Hike The Kruidenier Trail To See An Iowa Skyline And Sunset You Won’t Forget
You don’t have to head into the backcountry to enjoy nature and experience a beautiful trail. The Kruidenier Trail is an urban trail in Des Moines that passes a river and rings a lake, offering some gorgeous views of downtown as well as access to some great recreational facilities, including a beach.
It’s the ideal place for an evening stroll – the sunsets along the trail are simply incredible. Lace up your shoes: here’s what you need to know about the Kruidenier Trail.
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The trail is located in Grays' Lake Park, a 166-acre green space. It's named after philanthropists David and Elizabeth Kruidenier.
If you do the whole trail you'll travel across a 1,400-foot-long bridge. It's the best place to take in the skyline. Colored lights help people navigate the trail at night.
The trail is popular for walking, running and biking. The city maintains the trail during the winter so you can use it all year. There's even a heated bathroom!
The trail connects with a 42-mile network of Des Moines trails and more than 500 miles of the Central Iowa Trail System. You can access the Kruidenier Trail from either a north or south entrance. You’ll likely encounter quite a few bikers, dog walkers and runners, especially in the morning. It’s a popular place!
