Attractions and Places To See around Norwalk - Top 7

A small Asian-style garden alongside the Des Moines River, the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens features pagodas, stone sculptures, small ponds, waterfalls, and picturesque bridges.

The Principal Riverwalk is a smooth, scenic pathway along the Des Moines River, perfect if you're looking to explore downtown. Its well-paved paths and pedestrian bridges connect key districts, making it an excellent route for both casual spins and fast-paced rides. The city views and riverside breeze make it a great place to stretch your legs on two wheels.

Brown's Woods, in West Des Moines, is the state's largest urban forest, encompassing 486 acres of mature oak and hickory trees. The area offers over 4 miles of moderate hiking trails, including the Gateway Trail (0.5 miles), Preparation Loop (0.5 miles), Wilderness Loop (1.4 miles), and North Loop (2 miles). These trails all traverse rolling hills and small streams in forested environment. The preserve also serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds during spring and fall, attracting species such as warblers and vireos, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. This is also a popular spot with foragers; visitors are permitted to collect nuts, fruits, or edible mushrooms for non-commercial use, provided the plants are not harmed. However, activities like removing plants, hunting, trapping animals, and cutting wood are prohibited. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a six-foot leash, and owners are reminded to clean up after their pets.

Gray's Lake Park has a total size of 166-acres and is located in the heart of Des Moines. The lake of the same name is the park's main feature and is surrounded by a path for cycling and hiking. One of the highlights is the bridge that crosses the lake, as it can be illuminated in the evening and nighttime.

Gray's Lake Park is a 166-acre park. The main feature of the park is the large lake, which give the park its name, and is located in the middle of the park. There is also a paved walking and biking path that goes around the lake and includes a bridge that crosses the water.

Gray's Lake Park is a 166-acre park. Its main feature is the large lake in the center of the park. There is also a paved walking and biking path that goes around the lake and includes a bridge that crosses the water.

Nice change in the otherwise typical MidWest

This iconic bridge spans the Des Moines River, linking the east and west sides of the city at the northern edge of the riverwalk loop. This single-arch pedestrian bridge features two paths crossing the Des Moines River, one for cyclists and one for pedestrians, with the walkway over the middle of the river having a glass floor. Each year beginning in 2013, notable women from Iowa’s history are honored at this bridge. Local citizens provide the nominations, which are then reviewed by a committee that selects the recipients. Selections include women who have made a positive impact on the lives of others, achieved extraordinary accomplishments, inspired future generations, and who have been agents of change for the betterment of the state of Iowa, our nation, or the world.