Des Moines is the capital and largest city in Iowa. It’s a major center for the insurance industry, publishing, and other sectors. The Des Moines River runs through the center of downtown. Des Moines is one of those ‘underrated’ cities for running. There’s a huge network of multi-use trails, numerous parks, and several creeks & lakes that make for interesting runs. Running in Des Moines is a treat!
There are several routes that are easily accessed from central Des Moines, including our ‘Runseeing’ Tour, Riverwalk, and Des Moines River Trail. Just west of town, there are several delightful residential neighborhoods for running. One of the best places to run in Des Moines is the area around Gray’s Lake & Waterworks Park. Nearby are the Walnut Creek Trail and nice running at Raccoon River Park. South of Des Moines, there’s the long-distance Great Western Trail and a lovely loop around Easter Lake. North of town, the Neil Smith Trail goes for 11 miles along the Des Moines River, where one can continue for more miles along Saylorville Lake.
