State Park · Iowa
Walnut Woods State Park
- Location
- Polk County, Iowa
- Nearest town
- 2.9 miles southwest of West Des Moines
- Type
- State Park
About Walnut Woods State Park
250 acres of bottomland hardwood forest along the Raccoon River hold the largest natural stand of black walnut trees found anywhere in North America. The river bends through the grounds, giving room for anglers and paddlers alike. A stone lodge dating to the 1930s stands near a 22-site campground, and birders have recorded upwards of 90 species within the park's borders.
Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.
Getting there
Walnut Woods State Park is in Polk County, Iowa, 2.9 miles southwest of West Des Moines. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.
State parks near Walnut Woods State Park
Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 50 in Iowa →
- Banner Lakes at Summerset State ParkState Park · Warren County, IA12 miSE
Lake Ahquabi State ParkState Park · Warren County, IA19 miSE
Ledges State ParkState Park · Boone County, IA32 miN
Elk Rock State ParkState Park · Marion County, IA36 miE
Springbrook State ParkState Park · Guthrie County, IA40 miNW- Green Valley State ParkState Park · Union County, IA44 miSW
Red Haw State ParkState Park · Lucas County, IA45 miSE
Rock Creek State ParkState Park · Jasper County, IA49 miE- Lake Anita State ParkState Park · Cass County, IA54 miW
Towns near Walnut Woods State Park
State parks near Des Moines, State parks near Indianola, State parks near Ames, State parks near Newton, State parks near Pella
Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.