Ewing Park and Lilac Arboretum
A sprawling Des Moines park featuring a stunning Lilac Arboretum, a massive playground, disc golf, and trails for endless family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak lilac bloom & fragrance
Ewing Park and Lilac Arboretum
Best Time
Peak lilac bloom & fragrance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling Des Moines park featuring a stunning Lilac Arboretum, a massive playground, disc golf, and trails for endless family fun.
"This place is great- my family and I can’t wait to go back and experience more of this!"
🌸 Smell the Lilacs!
Don't miss the incredible fragrance of the lilacs in early May. It's a sensory delight!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's many features.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 849 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Enchanting Lilac Arboretum
Lilac Arboretum
Wander through a fragrant wonderland of diverse lilac varieties in full bloom. A photographer's dream!
+1
Epic Playground Adventures
Playground Area
A massive, safe playground with rubberized surfaces and a giant jungle gym for endless kid fun.
Disc Golf Challenge
18-hole Disc Golf Course
Test your skills on a challenging 18-hole disc golf course, a favorite among locals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Lilacs
+1Beyond the Blooms: Activities Galore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Smell the Lilacs!
Don't miss the incredible fragrance of the lilacs in early May. It's a sensory delight!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's many features.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of space and picnic areas make it ideal for a family outing.
🚲 Explore the Trails
Check out the BMX track and mountain bike trails for some adventure.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Smell the Lilacs!
Don't miss the incredible fragrance of the lilacs in early May. It's a sensory delight!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's many features.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of space and picnic areas make it ideal for a family outing.
🚲 Explore the Trails
Check out the BMX track and mountain bike trails for some adventure.
📸 Capture the Blooms
The lilacs are incredibly photogenic, especially in the morning light.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ewing Park is widely praised for its spaciousness, diverse activities, and family-friendly amenities, especially its impressive playground and the seasonal beauty of the Lilac Arboretum. Visitors appreciate the variety of recreational options, from disc golf to trails, making it a versatile destination. Some minor drawbacks include seasonal crowds during peak bloom and the lack of on-site dining.
"This park has so much cool little things for kids of all ages. There's a lot of room for them to run and play and plenty of places to sit to watch them. Also a great place for a picnic they do have a little shelter area to eat and sit down."
Rose Davis
"Spacious park with many paths and activities- from playgrounds, to a bmx track, mountain bike trail, and soapbox racing track, in addition to just strolling areas. This place is great- my family and I can’t wait to go back and experience more of this!"
jonmarkheaner
"the playground is amazing my so loves it we have went hear for years it so nice the groung is all in rubber pads to help keep kids safe and they have nice punic areas to a gaint jungle jim .they evan have box car races .its a great place to spend time with ure kids"
Jack Futrelle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ewing Park is located in Des Moines, Iowa. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available throughout the park. Many visitors use GPS navigation to find specific areas like the Lilac Arboretum or the playground.
While public transportation options might exist, driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Ewing Park. Check local Des Moines transit schedules for the most up-to-date information on bus routes.
Parking is available throughout the park. For the Lilac Arboretum, look for parking areas closest to the central garden sections. It's a popular spot, so arriving earlier in the day can help secure a convenient spot.
Des Moines has a growing network of bike paths. While direct access might vary, cyclists can often connect to park entrances via local streets and designated bike lanes.
The park is quite spacious. Grab a park map if available, or use your phone's GPS. Signage within the park helps direct visitors to different attractions like the playground, arboretum, and disc golf course.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ewing Park and its Lilac Arboretum are free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees, making it an accessible destination for everyone.
Ewing Park is generally open from dawn to dusk. The Lilac Arboretum's bloom is seasonal, typically peaking in early May, but the park itself is accessible year-round during daylight hours.
No, tickets are not required for the Lilac Arboretum. It's a public park, and you can visit freely during park hours.
Ewing Park hosts various community events, including the popular soapbox derby races. Check the Des Moines Parks and Recreation website for an event calendar.
The 18-hole disc golf course at Ewing Park is free to use. You'll need to bring your own discs.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Highlights include the stunning Lilac Arboretum, a large and safe playground, an 18-hole disc golf course, BMX track, and scenic walking paths. It's a versatile park for all ages.
Yes, the playground is designed with safety in mind, featuring rubberized surfaces and a variety of equipment that can accommodate toddlers and older children.
Ewing Park offers walking paths, a mountain bike trail, and a BMX track. The paths are great for leisurely strolls, especially through the arboretum.
Typically, dogs are allowed in Des Moines parks on a leash. Always check specific park rules, but generally, well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
The absolute best time is during the lilac bloom, which usually occurs in early May. The park is beautiful year-round, but the arboretum is most spectacular during this short window.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Ewing Park. However, there are designated picnic areas and shelters.
Absolutely! Ewing Park is a fantastic spot for picnics, with plenty of open space and several shelter areas available.
The park is located in Des Moines, so you'll find numerous dining options in the surrounding areas. Drive a short distance for a variety of restaurants, cafes, and fast-food establishments.
Some of the picnic shelters may be equipped with grills, but it's best to confirm availability or bring your own portable grill if permitted.
Des Moines offers a diverse culinary scene, from classic American diners to international cuisine. You'll find plenty of options to satisfy any craving near Ewing Park.
📸 📸 Photography
The Lilac Arboretum is a prime location for stunning photos, especially during bloom season. The playground and scenic park views also offer great opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the softest light and can enhance the colors of the lilacs and the park's natural beauty.
Drone usage is typically regulated in public parks. It's essential to check the Des Moines Parks and Recreation guidelines regarding drone operation before flying.
Engagement photos, family portraits, and nature photography are very popular here, especially when the lilacs are in full bloom.
For professional photoshoots, it's always a good idea to check with the Des Moines Parks and Recreation department to see if any permits are required, especially for larger or commercial shoots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit