What are the operating hours of Union Park?

Union Park is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Sunday.

Can I bring my pet to Union Park?

Yes, Union Park is pet-friendly, but please keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

Where is Union Park located?

Union Park is located at 725 Thompson Ave.

Are food and drinks allowed in the park?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to the park, but please dispose of trash properly.

Are there any special events or activities at Union Park?

Yes, Union Park hosts various events and activities throughout the year. Check our website or social media for updates.

Reviews (515) 237-1386 Call Website Photos About

Union Park in Des Moines

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4.4 (1086)

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About

Welcome to Union Park, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Des Moines, IA. Located at 725 Thompson Ave, this beautiful park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. As a top-rated park, Union Park attracts visitors from all over the country. At Union Park, we pride ourselves on providing a memorable experience for all who visit. Whether you’re looking to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings or engage in exciting outdoor activities, this park has it all. With its vast green spaces, well-maintained walking trails, and picturesque picnic spots, Union Park offers the perfect setting for a family outing or a romantic stroll. But that's not all! Union Park is also home to several historical landmarks and attractions. Take a step back in time as you explore the refurbished Union Park Carousel, a true gem that has been delighting visitors for decades. This beautifully restored carousel features intricate hand-carved animals and provides a nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the carousel, Union Park boasts a botanical garden that showcases a variety of native and exotic plants. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and fragrant scents as you take a leisurely walk through this serene oasis. When it comes to recreational activities, Union Park has something for everyone. From tennis courts and volleyball courts to a playground and a splash pad, there are plenty of options to keep both kids and adults entertained. And if you're a fan of fishing, you'll be pleased to know that Union Park features a fully stocked fishing pond. Overall, Union Park is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its picturesque landscapes, historical landmarks, and diverse range of activities, it's no wonder that Union Park has earned its reputation as one of the top tourist destinations in Des Moines. So, come and experience the magic of Union Park for yourself!

Union Park Review Summary

The summary was generated by AI, based on reviews.

Union Park is a hidden gem in the heart of the city, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. Visitors praise its well-maintained grounds, walking trails, and picnic areas. It's a great spot for families, couples, and solo visitors alike, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Review Rating Chart

Google Reviews: 4.5/5

Yelp: 4.2/5

TripAdvisor: 4.5/5

Facebook Reviews: 4.7/5

Travelocity: 4.3/5

Initializing review summary...

Reviews & Ratings

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4.4

(1086 Reviews)

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Will Handley -Google user

7 months ago

Beautiful small community park with playgrounds and walking paths. Great family friendly activities, no trash or graffiti. Street side parking large enough for any size rig or RV throught the park. Quick walk to marina and riverside connecting trails. I had full bars of Verizon...Read More

Yes, multiple featuresYes, flush toiletsLeashed dogs are welcomeYes, tables and bench seating

Anasia -Google user

a year ago

Kid loved both sections. 4 and under and the 5-12. Had a spaceship/obstacle course feel to it. My kid said we're headed to planet earth! Parts are hard to get into if you need to grab your kid out, lol, and I'm 5ft, but a...Read More

Mulch type ground. Geese near byHoused restroomTables uncovered and covered. Did not check for outlets

Judy Pike Locher -Google user

10 months ago

Neighborhood playground with a splash pad, wading pool, tennis court, carousel and bathrooms. Playground has fun structures for big and little kids. Carousel is $.50 for a child and $1 for an adult. Splash pad is free. Lots of parking and green space for picnics.

Brad Kosar -Google user

3 years ago

Good amount of open space. Multiple playgrounds. Merry-go-round on site as well. The park seems decently maintained and there is ample parking.

Jordan Brick -Google user

3 years ago

Beautiful park with lots of different spaces for kids to play. Three different playgrounds, a splash pad, heritage carousel (only 50 cents a ride!), and plenty of open grass. There are bathrooms by the splash pad, but if you don't want your kids touching EVERYTHING...Read More

Trevor -Google user

2 years ago

Union Park is quite big. 1. Three different playing places 2. One splash pad 3. Large areas of grass and trees 4. Historic carnival ride 5. Picnic areas with tables. 6. One bathroom area.

Penny (Hello Kitty) -Google user

8 months ago

This is a great place. Went for the carousel which had just closed because it closes when school starts. But the splash pad was a big hit on a warm day. It's bigger than I thought. There's actually a 'quasi lifeguard ' for the splash...Read More

Creative, cleanClean

Al Howarth -Google user

2 months ago

Great park with the famous rocket slide.

erica taylor -Google user

4 years ago

Union park is a spot that brings back many childhood memories for residents of Des Moines. The size of this park is enough to entertain many families at once. There are 2 playgrounds, shelters with bbq grills, restrooms, and of course the historic rocket slide....Read More

Laura Jolene -Google user

5 months ago

We went for the tree lighting and it was a really nice space, great carousel, and a cool park. We didn't even really see the whole area since it was dark out!

Very cool slides!

Vikki Lynn -Google user

a year ago

I take my granddaughter to the park to play, they have two different play areas for different age groups and has a wading pool as well as a splash pad. She loves it! and it has a shelter house with picnic area as well. Nice...Read More

Jesse Pace -Google user

a year ago

Beautiful park, especially love the wide open fields and old trees in the south half and northeast corners of the park. Opens to the marina and onto Birdland Drive. I feel lucky to live so close to it. Lots of other attractions here too.

Real Advantage Partners Real Estate Team -Google user

2 years ago

The rocket slide is a favorite from My childhood! I’m glad to see it’s being renovated. The carousel is another classic. Love to walk my dog in the park with all the mature trees and shaded paths. We recently hosted a community event there with...Read More

Jordan Arp -Google user

10 months ago

Always a favorite, sad the slide is under repair but excited it's getting renovated. The splash pad area was a great addition. The carousel is amazing and wish it was open more. Lots of open space. Location is great, near the marina, Captain Roy's, Birdland...Read More

Jacob Meradith-Eyers -Google user

2 years ago

Union Park has several different play structures designed for different ages/abilities which are uniquely designed of the DSM parks. There's also a splash pad, the rocket slide (which is currently out of commission), lots of green space and trees. My kids enjoyed the structure and...Read More

David Berggren -Google user

a year ago

Nice park, sad that the rocket playset was vandalized and partially out of commission. Kiddos had a good time on the other playsets though.

Rita Boatwright -Google user

a month ago

We had a party in one of the shelters and it was very nice. The Rocket Slide has been refurbished and was a lot of fun for the kids

Michael Felton -Google user

2 weeks ago

I was there for a volunteer project with the City of Des Moines Parks Department planting flowers. But it's still a beautiful park to go to.

Mike DeWiese -Google user

7 months ago

Our young kids had a great time at our 1st visit. Good amount of space to run, splash pad wasn't on but was late in the year, swings and smaller children part close to the big slides. Best part was bathrooms were open for the...Read More

Justin Phongsavanh -Google user

3 months ago

I grew up in this area for 23 years I love this park my childhood park

Features

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Activities

Hiking

Amenities

Barbecue grill

Basketball court

Has a tennis court

Picnic tables

Public restroom

Slides

Swings

Children

Good for kids

Good for kids birthday

Playground

Pets

Dogs allowed

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Union Park in Des Moines

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