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Des Moines is one of the top places to visit in Iowa, but when is the last time you enjoyed a picnic in our city? With picnic season in full swing, it would be a shame to not get out and enjoy the beautiful weather that autumn in Iowa brings.

In order to fully understand the Des Moines picnic scene, I traveled around the city looking for three locations to review

Grading Criteria

Each picnic spot will be juded on three criteria. The first is privacy because if there is too much noise around, it will be hard to have a conversation with your picnic buddy. The second is the view, as part of the experience of a picnic is enjoying the great outdoors and what nature has to offer. The third is the amount of shade. Shade is essential because as pleasant sunlight can be, who wants to come back from a picnic with a sunburn?

Gray’s Lake Park: 8 out of 10

Located on the southwest edge of downtown Des Moines is Gray’s Lake Park. Gray’s Lake has a main entrances located on Fleur Drive. The park’s beautiful 100-acre lake is the center of attention. The lake is also surrounded by a 1.9-mile-long trail. You might have to walk a little to get away from the busy road that surrounds it but the serene landscape makes it worth it. All in all, I give it an eight out of 10. You can find privacy throughout the park but not as easily as you can enjoy the view of the lake. There is shade, but those areas are minimal.

Saylorville Lake: 9 out of 10

Next up is Saylorville Lake located just north of Des Moines. This massive 26,000-acre park is another fantastic place for a picnic. The park has free entertainment as boaters take advantage of the weather. There are multiple beaches surrounding the lake, which are perfect to set up on. For more of a wilderness experience, there are large areas of grass surrounding the trail as you drive toward the lake. You will also pass some camping spots and maybe even wildlife as you pick from the many picnic spots that Saylorville has to offer. I give it a nine out of 10. There are several areas to find privacy and get away from the noise. The view is the best of the three because of the huge lake, and shade is accessible in the camping areas.

Union Park: 10 out of 10

Established in 1892, located at E. 9th St. and Thompson Avenue, Union Park is one of Des Moines original five parks. There are plenty of things to do at this historical picnic destination. This park contains a children’s water area, some enclosed shelters, basketball and tennis courts and a playground with the legendary rocket slide. There are hundreds of beautiful trees to enjoy and set up your picnic under. Try taking a stroll through the Union Park Floral Garden, which could be romantic if you’re with a significant other. With all the fun, I give this park a perfect 10. Privacy is limited, but there are areas you can find to have a nice conversation with your picnic partner. The view of the garden and playground set the tone for a happy picnic, and shade is all around this park with hundreds of trees.

There are many great spots in Des Moines to lay down your blanket for a picnic. I believe these three spots would be at the top of the list. Between the beautiful water views and a taste of historic Des Moines, these parks are unique in their own ways. Gray’s Lake is a great choice where you can get a great view of the lake with limited shade and privacy. Saylorville is a perfect choice with a much bigger lake and the option to lay your blanket on a sunny beach or maybe even a private shaded area where you will see the best that nature has to offer in Des Moines. Lastly, there is historic Union Park, where there’s an abundance of shade with a view of the rocket slide and garden. All three choices are optimal for a picnic here in Des Moines.