Des Moines Lakes

Lakes Around Des Moines

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Des Moines. A stay at a lake is amazing for those who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are numerous great arguments for making a trip to a lake in Des Moines during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Des Moines have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Take a look at the table directly beneath this paragraph to see the options including swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to visit.

Nearby Lakes for Des Moines

Lake Activities

A day trip, or a longer trip provides an almost limitless list of activities for families or couples.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a lake near Des Moines:

Fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake showing off your water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the local lakes provide you with several choices.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Des Moines provide tons of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach on a lake near Des Moines!

Lake Checklist

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on which lake you go to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. However, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Des Moines it makes a lot of sense to take along several of these things to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Insect repellant
  • Radio or speaker
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Portable phone charger
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Sunscreen
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • A fully stocked cooler

Additional lake stuff

The following items can make your life easier for excursions to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Fishing gear
  • Something to read
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Worms or other bait
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Goggles or masks
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Corkscrew

Staying Safe on a Lake

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Following a few standard safety tips that can make sure that you and your family are always safe on the water.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water

More Des Moines Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes near Des Moines, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your itinerary far more successful. Case in point, every lake has unique environment so it is important to take into account what will make for an enjoyable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Asking a local will usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Des Moines may be packed with tourists. To find more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!