Walnut Woods State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Walnut Woods State Park
The Raccoon River forms the northern border of Walnut Woods State Park
Walnut Woods State Park Location in Iowa
Location	Polk, Iowa, United States
Area	260 acres (110 ha)
Elevation	820 ft (250 m)
Governing body	Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Website	Walnut Woods State Park

Walnut Woods State Park is a cool state park in Iowa, USA. You can find it in West Des Moines. This park is special because it protects a unique type of forest. It's called a bottomland hardwood forest. This means it's a forest that grows in low, wet areas, often near rivers.

Walnut Woods State Park is home to the biggest natural group of black walnut trees in North America! These trees are very important. The Raccoon River flows right through the park. It covers about 260-acre (110 ha) of land. The river is a great spot for fishing and canoeing. The park also has nice places for picnics. There's even a cool stone building called a lodge, built way back in the 1930s. If you like camping, there's a small campground with 22 spots. Over 90 different kinds of birds have been seen here!

Discover Walnut Woods State Park

Walnut Woods State Park is a popular spot for people living in the Des Moines metropolitan area. It's a peaceful place to enjoy nature. The park is managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. They work to keep the park beautiful and safe for everyone.

What Can You Do There?

Walnut Woods State Park offers many fun activities. It's a perfect place for families and friends to spend time outdoors.

River Adventures

The Raccoon River is a big part of the park.

• You can go fishing in the river. Many different kinds of fish live here.
• Canoeing is another popular activity. You can paddle down the river and enjoy the quiet surroundings.

Picnics and Gatherings

The park has special areas just for picnics.

• You can bring your lunch and enjoy a meal outside.
• These areas are great for birthday parties or family get-togethers.
• The old limestone lodge from the 1930s is a cool place to visit. It adds a touch of history to the park.

Camping Fun

If you love sleeping under the stars, Walnut Woods has a small campground.

• There are 22 campsites available.
• Camping is a great way to experience the park's nature up close.
• It's a perfect spot for a weekend adventure.

Amazing Nature

Walnut Woods State Park is a haven for wildlife and plants. It's a great place to learn about nature.

The Mighty Black Walnut Trees

The park is famous for its huge collection of black walnut trees.

• These trees are native to North America.
• They can grow very tall and have strong, dark wood.
• Seeing so many of them together is a special sight.

Bird Watching Paradise

If you enjoy watching birds, this park is for you!

• More than 90 different types of birds have been spotted here.
• You might see colorful songbirds, woodpeckers, or even birds of prey.
• Bring your binoculars and see how many different species you can find!