For a scenic 5k around a lake, head to Raccoon River Park in western Des Moines, adjacent to Water Works Park. Raccoon River Park is a large sports & recreation venue with athletic fields, a swimming beach, fishing pier & a nature trail. The 3.2 mile crushed rock/asphalt trail winds its way between the lake and the Raccoon River.

Longer Run: Two good options, using the Jordan Creek Trail at the northern end of the lake. Head for 1 mile north to Fairmeadows Park, where the Jordan Creek Trail then continues west for 3 miles to Willow Springs Park paralleling the EP True Pkwy. Or, head east on the trail to connect to our Waterworks Park route.