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Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area
4.3 ★★★★☆ 90 Google reviews · Running trail in West Des Moines, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area'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.
Purple martin nesting area featuring kayak and canoe access for the lake for fishing and shore walks.
What runners say about Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area
“It was nice and quiet, the trail had several scenic points to stop and snap a few pics, or just breathe in this delightful and quaint hidden gem.”
Went during late September. It was nice and quiet, the trail had several scenic points to stop and snap a few pics, or just breathe in this delightful and quaint hidden gem. The Purple Martin birds weren't here during our visit, but we fully intend to return during their regular season.
Purple Martin Lake has an unpaved trail that's about 2.5 to 3 miles long. There's a housing and viewing area for the namesake Purple Martin birds. This is a nice out of the way place, but its still just right around the corner from Wanut Woods State Park.
A nice place to go for a walk. Has a nice mowed path. NOTE: the path does not go around the lake. There is a river access and no bridge (unless you want to scurry across a fallen tree) a good place to get some nature yet still close to the city.
This place is like a sanctuary! You can go fishing, kayaking and hiking. It’s even more beautiful when you see the Purple Martins flying around.💚 Family, Dog Friendly!
Trail conditions & character
“It was nice and quiet, the trail had several scenic points to stop and snap a few pics, or just breathe in this delightful and quaint hidden gem.”
“There is an area near the parking lot to view purple martins during their nesting season (end of April through August).”
Plan your run at Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
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