Des Moines Water Works Park

Des Moines Water Works Park Des Moines Water Works was initially formed as a private water company in 1871 and subsequently became a public utility in 1919.

The Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation is dedicated to enhancing Water Works Park in Des Moines, Iowa, by integrating education, conservation, recreation, and health to improve the quality of life for Central Iowans. To protect the watershed and fulfill its mission, over time, DMWW acquired approximately 1,500 acres of land within the city of Des Moines, creating Water Works Park. Although man

y of us know Water Works Park as a natural playground for humans and animals alike, the Park’s primary mission is to serve as the first water source for Des Moines Water Works. It plays a crucial role in meeting the drinking water needs of 500,000 central Iowans, providing a reliable and secure water source. Unseen by the Park’s thousands of annual visitors, a three-mile-long pipe, known as the “Infiltration Gallery System,” runs underground and parallel to the Raccoon River. The Gallery collects naturally filtered water from the sand and gravel of the river valley. The ponds in Water Works Park, most visibly used for recreational fishing, were strategically constructed to help saturate the soil along the gallery system, thereby enhancing its efficiency. The Gallery provides Des Moines Water Works with up to 20 million gallons of water each day, which is needed for water treatment. At the time of its installation in the late 1800s, the Gallery was a wholly unique and innovative system developed to naturally filter the water. The centerpiece of the Master Plan continues this innovation with “The Circuit,” which will not only provide recreational opportunities, but more importantly, enhance Gallery capacity.

Join us at 9 a.m. this morning for a free fun run & walk. Family-friendly games and activities to follow.
06/20/2026

Join us at 9 a.m. this morning for a free fun run & walk. Family-friendly games and activities to follow.

SENI-OM-SED kicks off at 4 pm at the Park! Live music from Monkey Four, great food from Tacos del Robert, and of course,...
06/19/2026

SENI-OM-SED kicks off at 4 pm at the Park! Live music from Monkey Four, great food from Tacos del Robert, and of course, the Des Moines Biergarten.

06/18/2026

Add the Empeiria Sauna House experience to your summer bucket list at the Park.

Join us tonight for a free performance from the Des Moines Performing Arts - DMPA thanks to the Kerry & Linda Killinger ...
06/15/2026

Join us tonight for a free performance from the Des Moines Performing Arts - DMPA thanks to the Kerry & Linda Killinger Foundation Community Series.

TONIGHT! See Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas with special guest Theo Lawrence at Lauridsen Amphith...
06/14/2026

TONIGHT! See Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas with special guest Theo Lawrence at Lauridsen Amphitheater, a part of the Willis Summer Series presented by Willis Nissan

🎟️Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/aliso.../event/06006378C2FCB9A9
Parking lots open: 4pm
Doors open: 6pm
Show starts: 7pm

IMPORTANT REMINDER: This weekend there is additional traffic in the area with the Principal Charity Classic. Please be patient and allow for some extra time to arrive
Lauridsen Amphitheater FAQ

Get answer to many of your questions Lauridsen Amphitheater and the Willis Summer Series here: https://www.waterworkspark.org/visit/


:::TICKETS:::
Before arriving at the venue, be sure to log into your Ticketmaster account and tap My Events to access your tickets

We recommend adding your tickets to a mobile wallet so that you’ll always have your ticket on hand - even without internet connection.

:::EVENT ENTRY:::
Entry gates for this event will be on the NORTH side of the venue, along Grays Lake Drive. This location is where you will find Will Call and Box Office on Day of show.

ADA entry is at the southwest corner of the venue, south of the main entrance. This entrance is fully paved and accessible by wheelchair or other mobility devices.

By Car
General Parking is $15, ADA Parking is $15 and Premiere Parking is $25. Debit and credit cards accepted, no cash.

Prepay parking is available through ImClutch! Click here to pre-pay for parking: https://reserve.imclutch.com/waterworkspark

You may enter from any of the following entrances:
• Primary Entrance: George Flagg Pkwy from West Side
• Entrance 2 - Fleur Drive – Premiere Parking ONLY
• Entrance 3 - George Flagg Pkwy from Fleur Drive – ADA, Rideshare Drop off and Admin Building

Tailgating is prohibited in Lauridsen Amphitheater parking lots

Ride Share / Drop Off & Pick Up
Located at the Admin Building
Please use Entrance 3.

06/14/2026

The Doors are open. We are excited to have both Kip Moore and Billy Currington take the stage tonight.

06/14/2026

⚠️Show Update
We will be re-opening doors at 8:15 with Kip Moore going on shortly after.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.

06/13/2026

⚠️Weather Alert

Due to incoming weather in the area, we are asking all guests to please return to your vehicles at this time for your safety.

Our team is closely monitoring conditions and will keep you updated at this page as soon as we have more information. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Set up continues for tonight’s rain or shine show in the Willis Summer Series presented by Willis Nissan. We’ll keep you...
06/13/2026

Set up continues for tonight’s rain or shine show in the Willis Summer Series presented by Willis Nissan. We’ll keep you posted. If desirable ponchos but no umbrellas allowed. Lots open at 3:30, Lauridsen Amphitheater opens at 5:30. With showtime at 6:30 pm. See you at the Park!

Address

2251 George Flagg Pkwy
Des Moines, IA
50321

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 6am - 10pm
Wednesday 6am - 10pm
Thursday 6am - 10pm
Friday 6am - 10pm
Saturday 6am - 10pm
Sunday 6am - 10pm

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