Athene North Shore Recreation Area

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Des Moines, IA
Athene North Shore Recreation Area

Accessible. Welcoming. Recreation. Fish, boat, swim or simply play knowing you have access and support to do so fully.

Those are the guiding principles that are driving Polk County Conservation’s efforts to create the most universally designed waterfront in Iowa – maybe even America. This will be a place where people of all ages and abilities can feel the spray of water on their face and the soft sand between their fingers or toes. The Athene North Shore Recreation Area is where you can enjoy nature on your own terms – not in spite of your limitations, but in full acceptance and celebration of them.

06/13/2026

Celebrate the longest day of the year with a peaceful, grounding forest bathing experience at Easter Lake Park. During this gentle, unhurried walk, you’ll be guided through sensory invitations designed to deepen your connection with nature. No prior experience is needed, just comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and an openness to slowing down.

When: June 20 from 6-8pm| register by June 15
Cost: $10
Ages: 18+

Click the link in the comments to register.

06/11/2026

You bring a picnic lunch, we'll bring the cool box turtles. 🐢

Join Polk County Conservation at Athene North Shore Recreation Area for lunch with turtles! Learn about their habit, diet, and behavior while getting an up-close look at these gentle animals.

This event is FREE, open to the public, and for all ages. Picnic with Turtles will be held at the Easter Lake Event Center on June 18 from 11am to 12pm.

06/10/2026

Good news! The splash pad is back up and running. 💦

While the leak has been identified and a temporary solution set, the operating hours of the splash pad are shifting. To support Central Iowa Water Works stage three usage plan, the splash pad hours are being reduced to six hours per day, now open from 10 am to 4 pm.

Stay cool out there!

06/09/2026

📢 Splash Pad Closed 📢

Unfortunately, due to a water line leak, the splash pad at Athene North Shore Recreation Area is closed until further notice.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and assure you that our team is actively working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

In the meantime, feel free to cool off by taking a swim in the lake!

Polk County Conservation

06/08/2026

Catch the latest updates from Blank Park Zoo at Athene North Shore Recreation Area on June 17 from 1–2pm.

Learn how you can support their wildlife conservation work while meeting new people and enjoying an afternoon in nature.

- Free
- No registration needed
- Open to ages 12+

06/05/2026

Summer music nights are officially kicking off at Athene North Shore! 🎶

Join us June 11 for the first Prairie Stomp concert at Athene North Shore Recreation Area, featuring The Matt Woods Band. Bring your blankets, chairs, and your favorite people for an evening by the lake. FREE to attend, light snacks and drinks available at the concessions building.

06/03/2026

Polk County Conservation is monitoring Easter Lake's water weekly for E. coli bacteria. While E. coli alone is not harmful, it can indicate the presence of other contaminants.

Check our website every Thursday or Friday for updates: https://northshorerecarea.org/monitoring-water-quality-at-easter-lake/

06/01/2026

Greet the sunrise at Athene North Shore with a grounding morning yoga class led by Dr. Stacey Huffman. Move in the way that feels best for you as gentle movement, breathwork, and nature come together to start your day with intention.

When: June 13
Time: 6am
Cost: $15
Registration: Required at the link in the comments.

05/30/2026

Summer is packed with ways to get outside and try something new at Athene North Shore. From family activities to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone. Check out our website calendar to see what’s coming up.

Visit our website at the link in the comments.

05/29/2026

Splash Pad updated hours 💧

In support of Central Iowa Water Works’ request to reduce water usage, the splash pad at Athene North Shore Recreation Area will be reducing their hours temporarily.

Starting today, the splash pad will be open daily 10am – 6pm.

Address

2883 E Watrous Avenue
Des Moines, IA
50320

Website

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TKjVRRbifDUcuAQd6, http://NorthShoreRecArea.org/

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