MacRae Park

MacRae Park is a scenic urban oasis spanning over 20 hectares in Des Moines, USA. Located in the Gray's Lake area, this cozy green space is considered one of the city's oldest and offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern recreational infrastructure.

The main highlight of the park is its landscape featuring shady hills and century-old trees. It is home to a famous overlook that offers a panoramic view of downtown, as well as a tranquil pond that has become a favorite spot for leisurely strolls and nature watching.

As an important part of the municipal park system, this destination attracts both locals and tourists. MacRae Park is more than just a playground; it is a true space for inspiration, where you can experience a peaceful rhythm of life surrounded by natural beauty.

To plan your visit to MacRae Park, it's helpful to have current contact information on hand. This will help you confirm event details or reserve picnic areas in advance. We also recommend saving the exact address for easy navigation around the city.

There is something for everyone at MacRae Park. Active lifestyle enthusiasts will appreciate the updated hiking and biking trails, including a new loop route. Be sure to walk along the Linda and Tom Koehn Boardwalk, which stretches right over the pond, or try your luck at fishing.

Families with children will love the unique Larry E. Moore Nature Playscape. Instead of standard structures, it uses natural materials like recycled logs, sandpits, and water sprays, allowing kids to get closer to nature. For sports fans, there are tennis courts and cozy picnic areas equipped with grills.

The main attraction, however, is a visit to the EMC Overlook. This cantilevered structure rises 12 meters above the slope, offering a stunning view of the city skyline, which looks particularly impressive in the evening thanks to the built-in LED lighting.

Getting to MacRae Park, located at 1021 Davis Ave, is quite simple. If you prefer to drive, the trip from downtown will take about 10–15 minutes. The park provides convenient parking for private vehicles.

For those using public transportation, Des Moines city buses stop nearby. The park is also easily accessible by bicycle or on foot from neighboring residential areas via dedicated paths. A taxi from the central part of the city is also an affordable option due to the short distance.

Established in the late 1890s under its original name, South Park, this site is one of the city's oldest public spaces. Its history spans over 125 years, during which the park has continuously evolved and transformed.

The park received its current name in honor of Donald MacRae, a Drake University graduate and brave soldier. He was the first Iowan to lose his life in World War I. This renaming became an important symbol of remembrance for the entire local community.

The park's modern appearance is the result of a massive $2.75 million renovation completed in 2023. This project introduced new infrastructure, such as the eco-friendly boardwalk over the pond and a nature playscape, making the park even more appealing to modern visitors.

For a standard introductory visit to MacRae Park and a walk to the famous overlook, 1–2 hours is quite enough. This is plenty of time to enjoy the city panorama and take vibrant photos by the pond.

If you plan to host a family picnic, play tennis, or spend time with children at the playscape, you should set aside at least 3 hours. The park’s peaceful atmosphere encourages visitors to take their time and spend half a day here.

MacRae Park is open to visitors daily from early morning until late evening. Official hours are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy both sunrise landscapes and the city's night lights from the overlook.

Despite the fixed daily schedule, we recommend checking the official city website before your visit, as access times may vary slightly depending on the season or maintenance work.

A visit to MacRae Park can easily be combined with exploring other interesting city sites. The park's location allows you to significantly expand your cultural itinerary and see both historical monuments and modern architectural landmarks.

Exploring the surrounding area will help you get a deeper feel for the atmosphere of Iowa and Des Moines. Below is a list of notable sites located within a few kilometers of the park.