The fabled bridges of Madison County, six in number, are largely inaccessible for those unwilling…read moreor unable to drive on gravel. One of the two exceptions is the Imes Covered Bridge, a 110 foot long town lattice truss design constructed in 1870 to bridge the Middle River by a carpenter named J.P. Clark. It has been moved twice-- the second time to its current location two miles to the west of Interstate 35, on the outskirts of St. Charles. There is a parking lot on site, and a paved bike path connects the bridge to a nearby tourist information center. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The best time of year to visit is fall foliage-- and Iowa does have a fall foliage website. We chose to visit in the dead of winter, in the hope that there would be snow on the ground to give the bridge a different look. The bridges are well worth a visit.

As an avid amateur photographer and Iowa native... How can you not make the hop, skip, and a jump…read moredown (over or up) to explore the covered bridges of Madison County...? Here's a secret. I've never seen the movie or read the book, but I did run into Clint Eastwood and his entourage back in the day (1995ish). We weren't able to get too close though. Lol The covered bridges take you back to a much simpler time. When people and cars just weren't as complicated as they are now. The construction of each one seems to be a little unique and diffent from the next. It's too bad that they have been plaqued by graffiti artists, people who can't seem to leave things as they find them, and even arson over the years. If you live within a decent driving distance you can experience the bridges in all the seasons. It might sound a little silly, but as a photographer sometimes a few months can make a world of differece in your pictures...sometimes even days. While there is curb appeal to all the bridges Roseman is probably my personal favorite. The Roseman bridge location also has a nice little gift shop you can stop at to take home a momento of your visit (open May 1st through the end of October). Don't miss the shopping opportunities in downtown Winterset. Expect to get dusty, as most of the bridges are on gravel roads, and enjoy your visit!

Buxton Park is a gem of a park in the heart of Indianola…read more Just footsteps away from the Simpson College campus, this is more than your typical city park; it's 5+ acres of well-maintained gardens, tall trees, lush grass and walking paths throughout. The park has many benches throughout, perfect for studying or simply reading. There's a gazebo, a fountain, and much more. Perhaps best of all, photographers would have a field day with a shoot here; I'd recommend this place for wedding, senior, portrait or family photos. If you have even just an hour in Indianola, escape to Buxton Park.

This park was a stop on a road trip for a leg stretch break. It's awesome, there is everything you…read morecan think of for a park. They have plenty for little kids and big kids. There's also a trail. An hour passed before we blinked! We will be back and highly recommend putting this on your list if you chase parks like our family!

Can I be a kid again??? Even as the parent, this park is 10x better than I imagined it to be. It is…read moreimportant to note that Triumph Park is not only a playground but also a recplex of sorts with multiple ball fields, small lake with a fishing dock, and walking trails. But I am am here to talk about the playground portion because I was blow away! Everyone else must be as pleased and excited as I am because on a Friday evening the place was packed. Pulling up I was fearful I made the wrong choice seeing all of the cars and kiddos running around but there is so much to do on the playground and it is a large enough space that it still was enjoyable for my step daughter. I also want to note that my stepdaughter is upper elementary school age and parks are hit and miss given her size/age. Triumph Park playground is a HIT and reminds me of those expensive indoor obstacle parks you pay to go to - Did I mention this is a public park so it is FREE!? There is also ample parking since it is adjacent to the ball diamonds. One of my favorite parts is that the base (floor) of the playground is solid with a rubber mat or faux grass materials with padding underneath for a little cushion to protect your littles. Also no mess! - Who ever allowed sandbox/woodchip playgrounds anyways, yuck! I am not sure I can describe this next feature well but most of the structure is sort of built into the ground. The main portion is dug into a "hole" so the landscape itself is fun for the kids to run up and down, it is also lined with faux grass and cushion. (I told you I wouldn't describe that well, you will just have to go see it for yourself!). There is plenty of play spaces for little kids but the tall, tall slides for the big kids and towers to get to them are INSANE. I have never seen anything like it in a public, outdoor park. They also have really fun spins (literally) on a merry-go-round and teeter-totter, the kids really seemed loved these. I not sure how else to describe it other than I was extremely impressed. We will be visiting many times this summer and telling all of our friends!

Kewl (see how I did that!) little park in a quaint little suburbia neighborhood in West Des Moines…read more We can over with some friends when the kids seemed like they needed to burn off some energy. It's a bit off the beaten path but once you find the parking lot you're home free. The park has a lovely little bridge over a creek leading you from the parking lot to a path that circles the area. A nice dual playground is available for the chilluns and is big enough that little and big kiddos have heir space. Other entertainment options here include a basketball court, a tennis court, a big field to run around in or play catch in and a lovely picnic area. I have no idea how long the path circling the area is, but a couple folks that were running seem to come around about every 10 minutes or so. Seems like it was probably a good size on which to take a walk,especially if you have a stroller and some kiddos. Not too long, but long enough that everybody get some exercise. For anybody who's in the area, or passing through and just needs to get out and run around, this park is a great place to come spend an hour and let the kids have a bunch of different ages run around and burn off some energy. There is also plenty of places for adults to hang out, making for a very pleasant afternoon. Well worth checking out!

Serves free summer lunch on weekdays and has a good playground with a little jungle gym of ropes…read morenear.

Really great park. Nice baseball field, Tennis courts, lots of green space, shaded picnic areas,…read moreplayground equipment for all ages and yes here it comes the ultimate... A splash pad for hours of summer fun! I dig that you can be far enough away from any roads here, so as a parent you are less stressed about your child running off or something. Big parking lot and it's super clean.. Really one of the best parks in town and also hidden secrets it's never too busy!

It's a wonderful park that has lots of accessible areas and point of picnic, parking areas…read more They have river access, there's a shelter available for rent, end the camping area that accommodates some r v's. I enjoy the park for the birding opportunities that provides. It has an accessible bird viewing area with easy access for wheelchairs. I've seen red headed woodpeckers there , downey , woodpeckers , flycatchers , wobblers , finches , lots of variety. I also enjoy hiking the trail that's next to the bird area.For a wonderful walk into a burr oak forest with many of the trees looking like they're a several hundred plus years old. It's quiet and cool.Because the trail shaded. The other thing of note is that cut the trail wide enough that you can reasonably avoid ticks. I wish they would create a loop on that trail that would end up , so you would know that you've walked a mile or two. Maybe some volunteers could create it

We stayed here on an RV trip across the country. It was a great site. A load of trails and…read morefriendly people everywhere. Also, as you're in the middle of des moines you can get delivery from the town. The tree coverage is very nice and keeps the place cool during the day and the prices are super reasonable. We really enjoyed our stay here and I would suggest it for anyone looking for an RV campsite in or around Des Moines.

A hidden gem in Des Moines?…read more We think so. We have ridden by here a lot on our bikes following the Neal Smith bike trail, which is another gem of the Des Moines area! It goes right by on the levy and you can see this park just off to the northwest. We have also been here for several concerts as part of the river view concert series that are hosted by the City of Des Moines and parks and recreation systems. They host a fantastic and safe party. Please keep doing this!!! They bring in vendors and food trucks to provide food and refreshments for the attendees. They are parked right of the sidewalk and easily accessible without being in the way! Whether or not there is something happening on the stage, the place is perfect to enjoy with kids of all ages. The park equipment is all newly installed, Ada compliant and have historical themes, based on the rides that used to be here when this was an amusement park. The place is great, check it out and check out my pictures!

Came here during 4th of July and it was so much fun! Two very cool bands played on the stage which…read morewas such a cool experience. Plenty of food trucks and beer options too. Parking was right across the bridge and there were outhouses available as well

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.

A tucked away playground that isn't so secret…read more.. Found this playground through a friend who lives in the neighborhood. It's tucked away in suburbia and a collection of baseball diamonds. You wouldn't know it was here unless you live close by. Wonderful place to play! Must be new to the baseball diamonds. During COVID19 review: A playground that isn't so secret...Many visitors were here while we came out during the middle of a work day. There were a lot of kids running around including my own and a friend's. Kids were not social distant. Two kids wore masks while their mom had one on as well. The rest of the kids were not masked. The playground is super fun! Slides, slides, and more slides. Rubber playground surfacing and updated equipment make it phenomenal. The mini zip line seat is the highlight! Rolling slide and horizontal rolling slide. Plenty of swings as well. The playground is an all inclusive one: accessible pieces of equipment that were created and designed that allows all children to play of different abilities, skills, and conditions. We love these playgrounds! Highly recommend visiting! Will be coming back if there are smaller crowds.

I live right by this park and raised 50 dollars to help fund it, unfortunately my brother stole and…read morespent it, but its the thought that counts. Its a great park for all ages, adults too. Its got a zipline and a seesaw and a huge play set. I recommend visiting. Its a miracle park for handicapped people. And there is a bathroom nearby but its usually locked unless the miracle field is being used. I love going here at least weekly if not more. If you stand from the park side of the (well kept) trail, and go right down the trail. After a five minute walk there is another fun park with a little library. You have to cross the street once though (if you have little runners). I recommend the miracle park no question it is an amazing resource for disabled children and is wheelchair accessible. If you want to know about more good parks in the area, walker johnston park, terra park, and if you are willing to go for a 35 minute ride from the north view park area (urbandale), big creek park. I will leave reviews on these three parks for more information. - local helper, Via w.