interest within the park, including the Ewing Recreation Center, which offers various sports facilities, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and a fishing pond. One of the most popular attractions in Ewing Park is the Birdland Marina, where visitors can rent boats or kayaks and explore the Des Moines River. The marina also offers fishing opportunities, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Interesting facts about Ewing Park include that it was originally donated to the city of Des Moines by William Ewing in 1908, and it was once a coal mine that was transformed into a park. The park has been designated as a "Birdwatching Area of Global Significance" by the National Audubon Society, and it hosts several bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.

The best time to visit Ewing Park is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild, and the nature trails are in full bloom. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

In conclusion, Ewing Park is a must-visit destination in Iowa for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. With its extensive trails, recreational facilities, and birdwatching opportunities, there is something for everyone in this stunning park.

       

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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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