Parks, Trails, & Facilities

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Southwoods Park
1. Address:350 S. 35th Street
  West Des Moines, IA 50265
2. Phone:(515) 222-3444
Amenities:
1. Disc Golf
2. Multi-Use Trail
3. Parking Lot
4. Picnic Tables
5. Singletrack Course
Categories:
1. Parks

An annual show of incredible native wildflowers makes Southwoods Park one of the most unique parks in West Des Moines. The wooded hilly landscape that dominates the 40-acre natural preserve provides the best hiking in the city. In 1999, the Rothchild Memorial Nature Trail opened inviting park users to discover some of the scenic undeveloped land that follows Jordan Creek on its way to the Raccoon River. A natural waterfall is one of the many features of this walk. An 18-hole disc golf course is a popular feature of this beautiful park. Many disc golf players say it is the best course in the metro area!

Facilities include:

Picnic tables
Parking lot (see map below for overflow parking)
18-hole disc golf course
Nature trails
40-acre natural preserve
Singletrack course
Park Map

Southwoods Park Disc Golf Course

The course was expanded from 9 to 18 holes in 2023. Here are some of the upgrades:

New Design: This 18-hole expanded course has been professionally designed by Avery Jenkins, a disc golf world champion.
Upgraded Structures: Installation of 18 brand-new tee pads and state-of-the-art DiscGolfPark baskets by discmania. Two brand-new creek crossings in the wooded fairways.
Enhanced Fairways: Removal of invasive Japanese Honeysuckle and dead or dying Ash trees to improve the fairways.
Site Restoration: Restored wooded fairways with shade-tolerant seeding.
Volunteer Efforts: Huge shoutout to all the disc golf volunteers that have put in numerous hours to make this restoration possible.

Disc Golf Course Rules and Map

We are excited to offer rental reservations for the Southwoods Park Disc Golf Course. Reservations should be made for any tournament or large-group event. Note that the course is still available for public use even when reservations are made.

Southwoods Park Overflow Parking Map:

Southwoods Park Singletrack Course

This is a new 2-way directional course for both hiking and biking only. The Green Loop (.5 miles) connects to the paved trail within Southwoods Park and the recently expanded Blue Trails (1.4 miles) includes a connection to the Jordan Creek Trail.

CAUTION: This is a high-risk recreational activity with inherent risks of serious injury. The City of West Des Moines is not liable for injuries incurred by persons participating in or observing these high-risk recreation activities.

Singletrack Course Rules and Map

We are excited to offer rental reservations for the Southwoods Park Singletrack Course. Reservations should be made for any tournament or large-group event. Note that the course will be closed for public use during the reservation period.