Scorpio Super Full Moon April 2021
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Ewing Park and Lilac Arboretum

4.6
·849 reviews·Des Moines, United States

A sprawling Des Moines park featuring a stunning Lilac Arboretum, a massive playground, disc golf, and trails for endless family fun.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early May

Peak lilac bloom & fragrance

CrowdMedium
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Scorpio Super Full Moon April 2021

Ewing Park and Lilac Arboretum

Best Time

Early May

Peak lilac bloom & fragrance

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.6
(849 reviews)

"This place is great- my family and I can’t wait to go back and experience more of this!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🌸 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Enchanting Lilac Arboretum

The Enchanting Lilac Arboretum

Lilac Arboretum

Wander through a fragrant wonderland of diverse lilac varieties in full bloom. A photographer's dream!

Instagram+1
Epic Playground Adventures

Epic Playground Adventures

Playground Area

A massive, safe playground with rubberized surfaces and a giant jungle gym for endless kid fun.

Reddit
Disc Golf Challenge

Disc Golf Challenge

18-hole Disc Golf Course

Test your skills on a challenging 18-hole disc golf course, a favorite among locals.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Lilacs

The star attraction, the lilacs, have a fleeting bloom. Aim for early May for peak fragrance and color. Check local bloom reports before you go to catch them at their best. Instagram+1

Beyond the Blooms: Activities Galore

Ewing Park isn't just about flowers! It boasts a massive playground, a BMX track, disc golf, and even a soapbox derby track. Plan for a full day of exploration for the whole family. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early May
Why
Peak lilac bloom & fragrance
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Playgrounds & activities buzzing
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the things you learn just by showing up to run club #desmoines #hiddengem #fyp
@thumgreenbean
4.7K likes • 69.4K views

🌸 Smell the Lilacs!

Don't miss the incredible fragrance of the lilacs in early May. It's a sensory delight! Instagram+1

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's many features. Reddit

The new De moine park is so elite🤩#iowa #Skateboarding #skatergirl #skatelife #fypシ
@snazzzyy_jazzzyy
3.7K likes • 24.3K views
how lucky are we to have so much to lose? 🌸🤍 had the sweetest engagement session with @scorpia.studios last weekend with gorgeous weather and perfect lilac conditions to boot!! (i could not stop stopping to sniff them between shots!!) thank you for making the drive down to capture us at all of our favorite places 🫶🏻
celestbian_
162 likes • 0 views

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Plenty of space and picnic areas make it ideal for a family outing. Reddit

🚲 Explore the Trails

Check out the BMX track and mountain bike trails for some adventure. Reddit

Flowers are cool I guess. (Guys, I’m literally so good at coming up with captions) #lilacs #lilacphotography #youthphotographer #iowaphotographer #teenphotographerscommunity
sophiasphotography07
57 likes • 0 views

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! Instagram+1

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's many features. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Plenty of space and picnic areas make it ideal for a family outing. Reddit

🚲 Explore the Trails

Check out the BMX track and mountain bike trails for some adventure. Reddit

📸 Capture the Blooms

The lilacs are incredibly photogenic, especially in the morning light. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(849 reviews)

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

Spacious and diverse activities
Amazing playground for kids
Beautiful Lilac Arboretum

What People Dislike

Seasonal crowds
No on-site food

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

No, tickets are not required for the Lilac Arboretum. It's a public park, and you can visit freely during park hours. Instagram

Ewing Park hosts various community events, including the popular soapbox derby races. Check the Des Moines Parks and Recreation website for an event calendar. Reddit

The 18-hole disc golf course at Ewing Park is free to use. You'll need to bring your own discs. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. InstagramReddit

Yes, the playground is designed with safety in mind, featuring rubberized surfaces and a variety of equipment that can accommodate toddlers and older children. Reddit

Ewing Park offers walking paths, a mountain bike trail, and a BMX track. The paths are great for leisurely strolls, especially through the arboretum. Reddit

Typically, dogs are allowed in Des Moines parks on a leash. Always check specific park rules, but generally, well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants located directly within Ewing Park. However, there are designated picnic areas and shelters. Reddit

Absolutely! Ewing Park is a fantastic spot for picnics, with plenty of open space and several shelter areas available. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Engagement photos, family portraits, and nature photography are very popular here, especially when the lilacs are in full bloom. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ewing Park is a dream destination for families! The massive, safe playground with rubberized surfaces is a huge hit, offering endless fun for children of all ages. Reddit Beyond the playground, the park features a BMX track and mountain bike trails for more adventurous kids. Pack a picnic, as there are plenty of great spots and shelters to enjoy a meal together. Reddit

🌸 Nature & Photography Enthusiasts

If you love nature and photography, time your visit for early May to witness the Lilac Arboretum in full bloom. The vibrant colors and intoxicating fragrance are a photographer's paradise, perfect for engagement shoots or simply capturing the beauty of spring. Instagram+2 The park offers numerous scenic spots for leisurely walks and capturing stunning natural landscapes. Instagram

🏆 Disc Golf Aficionados

Disc golf players will find a challenging and rewarding experience at Ewing Park's 18-hole disc golf course. It's considered one of the gems in Des Moines and is known to host competitive events. Reddit Bring your discs and prepare for a great game in a beautiful park setting. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of the Lilac Arboretum

The Lilac Arboretum at Ewing Park is a true gem, especially during its peak bloom in early May. This dedicated section of the park showcases a diverse collection of lilac varieties, offering a breathtaking display of color and an intoxicating fragrance. Visitors often describe the experience as walking through a fragrant wonderland, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike. Instagram+2

Many visitors are captivated by the sheer variety and beauty of the lilacs. It's a place where you can truly stop and smell the flowers, as one visitor noted. The arboretum provides a serene escape and a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls or memorable photos. Remember to check local bloom reports to time your visit perfectly for the most vibrant experience. Instagram

Beyond the visual appeal, the arboretum offers a chance to learn about different lilac species. It’s a testament to the park’s commitment to showcasing natural beauty and providing educational opportunities for the community. The scent alone is often cited as a highlight, making it a truly immersive sensory experience. Instagram

Family Fun at Ewing Park

Ewing Park is a paradise for families, with a particular standout being its expansive and well-equipped playground. Reviewers consistently praise the playground for its safety features, including rubberized ground surfaces that cushion falls, and its impressive array of equipment, including a 'giant jungle jim.' This makes it an ideal spot for children of all ages to play and explore safely. Reddit

Beyond the playground, the park offers a variety of activities that cater to active families. The presence of a BMX track, mountain bike trail, and even a soapbox derby track means there are plenty of opportunities for adventure and friendly competition. These unique features set Ewing Park apart and provide diverse entertainment options for a full day of family fun. Reddit

With ample space for running around, designated picnic areas, and shelters, Ewing Park is perfectly suited for family gatherings and outings. It’s a place where kids can burn off energy while parents can relax and enjoy the surroundings. The park's commitment to providing a safe and engaging environment makes it a beloved destination for Des Moines families. Reddit

Disc Golf Hub

For disc golf enthusiasts, Ewing Park is a significant draw, featuring a highly-regarded 18-hole disc golf course. This course is known for its challenging layout and is a favorite among local players, even hosting professional events. It offers a great test of skill for both experienced players and those looking to improve their game. Reddit

When discussing disc golf in Des Moines, Ewing Park is frequently mentioned alongside other notable courses like Pickard Park and Grandview. Its inclusion in these conversations highlights its quality and popularity within the disc golf community. The course provides a scenic and engaging experience for anyone looking to play a round. Reddit

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, the disc golf course at Ewing Park offers a rewarding experience. Remember to bring your own discs and be prepared for a challenging yet enjoyable game amidst the park's natural beauty. Reddit

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