It’s no surprise to anyone that summertime in Iowa is hot. Taking a dip in a swimming hole is a sure-fire way to cool down. One handy spot to do this is just minutes from Des Moines in Polk County’s own Thomas Mitchell Park near Mitchellville. 

The park does have a pond for fishing and boating (paddled crafts or electric motor boats only), but the place to wade and splash is Camp Creek which runs through the park.
Laura S. / Used With Permission
Depending on the water level, you’ll find three or four waist deep pools to cool off in along the creek. One easy-to-access spot is by the parking lot in the campground, just upstream from the red bridge over Camp Creek. 
Laura S. / Used With Permission
The park has several sets of picturesque stone stairs along the banks to leave your flip-flops and wade in or just to sit on and soak in nature. 
Laura S. / Used With Permission
Camp Creek is perfect for creek crawling with young explorers; you’ll likely find frogs, crawdads and minnows. 

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This park also boasts almost 2 miles of trails that will take you around the pond, through timber and wildflower-filled prairie land, along the creek, and past a variety of recreational areas. 
Laura S. / Used With Permission
Speaking of recreation, sports lovers will be right at home at Thomas Mitchell Park. There’s a beach volleyball pit and a baseball field with a backstop near the extensive playground. 
Laura S. / Used With Permission
Down in the campground, you’ll find a basketball hoop perfect for a pick-up game. 
This park really has something for everyone; history buffs will enjoy Thomas Mitchell too! The namesake of the park was Polk County's first Anglo-American settler who built a bridge over Camp Creek, allowing improved travel within the developing Iowa territory in the 1840s. He went on to build and operate an inn within what is now the park.
Laura S. / Used With Permission
The man didn’t stop there; he went on to be a sheriff and legislator, even operating a stop on the Underground Railroad. 
No matter what you’re after, be it history, mushrooms,  water, sports, exercise, fish, or just some time away from the crazy of life, Thomas Mitchell Park has you covered!
Laura S. / Used With Permission

To learn more about this spot that will help you beat the summer heat and transport you right back to the good old days, visit Polk County’s website. For more swimming hole fun, check out this article.

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Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 NE 108th St, Mitchellville, IA 50169, USA