Entry No. 77 — the Des Moines file — filed under: after-dark
Full Moon Hike at Fort Des Moines Park
Polk County Conservation leads a Full Moon Night Hike through Fort Des Moines Park, walking the trails after dark under the light of the full moon. You'll discover the sights, sounds, and wildlife that come alive at night, and the outing wraps with a campfire for roasting marshmallows and making s'mores. The hike is free, but registration is required, and it all departs from Shelter #3 close to downtown.
The story
Most public parks across Polk County lock their gates when the sun drops, handing the acres over to whatever nocturnal creatures live there. On select full-moon nights, Polk County Conservation flips the rules at Fort Des Moines Park, sending a county naturalist to unlock the trails at Shelter #3 and lead a small crowd straight into the dark woods.
You leave the streetlights of South Des Moines behind and walk the unlit tree lines relying almost entirely on lunar light. Naturalists guide the path without leaning on heavy flashlight beams, pausing along trail bends so your eyes adjust while they identify calling owls, rustling thickets, and whatever else moves around the park after hours.
The trek wraps back where you started at Shelter #3, where a wood fire is already going for roasting marshmallows and making s'mores under the open sky before everyone disperses back to the city grid.
What it's like
Pull into 7200 SE 5th St and head for Shelter #3, where the naturalist gathers the group before stepping onto the dark trails. Wear trail-ready shoes and dress in heavier layers than you think you need—Iowa evening temperatures drop quickly once you're under the trees. Keep flashlights tucked away in your pocket unless called for so everyone's night vision stays intact. The pace is easygoing, family-accessible, and finishes around the campfire.
The move: Join the guided moonlit hike through the woods, then sit by the campfire roasting s'mores while a naturalist names the night sounds around you.
📍 Before you go Free, no registration; offered on scheduled full-moon dates only, so check Polk County Conservation's event calendar for the next one. Meet at Shelter #3; wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Call 515.323.5339 to confirm.
- 📍 South Des Moines, Polk County
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: Fort Des Moines Park, Shelter #3, 7200 SE 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- South Des Moines Sculpture Park — Browse this self-built roadside art yard just 1.7 miles away before heading into the dark woods at the park.
- Malone Forgotten Arts (Greg Malone Blacksmithing) — Pair an afternoon of old-world metalwork at Greg Malone's home forge with a nighttime stroll through the trees.
- Monsterama Pubcade — Trade nocturnal forest sounds for classic horror pinball and arcade cabinets on SW 9th after the campfire dies down.
Good to know
Is the Full Moon Hike free?
Yes, the hike is free. Dates are tied to the lunar calendar, so check Polk County Conservation's event schedule or call 515.323.5339 to confirm the next outing.
Where exactly does the group meet?
Meet at Shelter #3 inside Fort Des Moines Park, located at 7200 SE 5th St on the south side of Des Moines.
Do I need to bring my own s'mores ingredients?
The event wraps with a campfire and s'mores provided as part of the Polk County Conservation program.
What should I wear?
Sturdy closed-toe walking shoes or boots are essential for dark trails, along with weather-appropriate clothing layers.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: polkcountyiowa.gov · mycountyparks.com
last checked: 2026-06-23