Pleasant Hill IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pleasant Hill, Iowa.
1. Copper Creek Lake
SCENIC LAKESIDE RETREAT
Copper Creek Lake is a beautiful 40-acre lake surrounded by a 1.22-mile trail perfect for walking or biking. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing for bass and bluegill in this tranquil setting. The lake is easily accessible from both Pleasant Hill and Des Moines, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Copper Creek Lake Park
ADVENTURE-FILLED OUTDOOR SPACE
Copper Creek Lake Park offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its scenic 40-acre lake. The park features a 1.22-mile trail surrounding the lake, ideal for biking and walking while enjoying picturesque views. It's also home to the annual Art on the Lake Festival where local artists showcase their work and provide educational workshops.
3. Toad Valley Golf Course
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Toad Valley Golf Course is a popular golfing destination in Pleasant Hill offering an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. The course features well-maintained greens and fairways surrounded by pleasant landscapes. Golfers appreciate its accessibility and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
4. Hickory Glen Park
MODERN MULTI-USE PARK
Hickory Glen Park is the newest and largest park in Pleasant Hill featuring two dog parks, soccer fields, and a splash pad. The park is also home to a butterfly garden, multiple trails, and the impressive 26-foot-tall Pleasant Hill Gate sculpture designed by Juanjo Novella. This community centerpiece connects life and nature while serving as a symbolic gateway to the city.
5. Doanes Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Doanes Park holds the distinction of being the oldest city park in Pleasant Hill, featuring expansive green spaces ideal for picnics and community gatherings. Visitors can enjoy the woodland nature trail, offering a peaceful retreat into nature within city limits. The park also provides recreational facilities including pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts for active visitors.
6. Copper Creek Golf Course
PREMIER GOLFING DESTINATION
Copper Creek Golf Course offers golfers a challenging and scenic play experience in Pleasant Hill. The course features well-designed holes with varying terrain and strategic water features that test players' skills. Its beautiful landscaping and quality maintenance make it a standout golfing destination in the area.
7. Oak Hill Park
SERENE NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Oak Hill Park provides Pleasant Hill residents with a peaceful recreational area nestled among mature oak trees. The park features playgrounds, walking paths, and open spaces for community enjoyment. Its quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for families seeking a relaxed outdoor experience.
8. Yellow Banks Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL WONDER
Yellow Banks Park is named after the impressive 150-foot-high yellow banks that tower over the Des Moines River, creating a striking natural landmark. The park offers camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities in a setting known as one of the best places in Iowa to spot bald eagles. During autumn, it becomes a premier destination for viewing spectacular fall colors, making it a hidden gem in the region.
9. Pleasant Hill Gate
ICONIC PUBLIC ART
The Pleasant Hill Gate is a striking 26-foot-tall sculpture designed by artist Juanjo Novella and installed in 2021 at Hickory Glen Park. This impressive art piece features a doorway that symbolically serves as a gateway to the city while connecting life and nature. The sculpture represents the community's commitment to public art and cultural enhancement.
10. Gay Lea Wilson Trail
REGIONAL CONNECTING PATHWAY
The Gay Lea Wilson Trail serves as an important recreational pathway connecting Pleasant Hill to neighboring Des Moines and Altoona. Trail users can enjoy scenic views while walking, running, or cycling through varied landscapes. The southern access point links to the Youngstown Trail, creating an extended network for outdoor enthusiasts.
11. Iowa State Capitol
MAJESTIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Iowa State Capitol is the only five-domed capitol in the country, featuring a roof covered in 23-karat gold that makes it one of the most ornate capitol buildings in the United States. Completed in 1886, the building is decorated with 29 different types of marble and includes 100 rooms, including the magnificent law library which is the most photographed room in Iowa. Open Monday through Saturday, visitors can experience this architectural marvel through both guided and self-guided tours.
12. Terrace Hill
HISTORIC GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE
Terrace Hill is a stunning example of Victorian Second Empire architecture that was completed in 1869 as Des Moines' tallest home, owned by the city's wealthiest resident at the time. The 18,000-square-foot building now serves the dual purpose of being the official governor's residence and a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can tour this magnificent property to experience its historical significance and architectural grandeur.
13. Salisbury House
ELEGANT HISTORIC ESTATE
Salisbury House is a historic house museum consisting of a 42-room estate surrounded by nine acres of beautiful gardens and woodland. The property showcases impressive architecture and houses a significant collection of historic artifacts and artwork. Visitors can explore this cultural treasure through guided tours that highlight its historical importance to the region.
14. Living History Farms
INTERACTIVE AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM
Living History Farms is a 500-acre open-air museum that tells the story of how Iowans transformed the fertile prairies into the world's most productive farmland. Visitors travel at their own pace through four different historical sites with time periods spanning 300 years, engaging with on-site interpreters who provide demonstrations of seasonal activities. The museum includes the Flynn Mansion, an 1870 Victorian Italianate home listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
15. Clive Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Clive Historical Society manages the historic center of Clive which includes the Swanson House, Clive Depot, and railroad caboose properties. The Swanson House served as a general store and post office from 1911 to 1929, offering visitors insight into early 20th century life in the area. These preserved structures sit at the heart of the community that was originally platted in 1882, providing a tangible connection to the region's past.