We're excited about these new parks and trails in 2026 and beyond
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A sandhill crane and its two babies at Brenton Slough. Photo: Courtesy of Ty Smedes
Outdoor enthusiasts have several projects to look forward to in the coming years across the Des Moines metro.
- The following are projects planned for 2026 and beyond.
Polk City Junction Trail
Polk County Conservation (PCC) and Polk City are partnering to construct a paved trail that will connect the High Trestle and Neal Smith trails.
- While the 1.25-mile connector isn't long, it's an important piece that will link together two highly used trails in the metro, PCC spokesperson Jessica Lown tells Axios.
- Construction is expected to start in 2026 and will go south/southwest from the High Trestle Trail Oasis into Polk City.
- Total costs are estimated at around $1.4 million. It will finish around the end of 2026.
West Des Moines paved trails
The city of West Des Moines is planning two separate trail projects near 1st Street and the Raccoon River.
The 1st Street Trail will complete the connection from the 1st Street bridge north to Lincoln Street. It will also help connect to a new nearby ICON water trail river access site and trailhead.
- The project is estimated to cost $400,000-$500,000 and will be completed by fall 2026, WDM park planner Eric Doll tells Axios.
The Raccoon River East Greenway Trail will go from that 1st Street trailhead and head west towards Raccoon River Park, connecting by the dog park.
- The length is around 1.5 miles and will include a bridge over Jordan Creek near where it empties into the Raccoon River, per Doll.
- Planning is underway and construction is expected to start and finish in 2027.
Easter Lake and Fort Des Moines hiking trails
Restoration is finishing up on a nearly 2-mile dirt hiking trail on the south side of Easter Lake Park. It's expected to be open by the spring and will include new signage for the area.
- Once that's finished, construction will begin on a trail improvement project at Fort Des Moines Park near the park's entrance.
- PCC staff have cleared out invasive plants in a timber area in Fort Des Moines and plan to put in a half-mile hiking loop, with plans to build more in the future.
Brenton Slough
Though there's no set date yet, Brenton Slough is expected to open to the public next year.
- Lown says it will be a rustic natural space for hikers and outdoor lovers, who should expect to walk through tall grass prairies.
Adel Bridge on Raccoon River Trail
The burned-down Raccoon River Trail bridge is expected to reopen Aug. 7, KCCI reported.
- In May, several young adults set a fire underneath the bridge, causing extensive damage that cost close to $700,000.