Parks and trails
Parks and trails near Court Avenue
Downtown Des Moines keeps its green space close to the rivers. A riverwalk a few blocks away, a free sculpture park about a mile west, and the city's busiest lake park a couple of miles south. In miles, with the facts attributed.
The Principal Riverwalk
The Principal Riverwalk is a 1.2-mile recreational trail along the Des Moines River that ties the east and west sides of downtown together with two pedestrian bridges. It was funded by the City of Des Moines, Principal Financial and the State of Iowa. From Court Avenue it is the nearest real walk, a few blocks east toward the river.
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park
The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is 1.1 miles west, in Western Gateway Park. It is a 4.4-acre open-air park of sculpture, free to walk through, administered by the Des Moines Art Center. Hours and any event closures are the Art Center's to set; desmoinesartcenter.org has the current information.
Gray's Lake Park
Gray's Lake Park is 2.5 miles south, a City of Des Moines park of about 167 acres around Gray's Lake. The loop trail around the water is about 1.9 miles with a pedestrian bridge across part of it. The downtown trail network connects the Court Avenue District to Gray's Lake, so you can reach it on foot or by bike without driving.
Court & Marketplace rents one- and two-bedroom homes across both buildings, 308 and 312 Court Ave, with an in-unit washer and dryer in most homes and bulk internet included with rent. Live floor plans and today’s pricing are on the availability page.
Questions people ask
What parks are near Court & Marketplace?
The Principal Riverwalk a few blocks east along the Des Moines River, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park 1.1 miles west, and Gray's Lake Park 2.5 miles south.
How long is the Gray's Lake trail?
About 1.9 miles around the lake, with a pedestrian bridge across part of it, in a City of Des Moines park of roughly 167 acres.
Is the Pappajohn Sculpture Park free?
Yes. It is a free open-air sculpture park in Western Gateway Park, administered by the Des Moines Art Center. Check desmoinesartcenter.org for hours and any event closures.
Can I walk or bike to Gray's Lake from downtown?
Yes. Downtown's trail network connects the Court Avenue District to Gray's Lake, 2.5 miles south, so it can be reached on foot or by bike.
Trail and park facts are from the City of Des Moines, the Des Moines Art Center and Wikipedia's figures for Gray's Lake and the Principal Riverwalk, October 2026. Distances are by road from 308 Court Ave, measured with OpenStreetMap routing.
More about living here
- Living in the Court Avenue District
- The Downtown Farmers' Market, out the door
- Groceries and everyday errands downtown
- Eating and drinking on Court Avenue
- Getting around from Court Avenue
- Things to do downtown
- Court Avenue Lofts and Market Place Lofts: which is which
- The floor plans, explained
- The fitness center, business center and lounge
- Pet-friendly apartments on Court Avenue
- How to apply at Court & Marketplace
- Working from home on Court Avenue
- What residents say about Court & Marketplace
- The Court Avenue District guide
- All questions