City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (515) 237-1386

Description: Part of the City of Des Moines park system, Gray’s Lake, a 96-acre lake just south of downtown with a maximum depth of around 14 feet, is the main boating facility within the city limits. Only electric trawling motors are allowed on motorboats, and sailboats must not be taller than 24 feet, due to overhead wires. Sailboats must also remain more than 30 feet from the bridge that crosses over the southern edge of the lake. Canoes and sailboats are available for rent beginning in mid-Apr, and canoeing and sailing lessons are offered during the summer. The park also rents paddleboats, kayaks, catamarans, and hydro bikes. There is fishing on the lake for catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. Gray’s Lake also has a swimming beach, playground, and pavilion. The area around the pavilion at the southwest corner of the park is popular for kite flying. The lake is open for boating Mar through Oct.