Margo Frankel Woods State Park is a 160-acre natural area located on the northwest side of Des Moines, Iowa. Established in 2009, it is one of the newer additions to Iowa’s state park system and was created through a generous land donation from the Frankel family, who wished to preserve this wooded tract for public enjoyment.

The park protects a significant remnant of mature oak-hickory forest in an area where urban development has consumed much of the original woodland. Rolling terrain, a network of hiking trails, and a diverse understory of native plants make this park a valuable green space for the Des Moines metropolitan area.

Visitors can explore several miles of trails that wind through the forest, offering opportunities for hiking, trail running, bird watching, and nature photography. The park’s wooded hills provide habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous songbird species. As an urban-edge park, Margo Frankel Woods serves as an accessible natural retreat for Des Moines residents seeking a quiet woodland experience without traveling far from the city.

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