Attractions and Places To See around Urbandale - Top 15

Urbandale offers several natural spaces and parks. You can explore Brown's Woods, the state's largest urban forest, with over 4 miles of hiking trails. Other notable parks include Walker Johnston Park, featuring a story trail and large playground, and Barrett Boesen Park, known for its natural playscape. The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center is also nearby, offering access to the lake and a butterfly garden.

Yes, Urbandale and the surrounding area boast an extensive network of trails. The Neal Smith Trail is a 26-mile paved, traffic-free path along the Des Moines River, perfect for cycling and walking. The Raccoon River Valley Trail offers nearly 90 miles of paved routes through diverse landscapes. Additionally, the Trestle to Trestle Trail provides a scenic 3.7-mile route past wooded forests and the Des Moines River.

For a historical experience, visit Living History Farms, an expansive outdoor museum spanning 500 acres that showcases Iowa's agricultural past with authentic settlements from different eras. The Urbandale Historical Society also works to preserve local history. For cultural entertainment, the Urbandale Community Theater offers seasonal productions.

Absolutely! Urbandale has several family-friendly options. Walker Johnston Park features a large playground with a unique slide built into a hill and a fishing pond. Northview All-Inclusive Park offers an inclusive playground experience with features like a zip line. For indoor fun, Breakout Games provides escape room challenges, and Get Air Trampoline Park offers high-flying entertainment.

Yes, several attractions in the area are designed to be accessible. The Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge and the Neal Smith Trail are both wheelchair accessible. The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center also provides accessible facilities, and Northview All-Inclusive Park is designed for children of all abilities.

The Paragon Prairie Tower is a striking 120-foot landmark featuring the largest glass mosaic mural in the United States, depicting Iowa's prairie landscape. It's particularly impressive when illuminated at night. For a unique bridge experience, the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge spans the Des Moines River and includes a glass floor section over the water.

Beyond walking and cycling on the paved trails, you can find various outdoor activities. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes like the Gray's Lake Park – Raccoon River loop. Mountain biking options include the Sycamore Trail loop. Hikers can explore trails such as the Margo Frankel Trail or the Cottonwood Recreation Area via Neal Smith Trail. You can find more details on these routes in the Cycling around Urbandale, MTB Trails around Urbandale, and Hiking around Urbandale guides.

Yes, Brown's Woods is a dog-friendly preserve where leashed dogs are welcome on its over 4 miles of hiking trails. Owners are reminded to clean up after their pets. Many other city parks and trails also permit leashed dogs, offering plenty of options for you and your canine companion to enjoy the outdoors.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities in Urbandale, with comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring parks. During the festive season, the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park hosts the 'Miracle on 86th Street' holiday light display, offering a unique winter experience.

Yes, the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, located nearby, is dedicated to preserving the military history of Iowa and its citizens. It offers insights into the contributions of Iowans in various conflicts and military endeavors.

Visitors appreciate the diverse range of attractions, from the immersive historical experience at Living History Farms to the extensive network of paved trails like the Neal Smith Trail. The unique design of the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge and the natural beauty of Brown's Woods are also frequently highlighted. The community also values the family-friendly parks and the overall accessibility of many sites.

Urbandale hosts a few notable seasonal events. During the holiday season, the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park transforms into a festive wonderland with over 50,000 lights for the 'Miracle on 86th Street' display. The city also celebrates with an annual Urbandale 4th of July Celebration, including a parade held at Lion's Park.