Best Lakes for Swimming Near Des Moines
Iowa
2 swimming lakes within driving distance of Des Moines, Iowa, ranked by water quality and swimming-specific filters. Filtered for grade A or B water quality, low algae (chlorophyll-a under 15 µg/L), and public access. Always check local advisories on the day you swim.
Lakes near Des Moines are sparser (2 graded lakes within reach), so the choices are limited. Terra Park Lake (A) is the standout.
The swimming-specific ranking layered on top of the LakeGrade rubric is what produces the list below: a grade-good lake that does not also support the swimming use case is less useful than a grade-decent lake that does.
| # | Lake | County | Grade | Distance | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Terra Park Lake | Polk | A | 6.6 mi | 11.5 ft | - |
| 2 | Dale Maffitt Reservoir | Dallas | B | 9.9 mi | 9.8 ft | - |
Other activities near Des Moines
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.