Mark Ackelson Trail

Discover Mark Ackelson Trail in Des Moines

The four-mile Mark C. Ackelson Trail winding around Easter Lake provides an ideal place for outdoor recreation and scenic views for park visitors. Cycling, skating and hiking opportunities along the trail lie adjacent to playground equipment, fishing piers, boat ramps, and several picnic areas. The trail rides through Owen's Covered Bridge on the southern lake shore, Polk County's only covered bridge. Parking and trail access is available from any of the shelters and parking lots located throughout Easter Lake Park. The north side of the trail is accessible from Ewing Park.

TRAIL HISTORY

The trail's namesake, Mark C. Ackelson, served as president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) for 18 years, as well as provided leadership in several conservation coalitions and alliances. Ackelson's passion for land, water and wildlife lead INHF to protect and restore 145,000 acres of Iowa's natural areas. Under his guidance INHF also provided hundreds of miles of trails which supported local trail-side communities and ushered Iowans outdoors.