MacRae Park Overlook
Discover a unique southern perspective of the Des Moines skyline from the MacRae Park Overlook, a hidden gem with recent park upgrades.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning cityscapes
MacRae Park Overlook
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning cityscapes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a unique southern perspective of the Des Moines skyline from the MacRae Park Overlook, a hidden gem with recent park upgrades.
"Prepare to witness the city in a whole new light from this remarkable overlook."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the Des Moines skyline from this southern overlook, a photographer's dream!
💍 Romantic Proposal Location
Consider this scenic overlook for a memorable proposal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
EMC Overlook
MacRae Park
A triangular viewing platform extending from a bluff, offering stunning southern views of the Des Moines skyline.
MacRae Park Lagoon
MacRae Park
A recently cleaned-up and stocked lagoon, perfect for a relaxing stroll or even some fishing.
Downtown Des Moines Vista
MacRae Park Overlook
Enjoy the realistic splendor of downtown from this accessible, southern-facing viewpoint.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Capture the Skyline Views
Park Amenities & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the Des Moines skyline from this southern overlook, a photographer's dream!
💍 Romantic Proposal Location
Consider this scenic overlook for a memorable proposal.
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
Don't miss the lagoon and trails surrounding the overlook.
🚗 Easy Parking
Convenient parking is available, making access a breeze.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the Des Moines skyline from this southern overlook, a photographer's dream!
💍 Romantic Proposal Location
Consider this scenic overlook for a memorable proposal.
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
Don't miss the lagoon and trails surrounding the overlook.
🚗 Easy Parking
Convenient parking is available, making access a breeze.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the MacRae Park Overlook as a hidden gem offering a unique southern view of the Des Moines skyline, a rarity in the city. The park's recent upgrades, including a cleaned-up lagoon and accessible facilities, are highly praised, making it a great spot for photography and relaxation. While some note past vandalism, the overall sentiment is positive, highlighting its accessibility and scenic beauty.
"McCarae Park's overlook is an absolute gem for newcomers! Prepare to witness the city in a whole new light. Photographers, get ready to capture stunning shots of the cityscape from its southern vantage point. It's truly remarkable, especially considering Des Moines' scarcity of high elevations. As a budding photographer myself, I can confidently say that this spot is unrivaled when it comes to capturing the essence of Downtown Des Moines. Don't miss out!"
JC Sixtos
"Convenient overlook with easy parking access. There have been significant upgrades to the park in the past year."
Ray Brown
"Beautiful sunset tonight. I really enjoy all the work that's been put into the park. It's a shame there's so much vandalism there."
Mark Marquez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
MacRae Park is located on the south side of Des Moines, easily accessible by car. The overlook itself is within the park and offers convenient parking nearby.
Yes, the overlook is surprisingly close to downtown, offering a unique perspective of the city without being far from the urban center.
Major roads like Fleur Drive provide direct access to the park. It's a straightforward drive from most parts of Des Moines.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, MacRae Park and its overlook are free to access for the public.
MacRae Park is generally open from dawn to dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy the overlook during daylight hours.
There are no tickets required for the overlook. It's a public park space.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers a spectacular golden hour for capturing the Des Moines skyline. Weekday mornings can also provide softer light and fewer crowds.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline, but any camera or smartphone can take beautiful shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Commercial photography might require permits, so check with park authorities if needed.
Drone usage may be restricted in city parks. It's best to check Des Moines Parks and Recreation guidelines before flying a drone.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
MacRae Park features a lagoon for fishing, hiking trails, and several pavilions for relaxation or events.
Yes, the overlook is designed to be handicap accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the views.
Restroom facilities are available within MacRae Park, typically near the pavilions and playground areas.
Yes, there are modern indoor and outdoor pavilions available for reservation through the Des Moines Parks and Recreation department.
While the park has seen some vandalism in the past, recent upgrades have improved the area. It's generally considered safe, especially during daylight hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon exploring the park's amenities. The open spaces are great for kids to run around, and the overlook provides a unique educational opportunity to discuss city geography.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Bring your wide-angle lenses to encompass the full panorama. The park also offers natural elements like the lagoon and trails, providing diverse backdrops for shoots. Remember to check park regulations regarding commercial photography if you're planning a professional shoot.
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Combine your visit with a peaceful walk around the lagoon or a picnic in one of the park's pavilions. The serene atmosphere makes it a lovely place for a quiet afternoon or an evening stroll.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Skyline View
The overlook itself is a modern, triangular viewing platform that extends from a bluff, giving visitors a sense of being immersed in the view. It's a relatively new addition to the park, and its presence has been a welcome enhancement for locals and visitors alike. The accessibility of this viewpoint makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to appreciate Des Moines from a different angle.
Pro Tip: Visit during the 'golden hour' before sunset for the most dramatic lighting on the cityscape. The colors reflecting off the buildings and the sky create a truly memorable scene.
Exploring MacRae Park
For those who enjoy walking or light hiking, MacRae Park offers well-maintained trails that wind through the park's natural areas. These trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll, a jog, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The park also boasts several pavilions, including a modern indoor option, which can be reserved for gatherings, picnics, or events, making it a versatile destination for families and groups.
Community Insight: Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by the overall offerings of MacRae Park, noting that it 'seems to have a little bit of everything,' making the overlook just one part of a larger, enjoyable experience.
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