Dam to Dam

1.1 mi

If previous races are any indication, than this race is sure to be a disaster. Premier Event…read moreManagement ran the Hy-Vee triathlon in to the ground, so they started their own triathlon. For anyone who has not done Hy-Vee before and is doing a Premier Event race for the first time here is what to expect. Cancellation: Expect your race to get cancelled. Premier Event Management is notorious for doing it. It may be the whole race or they may cut the race in half or have you do some strange order because they don't know what they are doing. If the race is cancelled or significantly altered, never expect a refund or apology, just expect to be told that is how it is (even if they cancel the entire thing). Also expect your race to start early or late, or whenever Premier Event Management feels like it (possibly never as previously mentioned). Des Moines: Des Moines is a great city and there are some really beautiful spots along the course. Hope some day a real racing organization can come and put on a triathlon in Des Moines, until then, I would stay away from all Premier Event Management events.

Equalizer Endurance Run

2.0 mi

I needed Iowa for my 50 states marathon journey for the 2nd time around. Initially, I wanted to run…read morethe Equalizer 24/12 hr ultra in 2020, but it got delayed by the thing. Traveling and doing marathons is a pretty cool experience, not to mention expensive and physically challenging and exhausting. Still enjoying it. With that said, I found the Equalizer 24/12 hr ultra event on runningintheusa website and registered for the 2020 edition. When lockdowns happened in 2020, i asked for a rollover to 2021. When the delta wave of Covid decided to make things worse, I emailed the race director to roll me over to 2022. Once things started to settle down into the new normal, I made plans to travel in 2022. Registration was held online, so payment is 100% credit card. Not sure if they do race weekend registration, but best to get registered in advance so it's saves time and peace of mind. With that said, I arrived here after running a race in South Carolina the weekend before tired, but refreshed. The irony of running marathons so close to each other is that your body does adapt and adjust to what you put on it. Thankfully, I did some practice at getting somewhat good at it. Equalizer 24/12/6 hr event features a 1.9 mile loop around Gray's Lake Park in Des Moines, Iowa. Seems pretty much straightforward, I think. Or so it would seem. The overall experience here at the Equalizer 24/12/6 hr event went fairly well. While loops can either help or break you, it gradually broke me to where I just settled for the marathon distance while my friend, who has the car, went on to do 50km. It was nice to be able to not have him wait for me, so it worked out. We got what we wanted out of it. There was one main aid station on the south side of the park, where the timing station and the race staff was situated. Along the course, there was a sizable bridge that seemed like a good 800 feet across, although it may have been longer. It illuminated at night so you knew where the bridge was. It was beautiful. Doing this race was good and got myself a new state on my quest to run the 50 states marathons / ultras for the 2nd time around. Iowa 2022 was my 27th state and passed half way. The course was nice and mostly flat, with only a couple of hills on the course. Not really hills but short uphill sections. There was restrooms available on the course, which is cool. The weather was on point and never got really hot, even though the sun was out majority of the day without much cloud cover. The Equalizer race hosted a small race field, which was nice, although could have been larger. I do enjoy this type of race format instead of the standard marathon event, where I have to be done at a certain time. Here, you have a longer time to finish what you want completed. A lot of people love the generous time limit for the marathon or 50km if doing the 12 or 24 hr. Or if you are talented and/fast, you can try the 100km or 100 miler within 24 hours. Whatever you feel like, consider Equalizer 24/12/6 hr endurance event for your race if you're doing it for a personal challenge or running the 50 states. All good! The Equalizer 24/12/6 hr endurance event is held annually at Gray's Lake Park in Des Moines, IA. The event itself is really low key. With the basics of various forms of aid, not limiting to water, gatorade, various lines of soda pop, and various food items, and timing to get your results timely, that's all you basically need in a race. Although race medals are sure to attract many a participant, it's not as important for me particularly for me, as I enjoy the generous time limits that these timed races provide. This race does not provide individual finisher medals to participants but they do age group medals, at least in the 2022 edition of the race. For the most part though, the experience here in Des Moines running the marathon distance is as invaluable to me as life itself. When you do this as your livelihood and lifestyle, it helps to be familiar with such things. There's parking right next to the start and finish line area, so you can really limp to your car if you need some comfort in between miles. Low key races can be a good thing too. Logistically, this was an easy one to do. If you need Iowa or want to do a timed race to see how you'd do, consider the Equalizer Endurance Run in Des Moines, IA. Its usually held late October. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Support local! Run more! A+

Birdland Pool

3.3

Overlooking pool from the east side

1.6 mi

My daughter was here for a swim meet. The pool was super dirty so was the blocks! I would give it a…read morethree just cause of the dirty pool! But everything else was ok! The locker rooms were a little dirty!!

Found a pool this Summa!!!!…read more Review during COVID19: Birdland pool is like a hidden gem for Central Des Moines this summer! Never been here before but we've been here twice now. No FRILLS pool. They have 1 slide and 3 diving boards. A wading pool that goes 2.5'; very large size too. The pool is clean water and the environment is clean. The price is great too! $2.00 for kids; $4.00 for adult. Free for 3 and under. People around us do not wear masks. There are different ethnic families that live near and visit this pool. They play very loud music. A different variety but I think they play most recent rap and hip hop the most. Staff here is great! They also have two local officers inside the pool to keep things safe. The pool is located by North High school so that's probably why they have officers; it's a little rough neighborhood. The two times we visited we have watched the pool capacity website before arriving. This pool stays under the capacity limit every day and have found it to be very compliant to COVID social distancing regulations. The staff wipe surfaces every hour. At the end of the swim session they are cleaning everything immediately. They also wear masks when they are around people. There's a snack bar open but we've never visited. The water slide is the highlight of the visit for the kids. Young jumpers must go through a swim test before allowed on the diving boards. I recommend visiting this pool this summer. I'm not too sure during any other year as they may be a lot more full but I've enjoyed our visits so far. We will be returning more this summer as we feel safe coming here and seeing how the staff and the people around us are abiding to social distancing rules.

Photos

Nice open water slide

Entrance

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Union Park

4.7

(3 reviews)

1.6 mi

I love it and it's the best place you could be it's very good and it's just the best because you…read morecan do all sorts of stuff good for kids I forgot what this the rules of the park separation I'm pretty sure it said to 2 12-year-olds

Memorable park with the famous ROCKET SLIDE!…read more It's a fun playground because it has a unique structure that is considered vintage. Made of metal. The slides are plastic. During COVID19 review: Came out here with some moms for a play date. Rocket playground was open as well as the north playground. Wading pool was NOT operating. Didn't see anyone using the restrooms or the drinking fountain. A few park benches around to sit and picnic at. Grass was very tall but landscapers were working on mowing. Well maintained with no tree debris. We've been to this park before and it's a popular place to come. But during COVID19 there is way less people around. 3 other families and 1 small day care of 4 kids were there with our group. Made for around 20-25 children playing around each other. Would recommend if you're in the neighborhood.

Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center

Come take a wagon ride and visit our small animals farm featuring goats, sheep & miniature donkey.

21.2 mi

My granddaughter attended Wesley Woods horse day camp in 2024 when she was 10. She'll go again this…read moresummer - but wants to have the week-long overnight experience. She's already decided that after beginner, and now intermediate, she wants to go on to advanced - all the way to becoming an instructor!

Came here for horseback riding with my family. This is a Methodist Church camp that offers…read morehorseback riding year-round for a price way lower than anywhere else I've ever been. This is a great outing for anyone new to horseback riding or to do with your children. It's also a price that makes this a great weekend activity for the whole family. Our guide led us around the large acreage of the camp for around 45 minutes on a very easy and beautiful ride.

Photos

High Ropes adventure course with Zip Line, climbing wall & vertical playpen

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Kayak, stand-up-paddle board, canoe and/or pontoon Lake Ahquabi

Dam to Dam - races - Updated August 2026

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Clowning Around

I requested a singing telegram and my expectations were surpassed with Trixie. She arrived and sang…read moreher original song she wrote for the occasion and delivered a balloon bouquet! I have no complaints and would definitely recommend!

Easter Lake

Went to the boathouse for a land based learn to row class sponsored by above and beyond cancer. In…read moreaddition to the large space where the boats and equipment are stored, they have a nice workout room where they have a great number of rowing machines.

John R. Grubb Community YMCA

4.0

Quick stop for a workout. Equipment ready for use and available. Facility is easy to navigate…read more Although parking lot is closed due to construction, street parking and other lot available. Staff is kind, helpful and encouraging . Thanks for checking in on me. It did not disappoint. Thank you!!

I'm spoiled with my brand spankin' new Bike Hub YMCA back in Indy so it pains me big time to crash…read moredown on any other location with 3 stars given how fortunate I am to have a sparkling Y complete with bike lockers and new equipment. However, I can't help but be jealous that Des Moines' downtown location has an indoor pool. Riverfront YMCA is due for some love - from the wood paneling walls to the crickety old equipment. There's a dated vibe here that weirds me out but I can't help but love the place when I look around and see how active and utilized the building truly is. I'm hoping to give the pool a whirl the next time I visit, in the meantime you'll find me on the tready wedged between a couple retired men with sweatbands. Awwww yeahhhhh....

Lauridsen Skatepark

We stopped by to check the skate park and were completely blown away. It was a Sunday morning and…read morethere were a lot of people here but its so big it didnt seem crowded. On site bathrooms available and limited bench seating for spectators. Conveniently located along the river walk.

One of the best and biggest skate parks in the US if I'm not mistaken.. I believe it was built for…read morethe xgames too. Plenty of skating for all different skill levels. Free to skate and park love it.

Brekke Dance Center

I have been with Brekke Dance Center for 6 years. The instructors are awesome!! All levels of dance…read moreare taught as well as all age groups starting with preschool. Class sizes are small. If you are looking to dance anywhere, try Brekke Dance you will glad you did

Kingdom Courts

In town for my youngest daughter's basketball tournament. This place has 4 courts and is easily…read moreaccessible from I80. It is clean and very well kept. They even have an atm at this location!!!

Prarie Trail Sports Complex

My oldest daughter's tournament started here tonight. It is a nice facility with 8 courts. There…read morewas plenty of seating and bathrooms scattered throughout the jointed buildings.

Platinum Strength Plus Performance

I've had an amazing experience at 8035 Platinum Gym. From day one, the atmosphere has been…read morewelcoming, motivating, and focused on helping everyone reach their goals. A huge shoutout to Drew, the owner, for creating such a positive environment and genuinely caring about every member's success. You can tell he's passionate about fitness and building a great community. Hailey is absolutely outstanding. Her training is knowledgeable, challenging, and tailored to help you improve every step of the way. She keeps workouts fun while pushing you to do your best, and her encouragement and motivation make a real difference. If you're looking for a gym with great leadership, expert coaching, and an encouraging community, I highly recommend 8035 Platinum Gym. It's an awesome place to train, stay motivated, and achieve your fitness goals!

Ewing Park Dog Park

3.3

(11 reviews)

Like all Des Moines dog parks. We hate tourists. Des Moines would rather get $20 than welcome out…read moreof town visitors and their furry friends. You can only get a yearly pass and only 9-5 Monday - Friday from city hall. Gates have coded locks.. As someone who travels frequently I avoid places that don't welcome my dog and sadly I hope you do the same for my hometown

I bring my dog here a couple of times a week. In Des Moines, you have to register your dog every…read moreyear ($15), and can opt to get a pass to Ewing and another dog park ($20). It's split into a small dog and all-dog sections. The small dog side is larger than most dog parks I've ever been to. There is a code for entry, but it's definitely worth the money. The dog park has some of the oldest trees in Des Moines, and is a huge space for dogs to run around. There is a large tall grass area in the spring where you can see all sorts of fauna (like Monarchs) and the squirrels keep the dog entertained. People are very friendly and generally very responsible dog owners. I haven't been to a larger, more well maintained dog park.

Dance Vision