Cherry Glen Picnic
This is a day-use picnic area only; overnight camping is not permitted here. The adjacent Cherry Glen Campground is a separate facility. Open April through October with seasonal hours: April 7am-8pm, May through Labor Day 7am-9pm, after Labor Day through October 7am-8pm.
Flood Warning issued September 9 at 9:29AM CDT until September 10 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Iowa... Raccoon River at Des Moines Fleur Dr affecting Polk County. ...The Flood Warning is cancelled for the following rivers in Iowa... Walnut Creek at Clive I-80/35 affecting Dallas and Polk Counties. Walnut Creek at Des Moines 63rd St affecting Polk County. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Raccoon River at Des Moines Fleur Dr, or from Walnut Creek to the Des Moines River. * WHEN...Until Thursday evening. * IMPACTS...At 13.3 feet, SW 30th St is closed from George Flagg Parkway to Bell Ave. George Flagg Parkway is closed from SW 30th St to SW 28th St. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:17 AM CDT Wednesday the stage was 12.2 feet, and rising. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 13.4 feet tomorrow morning. It will then fall below flood stage early tomorrow afternoon. - Flood stage is 12.0 feet.
About
Cherry Glen Picnic Area is a day-use facility nestled on a compact 13-acre wooded ridge at Saylorville Lake, part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project stretching over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. This is not an overnight camping facility; the nearby Cherry Glen Campground is a separate site for those seeking camping accommodations. The picnic area features six group shelters, all equipped with electric hookups, along with flush toilets and a playground. Hiking trails connect to the broader Saylorville Lake trail system, including the 24-mile paved Neal Smith Trail. The adjacent Cherry Glen Boat Ramp provides access to the lake for boating, fishing, and water sports. Wildlife is abundant in the area, with white-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, and waterfowl commonly seen. The shaded ridge setting makes it a popular spot for family gatherings and group events.
Directions
From I-35, take Exit 92 in Ankeny and turn right on East 1st Street. Travel approximately 5 miles west to NW 94th Ave. Continue across HWY 415 approximately 0.5 miles to Cherry Glen Picnic Area on your right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (515) 276-4656 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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