Constructed in 2016, Fort Des Moines Shelter #3  is an open air, ADA accessible shelter  with a wood burning rustic stone fireplace will comfortably seat 140 people. Firewood is not provided. The shelter is nestled among oak trees and within walking distance to lake and over 1 miles of hiking trails. Modern restroom with water is located next to the shelter.  An outdoor classroom and hiking trails are nearby.


Reservations may be made up to 2 years but must be made a minimum of 7 days in advance of the date of reservation. For reservations within 7 days, please contact our office. 


Check-In / Out Availability Check-in is after 10:00 AM and check-out is before 08:00 PM.

Location Park Address: Fort Des Moines, 7200 SE 5th Street, Des Moines

 

Directions: Take Army Post Road to SE 5th. Turn South to arrive at Park Entrance which is west of Southridge Shopping Mall. Shelter #3 will be the last shelter you see as you drive through the park.

 

Park Map Link: PARK MAPS


Amenities

  • Carry in/carry out refuse
  • Electricity
  • Fireplace
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Picnic Table
  • Pressurized water
  • Restroom

Capacity: 140

Area: full sun

Electricity/Lights: yes

Water Hydrant: yes

Grills:   One large double grill and one small grill (ADA)

Picnic Tables: 14  

Parking Spaces: 32 plus 2 ADA vehicles 

Restroom: modern ADA

Restroom location: near parking lot

Playground: no

Sand Volleyball Court with Net (ball not provided): no 

Horseshoe Pit: yes

Dumpster Location (no trash cans are provided): nearby

Other Amenities: Hiking trails nearby

Stone fireplace-no firewood provided, renter will need to bring their own

Outside gathering area (outdoor classroom) near shelter​


Fees

Reservation Fee: $75

  • Only one reservation is allowed per day, per shelter.

Advance Booking Requirement:

  • Reservations may be made up to TWO YEARS to date in advance.
  • Reservations must be made at least 7 days in advance. For reservations within 7 days, please contact our office. 

Alcohol/beer/wine Restrictions:

  • If beer or wine is present at the facility, rental must be in the name of a person who is 21 years of age or older who will be present at the facility for the full term of the reservation. No other type of alcoholic beverage is allowed. 
  • Any renter having keg beer is required to pay a $100 deposit to the Ranger on the day of the event and prior to the beginning of the event.

Youth Group Discounts: An organized youth group may reserve shelters at a discounted rate.  Please contact the Polk County Conservation Office at (515) 323-5300 for more information on how to receive the discount.


Hours of Operation & Seasons

April 15 through October 15

  • Reservations allowed.
  • One may utilize the shelter from 10:00 AM to sunset.
  • If the shelter is not reserved for a particular date, it is available on a first-come basis.
 


Address

7200 SE 5th St
Ph: 515-249-1543

Des Moines, IA, 50315


Closures

October 16 through April 15 

  • No reservations allowed. Exceptions will be made for those events with a Special Event Permit. More information can be found on the facilities tab of our website: www.leadingyououtdoors.org.
  • All shelters may be used free of charge on a first come, first serve basis during park hours.


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