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Grimes Farm and Conservation Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 231 Google reviews · Running trail in Marshalltown, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Grimes Farm and Conservation Center'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.
Nature, bike and hiking trails lead through a prairie and wooded landscape, as well as an observation tower.
What runners say about Grimes Farm and Conservation Center
“A unique and creative kids area with interactive music stuff, a big slide, a butterfly garden, and little stream set inside a beautiful prairie area.”
“It’s a fantastic place to go if you are looking for an out of the way playground that is quiet.”
“The interactive exhibits inside are engaging for all ages, clearly explaining local conservation efforts.”
In August 2025, we visited the Grimes Farm and Conservation Center in Marshalltown, Iowa. This is a great place to enjoy ourdoor activities, like playgrounds, a pavillion with barbecue grills, bridges and boardwalks, and nature trails.
Beautiful trails for all skill levels with a lookout tower featuring one of the best views in Central Iowa! Great play area for kids, a bike trail, and a very educational conservation center with awesome activities!
My kids and I absolutely love Grimes Farm. We enjoy using the bike trail from Mega-10 Park to the Farm, as well as going on their hikes and trails. Their storybook trail is so fun and unique!
A peaceful and educational gem! Grimes Farm and Conservation Center offers beautiful, well-maintained trails perfect for a family stroll or a quiet walk in nature. The interactive exhibits inside are engaging for all ages, clearly explaining local conservation efforts.
Trail conditions & character
“A unique and creative kids area with interactive music stuff, a big slide, a butterfly garden, and little stream set inside a beautiful prairie area.”
“It’s a fantastic place to go if you are looking for an out of the way playground that is quiet.”
“Fantastic nature playscape area, lots of grass trails for walking, and a great paved bike trail - perfect for a stroller walk.”
“Wonderful wooded trails, wooden bridges and walkways.”
“Has a port a potty so go to the bathroom before you go.”
Plan your run at Grimes Farm and Conservation Center
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
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitemarshallcountyia.gov
- Phone(641) 752-5490
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Marshalltown
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mega-10 Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 100 reviews
Park featuring a playground with a zip line, slides, and swings, plus picnic tables.
Iowa River's Edge Trail
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Riverview Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 408 reviews
Popular park for biking and disc golf, with a dog run and shelters.
Timmons Grove County Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 69 reviews
Family-friendly campground featuring picnic tables, barbecuing and river access.