What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 6am - 10pm Wednesday 6am - 10pm Thursday 6am - 10pm Friday 6am - 10pm Saturday 6am - 10pm Sunday 6am - 10pm

Des Moines Water Works Park

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Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Water Works Park

Des Moines Water Works Park is a 1,500 acre park in the heart of downtown Des Moines. Trails, events and communing with wild nature all happen here!

Des Moines Water Works was originally formed as a private water company in 1871, and subsequently formed as a public utility in 1919. In order to protect the watershed and fulfill its mission, over time, DMWW acquired approximately 1500 acres of land within the city of Des Moines, creating Water Works Park. Although many of us know Water Works Park as a natural playground for humans and animals al

ike, the Park’s primary mission is to serve as the first water source for Des Moines Water Works in meeting the drinking water needs of 500,000 central Iowans. Unseen by the Park’s thousands of annual visitors, a three mile long pipe, known as the “Infiltration Gallery System” runs underground and parallel to the Raccoon River. The Gallery collects naturally-filtered water from sand and gravel of the river valley, while the ponds in Water Works Park, most visibly used for recreational fishing, were constructed to help saturate the soil along the gallery system. The Gallery provides Des Moines Water Works with up to 20 million gallons of water each day needed for water treatment. At the time of its installation in the late 1800s, the Gallery was a completely unique and innovative system developed to naturally filter the water. The centerpiece of the Master Plan continues this innovation with “The Circuit,” which will not only provide recreational opportunities, but more importantly, enhance Gallery capacity.

06/19/2024

This Friday! 💫

Make sure to secure your tickets for when REO Speedwagon hits our stage with special guest Night Ranger!

Tickets: axs.com/events/535171/

06/16/2024

Happy Father’s Day! Bring your favorite Dad out to the park for the Drama Kings from 1-3 today at the Des Moines Biergarten!

06/15/2024

Peoples Pride is ready to go!

06/15/2024

Pics From the event last year…set up happening now!

06/15/2024

People’s Pride is in the Des Moines People’s Pride is in the park today, come on out and show your support, be entertained, shop and enjoy what the park has to offer!

06/14/2024

GREAT week in the park! Robert Plant and Alison Krauss on Tuesday, Jon Pardi and Carter Faith tonight! Heaven!

06/13/2024

‼️ Urgent Appeal: Bottled Water Needed ‼️

As temperatures soar in Central Iowa, our shelter is facing a critical shortage of bottled water. This essential resource is not just a basic necessity; it is a lifeline for those who rely on us for refuge and support.

☀️ Your Impact:
Every bottle you donate can be the difference between suffering and solace. With rising temperatures, the need for water is more pressing than ever. A simple act of kindness from you can provide the hydration necessary to keep someone healthy and safe during these extreme conditions.

🚰 How You Can Help:

- Donate Bottled Water: Drop off bottled water at our shelter to ensure immediate distribution.

- Financial Contributions: Monetary donations allow us to purchase water and other essentials as needed.

- Spread the Word: Share this message with friends, family, and colleagues to amplify our reach.

📞 Contact Us:
For more information on how you can help, please call us at 515-564-5740.

Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes without this basic, yet vital necessity. Your support is a beacon of hope in these challenging times.

Thank you for your generosity and compassion.

-CISS Team

06/12/2024

06/11/2024

Its always great to have Ballet Des Moines in the Des Moines Water Works Park

06/10/2024

Make sure to grab your tickets for this Thursday, June 13th to see Jon Pardi with special guest Carter Faith right here at Water Works Park!

Available now! ➡️ axs.com/events/533845/

06/04/2024

The countdown is on! 📣

Get your crew & your tickets ready for next week when Robert Plant & Alison Krauss hit our stage on June 11th!

🎫 ➡️ axs.com/events/530637

06/03/2024

School of Rock is in the house!

06/01/2024

Iowa Craft Brew Festival…70+ Iowa Craft Breweries about to share their nectar of the Gods…it just got better…

06/01/2024

Try tons of delicious Iowa brews today from 1pm-4pm at the Iowa Craft Brew Festival at Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park.

- GA: $60
- VIP: SOLD OUT (early entry at Noon)

Get your tickets at iowacraftbrewfestival.com or buy with cash/credit at the door.

06/01/2024

05/30/2024

How does nitrate get into our water? How can we keep it in our farm fields where it can do the most good? Learn more in this animated video explaining how ni...

05/29/2024

Excited to have 80/35 at the park…and such a deal!

05/29/2024

The Des Moines Biergarten is going to be hopping this week!

We've got an amazing forecast and top tier slate of events this week! Be sure to check out Bad Friends on Saturday 🤘and all our other amazing local musicians.

See you in the park! 🌳🍻Prost!

05/26/2024

The Dick Danger Band today 1-3 at the Des Moines Biergarten in Water Works Park. Free live music, great park!

05/24/2024

We can't wait to welcome Willie Nelson & Family to the Lauridsen Amphitheater stage this Saturday night at Water Works Park with special guest Brooke Lee! 🤠

5:30 PM | 7:00 PM | All Ages
Tickets: ➡️ axs.com/events/525880
Parking, maps, rules, helpful event info: app.hive.co/email/302806/view/public?hash=64660195cb82b2f

05/24/2024

The countdown is on! ⚡️ Secure your tickets for when REO Speedwagon heads to Lauridsen Amphitheater on Friday, June 21st with special guest Night Ranger!

🎫 axs.com/events/535171/

05/22/2024

Great lineup at the Biergarten this week!

Week one was a blast! We’re kicking off week 2 with some nice weather and bluesy tunes from Rob Lumbard. Check out our events this week and bonus we will be open for Memorial Day! 🇺🇸

See you in the park 🌲 Prost! 🍻

05/22/2024

Back part of the park is closed. You won't be able to drive or travel back past the Utilities maintenance shed just west of the amphitheater areas

The Raccoon River is on the rise again! Because of that and recent rains, Des Moines Water Works has closed the western back half of Des Moines Water Works Park. The areas around the Lauridsen Amphitheater, the playscape, the Biergarten and the eastern side of the park, including the ponds all remain open.

The City of Des Moines - Government has closed George Flagg Parkway from 30th Street to Park Avenue.

These areas are closed until further notice. Please abide by all signs when using roadways and trails and visiting the park.

Des Moines Water Works General Office remains open. If you need to visit us at 2201 George Flagg Parkway, please access the office from Fleur Drive.

05/17/2024

Secret Agency and the Last Dragon. Thank you Des Moines Performing Arts for sharing them with the public as part of your and our free cultural series.

05/16/2024

The Ludacris presale starts now! Grab your tickets to see him at Lauridsen Amphitheater on July 14th.

Local Presale: Thursday 5/16 - 10am-10pm w/ code LUDADSM at axs.com/events/566487/ludacris-tickets

05/15/2024

Today is the day! Official opening for the season!

It's official! The Des Moines Biergarten is opening for the season this Wednesday with increased weekend hours and a full food menu.

Along with our liter steins of draft German and craft beer, daily live music and entertainment returns to the Biergarten. including Local Bands, Brews and Bikes each Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

We can't wait to see you Wednesday-Sunday [weather permitting] at Des Moines Water Works Park!

Prost! 🍻

Address

2251 George Flagg Pkwy
Des Moines, IA
50321

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	6am - 10pm
Wednesday	6am - 10pm
Thursday	6am - 10pm
Friday	6am - 10pm
Saturday	6am - 10pm
Sunday	6am - 10pm

Website

http://www.dsmwaterworkspark.com/

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Videos

Ludacris on July 14th

The Ludacris presale starts now! Grab your tickets to see him at Lauridsen Amphitheater on July 14th. Local Presale: Thursday 5/16 - 10am-10pm w/ code LUDADSM at axs.com/events/566487/ludacris-tickets

Taking out a planter.

This is why Mom said we couldn’t have nice things. If you happen to know who these knuckleheads are please let us know, we’d like to talk to them about the damage they caused. About 1 am Saturday morning.

We loved hosting Oktoberfest Des Moines in the park!

Wonder Woman Run at Water Works Park!

Wonder Woman Run start of 5k

The fun you’re missing if you’re not at Des Moines Oktoberfest!

This is just some of the fun you’re missing if you’re not at Des Moines Oktoberfest

Busy beautiful weekend in the park…Jordan Davis Friday night, women owned businesses pop up market Saturday, New City Church community event this morning and this afternoon it will be Brother Trucker featured in our local Bands, Brews and Bike series from 1-3. Come down and enjoy the free tunes at the Des Moines Biergarten in Water Works Park!

Heroes and Legends by the Des Moines Symphony! Plus a presentation to the 2023 Innovation Award - David Hurd. Another great night in the park! Happy Labor Day!

Dancing Queen…the Des Moines Symphony and Music of ABBA

Take a Chance!

Des Moines Symphony and the Music of ABBA

Des Moines! Who’s ready for a damn good time on Friday, September 15th?! 👏⚡️ Snag your tickets to see Jordan Davis at Lauridsen Ampitheater at Water Works Park now ➡️ https://www.axs.com/events/479960/