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Big Creek State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,116 Google reviews · Running trail in Polk City, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 3.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Big Creek State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Beach, lake, and stream-lined park, offering trails, playgrounds, Frisbee golf and shelters.
What runners say about Big Creek State Park
“A return visit will definitely be needed, not just to enjoy the fantastic cycling and paddling but also for the disc golf and super clean swimming beach!”
“Beautiful views of the lake and a nice paved walking/biking trail.”
“Awesome outdoor, family friendly park.”
Great place to sit and enjoy a spring afternoon. Beach has a lot of nice amenities. Awesome playground for the kids and plenty of room on the beach to have some space and avoid crowding. Nice cabana/shelters around the edge of the beach make nice places to stop and take a rest after riding the bike trail.
For being only 20 mins or less from Des Moines, this is an absolute go-to for hiking, fishing, beach time, and just being in nature. So quiet and peaceful and the trails and the map are super easy to figure out. They have volleyball courts also which is great!
Awesome outdoor, family friendly park. No wake boating, fishing, trails, and plenty of wildlife to see. They have a very nice swimming area with playground and small boat rentals.
Some parks are known for a specific feature, this park has them all! This was my first time visiting, and I was surprised at the variety and excellence of activities available. I had arrived fully loaded, with both bicycles and kayaks, it proved to be a great idea!
Trail conditions & character
“There is a wonderful, curving bike path around the lake, dipping in and out of the tree cover and not only providing lovely views of the park, but an enjoyable ride as well.”
“Very nice lake to enjoy with family, plenty of parking and picnic tables, extra large grills and restrooms”
“Beautiful views of the lake and a nice paved walking/biking trail.”
“Very nice lake to enjoy with family, plenty of parking and picnic tables, extra large grills and restrooms”
“This is a very accessible park for everyone, with enough features and activities to satisfy all.”
Plan your run at Big Creek State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance3.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteiowadnr.gov
- Phone(515) 984-6473
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
| Friday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 4 AM–10:30 PM |
Running trails near Polk City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
High Trestle Trail Oasis
4.7 ★★★★★ 89 reviews
Informal rest area that offers a bathroom and water to bikers on the High Trestle Trail.
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
Park offering a frisbee golf course, picnic space and trails surrounding a lake.
Yellow Oasis and Trailhead on High Trestle Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
Northcreek Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 72 reviews
