National Parks Near Des Moines, Iowa

Plan your next outdoor adventure with our complete guide to 48 national parks near Des Moines. The closest park is just 117.5 miles away—perfect for a weekend getaway.

48
Parks Within Range
0
Within 100 Miles
117.5
Miles to Closest

Weekend Getaways (100-200 Miles)

Great for weekend trips from Des Moines

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
117.5 mi (~2 hr 21 min)

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

West Branch, Iowa
National Historic Site
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
121.2 mi (~2 hr 25 min)

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Omaha, Iowa
National Historic Trail
Effigy Mounds National Monument
161.4 mi (~3 hr 14 min)

Effigy Mounds National Monument

Harpers Ferry, Iowa
National Monument
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
189.7 mi (~3 hr 48 min)

Harry S Truman National Historic Site

Independence, Missouri
National Historic Site
Homestead National Historical Park
190 mi (~3 hr 48 min)

Homestead National Historical Park

Beatrice, Nebraska
National Historical Park
New Philadelphia National Historic Site
191.1 mi (~3 hr 49 min)

New Philadelphia National Historic Site

Barry, Illinois
National Historic Site

Extended Adventures (200-300 Miles)

Perfect for long weekend adventures from Des Moines

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park
206.6 mi (~4 hr 8 min)

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

Kansas
National Historical Park
Pipestone National Monument
216.4 mi (~4 hr 20 min)

Pipestone National Monument

Minnesota
National Monument
Missouri National Recreational River
219.3 mi (~4 hr 23 min)

Missouri National Recreational River

South Dakota
National Recreational River
Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
233.4 mi (~4 hr 40 min)

Mississippi National River & Recreation Area

Minnesota
National River & Recreation Area
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
242.3 mi (~4 hr 51 min)

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Illinois
National Monument
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
242.4 mi (~4 hr 51 min)

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Illinois
National Historic Site
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
264.6 mi (~5 hr 18 min)

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Wisconsin
National Scenic Trail
Fort Scott National Historic Site
264.9 mi (~5 hr 18 min)

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Kansas
National Historic Site
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
267.4 mi (~5 hr 21 min)

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Kansas
National Preserve
Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site
271.9 mi (~5 hr 26 min)

Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site

Missouri
National Historic Site
Gateway Arch National Park
273.5 mi (~5 hr 28 min)

Gateway Arch National Park

Missouri
National Park
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
291.2 mi (~5 hr 49 min)

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

Wisconsin
National Scenic Riverway

Planning Your Visit from Des Moines

Des Moines is perfectly positioned for exploring national parks across the region. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is your closest option at just 117.5 miles—approximately 2 hr 21 min by car.

Best practices: Check individual park pages for current conditions, entrance fees, and reservation requirements. Many parks offer America the Beautiful passes for frequent visitors. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect all park regulations during your visit.

Guided Tours Near Des Moines

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