Parks13 parks and complexes on the city map, from the Waterworks splash pad to Heritage Park
GolfBeaver Creek, public 27 holes; disc golf free at Glenstone MultiGolf
PickleballPublic courts at Lions Park and the South Complex
Lake dayBig Creek State Park, about 20 to 25 minutes, the DNR's largest state park beach
BisonJester Park near Granger, about 20 minutes, with bison and elk herds
In town
Which Grimes park should I go to?
Pick by what you need. These are from the city's own park guide, with addresses for the map app.
South Sports Complex (750 SE James St.), 45 acres: a tennis court, two pickleball courts, soccer fields, three sand volleyball courts, two basketball courts, the Sean Rolow skate park, walking trails, restrooms and a big play structure. Most to do in one stop.
Lions Park (725 NE 5th St.), 4.8 acres, newly renovated: playground, pickleball courts and a restroom building.
Waterworks Park (100 N James St.): the splash pad (summer only), a new playground, natural play areas and restrooms by an open-air shelter.
Heritage Park (1055 NE Beaverbrooke Blvd.), built in 2021: a walking path around the park, a clock tower and modern restrooms. Movie nights and the 2026 Holiday Celebration happen here.
Beaverbrooke Park (797 N James St.), 6.4 acres on the North Walking Trail: shelter, grill, picnic tables and a playset.
Kennybrook South Park (800 SW Brookside Dr.), 4.5 acres: half-court basketball, sand volleyball, playground, shelter and trails.
Glenstone MultiGolf Park (3100 SE Glenstone Dr.): foot golf, park golf and disc golf on one field. The city calls it the first MultiGolf park in the Des Moines metro.
Rules: all city parks, trails and complexes are alcohol and tobacco free, with no overnight parking. Eight spots have shelters you can rent at grimesiowa.gov/parks. Park restrooms and water fountains close for the season on Monday, November 2, 2026, and reopen in spring.
Saylorville Lake is a short drive northeast, and two big parks near its shores are about 20 minutes from Grimes.
Jester Park (12130 NW 128th St., Granger), Polk County Conservation's 1,661 acres on the west shore of Saylorville. Bison and elk herds, campgrounds and four modern cabins, a golf course, an equestrian center, the Jester Park Nature Center, fishing ponds, a boat ramp, and hiking and snowmobile trails. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. April 1 to October 31, and sunrise to sunset November 1 to March 31. Ranger: 515-249-3229.
Big Creek State Park (8794 NW 125th Ave., Polk City), about 20 to 25 minutes. The DNR says Big Creek Lake has the largest beach in the state park system. Five boat ramps, fishing jetties and an accessible pier (crappie, walleye and bluegill), 22 picnic shelters, an 18-hole disc golf course, and kayak, paddleboard and pontoon rentals at the beach (515-984-6083).
From Big Creek's beach, the paved Neal Smith Trail runs 27 miles through the Saylorville area to Des Moines, per the DNR.
Where is the closest long bike trail?
The Raccoon River Valley Trail trailhead in Waukee is about 15 to 20 minutes from Grimes. The trail association lists it as an 89-mile path through 14 communities, running from Jefferson southeast to Waukee. For more, see our trails guide.
What outdoor activities are there in Grimes, Iowa?
Grimes has city parks and a splash pad, a paved trail network, Beaver Creek Golf Course, free disc golf at Glenstone MultiGolf Park, public pickleball courts, DNR-stocked fishing ponds, and large sports complexes for baseball, softball, and soccer.
Which Grimes park has the most to do?
The South Sports Complex at 750 SE James St. covers 45 acres with tennis, pickleball, soccer, sand volleyball and basketball courts, the skate park, walking trails, restrooms and a large play structure.
Where can I see bison near Grimes?
Jester Park near Granger, about 20 minutes from Grimes on the west shore of Saylorville Lake, has bison and elk herds. Polk County Conservation runs the park, which is open sunrise to sunset from November 1 to March 31.
Where is the nearest beach to Grimes?
Big Creek State Park near Polk City, about 20 to 25 minutes away. The Iowa DNR says Big Creek Lake has the largest beach in the state park system, with boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals in season.
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The Grimes Brief is free every Monday morning, made only for Grimes.