You’ve probably driven past the sign a thousand times if you live in Polk County. It’s right there, tucked away off SE 14th Street, a stone's throw from the noise of the bypass and the industrial sprawl of Des Moines’ south side. But Lake Easter Des Moines is weirdly overlooked. People talk about Gray’s Lake like it’s the only water in town. They head north to Big Creek or Saylorville when they want the "big" experience. Lake Easter? It’s often treated as the "neighborhood park" that just happens to have a 176-acre lake in the middle of it.
That’s a mistake. Honestly, if you haven’t been there since the massive restoration project wrapped up a few years ago, you haven't really seen the park.
It used to be a muddy mess. Seriously. Decades of silt runoff from nearby construction and neighborhood development turned the lake into a shallow, murky bowl. By the mid-2010s, it was struggling. But then Polk County Conservation dropped millions of dollars into it. They drained it. They scraped the bottom. They built "fish hotels." They fixed the shoreline. Now? It’s arguably the cleanest, most accessible water in the metro area, and yet on a Tuesday evening, you can still find a spot where you won’t hear another human soul.
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The $23 Million Glow-Up
When we talk about the restoration of Lake Easter Des Moines, we aren't just talking about a fresh coat of paint on a picnic table. This was a monumental engineering feat. Between 2017 and 2019, the lake was basically a giant dirt hole.
Why? Siltation.
The Watershed Improvement Review Board and Polk County Conservation realized that if they didn't act, the lake would eventually just become a wetland—and not the good kind. They removed over 350,000 cubic yards of sediment. To give you some perspective, that’s enough dirt to fill a football stadium several times over. They also installed a massive sediment forebay at the north end. This acts like a giant filter, catching the gunk before it reaches the main body of water.
It worked. The water clarity today is lightyears ahead of where it was in the early 2000s. You can actually see the fish now. Speaking of fish, they didn't just dump some trout in and call it a day. They placed hundreds of fish habitat structures—rock piles, cedar trees, and "pallets"—on the lake bed while it was dry. When the water came back, the ecosystem exploded.
Fishing, Paddling, and the Mark C. Ackelson Trail
If you’re coming here for the "lifestyle" aspect, the Mark C. Ackelson Trail is the crown jewel. It’s a 6.2-mile loop. It’s paved. It’s wide. It’s also surprisingly hilly in spots, which might catch you off guard if you’re used to the pancake-flat trails around the Raccoon River.
The trail winds through some pretty dense timber on the south side of the lake. In the fall, the colors are spectacular. You’ll see bikers, sure, but it’s mostly locals walking dogs or pushing strollers. One thing to keep in mind: the bridge on the eastern side of the lake offers one of the best sunset views in Des Moines, hands down.
What to do on the water:
- Kayaking and SUP: The lake is a "no-wake" zone. This is huge. You don't have to worry about a guy in a $100,000 motorboat creating a three-foot wave that flips your paddleboard. It’s calm. It’s glass-like in the mornings.
- The Jetty Life: There are several fishing jetties strategically placed around the perimeter. They were designed to be accessible. You’ll see kids catching bluegill and serious anglers hauling in largemouth bass or the occasional walleye.
- The Beach: Yes, there’s a swimming beach. It’s fine. It’s a beach in Iowa. Don’t expect the Maldives, but for a hot July afternoon with the kids, it gets the job done. The sand is clean, and the concession stand usually has the basics.
Why the South Side Vibes Matter
There is a specific culture to Lake Easter Des Moines that feels different from the West Des Moines or Ankeny parks. It’s grittier in a good way. It feels lived-in. You’ll see massive multi-generational families having cookouts at the shelters—shelters like the Beachview or the Lakeview that you actually have to reserve months in advance because they are so popular.
The park covers about 828 acres in total. Even though it's surrounded by residential neighborhoods, once you get deep into the woods on the south side of the loop, you forget you’re five minutes from a QuikTrip. There’s a certain silence there. It’s the sound of the wind through the oaks and the occasional splash of a muskrat.
The "Secret" Spots
Most people stick to the north side near the playground and the boat ramp. Don't do that. Or rather, do that if you have kids, because the playground is actually top-tier. But if you want the real Lake Easter experience, head to the south parking lots.
There are smaller, mowed grass paths that veer off the main paved trail. These lead to some of the old silt ponds and quieter coves. This is where the birdwatchers hang out. You’ll see Great Blue Herons, Egrets, and if you’re lucky, an Osprey diving for a snack.
Also, keep an eye out for the "Lincoln" connection. The park is technically part of the larger Easter Lake Park system, but it borders some historically significant areas of the city that date back to the early coal mining days of Des Moines. The geology here is different than the glacial till you find north of I-80; it’s more rugged, with more exposed limestone and shale if you look closely at the creek beds.
Addressing the Common Gripes
Is it perfect? No.
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First, the geese. Oh man, the geese. They own the place. Polk County tries to manage them, but you’re going to have to dodge some "goose gifts" on the sidewalk near the beach. It’s just part of the deal.
Second, the SE 14th Street traffic. To get there, you usually have to navigate one of the busiest, most chaotic commercial stretches in Iowa. It’s a gauntlet of used car lots and fast-food joints. But that’s what makes the park such a relief. You turn off that neon-lit highway, drive three minutes, and suddenly you’re in a forest. The contrast is jarring, but it makes the nature feel more earned.
Third, the water can still get "bloomy" in late August. Even with all the restoration, Iowa heat and agricultural runoff in the wider watershed can lead to algae. Check the DNR beach monitoring site before you let your dog jump in during a heatwave.
How to Do Lake Easter Right
If you're planning a trip, don't just show up at noon on a Saturday and hope for the best. It gets crowded.
Instead, try a Tuesday at 7:00 PM. The light hits the water at an angle that makes the whole place glow. Rent a boat from the park office if they’re open—they have rowboats, canoes, and kayaks for a very reasonable hourly rate. Or, bring a bike and do two laps of the Ackelson Trail. One lap for the workout, one lap to actually look at the trees.
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If you’re an angler, focus on the "drops." Because the lake was mapped extensively during the dredging, you can find topographical maps online that show exactly where the old creek channels and new rock piles are. The bass tend to hang out near the points where the water deepens quickly.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Download the Map: Don't rely on cell service for the back trails. Grab a PDF map from the Polk County Conservation website.
- Check the Wind: Because the lake is somewhat open, a north wind can make paddling a chore. Check the forecast; if it’s over 15 mph, maybe stick to the hiking trails.
- Pack it In, Pack it Out: This park stays clean because the locals take pride in it. There are bins, but try to leave your spot better than you found it.
- Visit the Nature Center: It’s not right on the lake—the Jester Park Nature Center is the big one—but keep an eye on the park’s calendar for guided night hikes or "owl prowls" that happen right here at Lake Easter.
Lake Easter Des Moines isn't a "hidden gem" anymore—the secret is out—but it remains a vital, breathing part of the city’s geography. It’s proof that we can fix the mistakes of the past. It’s proof that a lake can be a community's backyard and a wild escape at the same time. Whether you’re training for a triathlon or just need a place to sit and think while staring at the water, it’s there. Just watch out for the geese.