Walnut Woods State Park Tours

Photo by Erik Rowley


With its unspoiled landscapes and native wildlife and plants, Walnut Woods State Park lures lots of outdoor lovers. Do some research before you visit to find out what activities are on offer here.

When you've spent a bit of time at this protected natural landscape in West Des Moines, why not check out Des Moines Art Center, Salisbury House, and Jordan Creek Town Center? They're not very far from Walnut Woods State Park and also a favorite with travelers.

Plan a trip to see Walnut Woods State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Coratel Inn by Jasper Iowa Fairfield
AmericInn by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines
Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Des Moines - Jordan Creek by IHG

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Walnut Woods State Park

Sleep Inn & Suites West Des Moines near Jordan Creek

Sleep Inn & Suites West Des Moines near Jordan Creek

2.5 out of 5
885 S 51st St, West Des Moines, IA
Sleep Inn & Suites West Des Moines near Jordan Creek
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines

Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines

3 out of 5
5505 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2.5 out of 5
6221 Willow Creek Ave, Des Moines, IA
Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Element West Des Moines

Element West Des Moines

3 out of 5
575 S Prairie View Dr, West Des Moines, IA
Element West Des Moines
Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek

Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek

3 out of 5
295 South 64th st, West Des Moines, IA
Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek
Hampton Inn & Suites West Des Moines/SW Mall Area

Hampton Inn & Suites West Des Moines/SW Mall Area

2.5 out of 5
6160 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA
Hampton Inn & Suites West Des Moines/SW Mall Area
1-bedroom, 3 Gig-Fiber WiFi, timbered/view setting in WDM near RecPlex/DMU

1-bedroom, 3 Gig-Fiber WiFi, timbered/view setting in WDM near RecPlex/DMU

West Des Moines
1-bedroom, 3 Gig-Fiber WiFi, timbered/view setting in WDM near RecPlex/DMU
The Rewind West Des Moines, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The Rewind West Des Moines, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
6075 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA
The Rewind West Des Moines, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
West Des Moines Bungalow

West Des Moines Bungalow

West Des Moines
West Des Moines Bungalow
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Walnut Woods State Park

Walnut Woods State Park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including camping trips, scenic hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife watching. It's an ideal spot for family reunions and recreational experiences, with options for sports and community festivals nearby. Enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that make this park a perfect getaway in West Des Moines.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Walnut Woods State Park, check out Jordan Creek Town Center, Valley West Mall, and Jordan West, all located 4 miles away. Each offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Val Air Ballroom, enjoy live music that energizes and entertains, located 4 miles from Walnut Woods State Park. Raccoon River Park, just 1 mile away, offers serene trails perfect for relaxation and wellness activities. Valley Stadium, 2 miles from the park, hosts exciting sports events for active enthusiasts.

Adventure

Experience the excitement of Air Lanes Bowling Center, located 5 miles from Walnut Woods State Park, where you can enjoy a fun-filled day of bowling. For nature lovers, the Greenbelt Trail, also 5 miles away, offers scenic hiking trails amidst beautiful outdoor surroundings. Don't miss the thrill of karting at Pole Position Raceway, situated 10 miles from the park.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Walnut Woods State Park with a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place for a cultural theater performance, or try your luck at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. For family fun, head to Pump It Up, where adventure awaits in a lively arcade atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Walnut Woods State Park

Walnut Woods State Park in West Des Moines offers a delightful blend of urban parks, modern colleges, and charming neighborhoods, perfect for family and culture enthusiasts. Explore the park's majestic stately trees, enjoy scenic river views, and wander through the beautiful bottomland hardwood forests. Nearby attractions, including the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, enhance your visit, making it a great destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

  • Drake University: Located 6 miles from Walnut Woods State Park, Drake University boasts a vibrant campus with modern architecture, lively student life, and cultural events. Explore its beautiful grounds and soak in the academic atmosphere.
  • Living History Farms: Just 5 miles away, Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor museum that showcases Iowa's agricultural history. Experience hands-on activities, engage with friendly staff in historical costumes, and learn about farming practices from different eras.
  • West Glen Town Center: Only 2 miles from the park, West Glen Town Center offers a lively urban experience with shopping, dining, and entertainment. Stroll through the area to discover trendy boutiques and restaurants, all infused with a vibrant city vibe.

Best time to go to Walnut Woods State Park

Visitor numbers around Walnut Woods State Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Walnut Woods State Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January21.7°F (-5.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November40.5°F (4.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Walnut Woods State Park

To save on your visit to Walnut Woods State Park, take advantage of the free entry and plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Booking your stay on a Monday can also help you save, as Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by filtering for eco-certified options and arranging prices from low to high. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Walnut Woods State Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Walnut Woods State Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Walnut Woods State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by combining your hotel stay at Walnut Woods State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.