by EJ Young

Created on: September 08, 2009   Last Updated: June 02, 2010

Are you new to the capital city of Iowa and fretting about where you can take your best friend to exercise? If you live in a trendy downtown loft, the best place for a scenic walk with your pooch is Gray's Lake Park. Don't even go to the trouble of getting the car from the underground garage. Just put a leash on Lassie and hook up with the downtown Bill Riley Trail.

BEST PLACE DOWNTOWN

With a distance of a mile and a half, the trail might be the best place for every day exercise or the routine stroll. But for an extra treat on a long weekend or a day off work, grab a pooper scooper and a bag and head to Gray's Lake. Just obey the leash law and clean up after bathroom breaks like any responsible pet owner would do.

Located off Fleur Dr on the southern edge of downtown, Gray's Lake Park offers a 2-mile trail looping around the lake. Known as a favorite meeting place and popular recreation area for locals, you will see many other people with their pets. If you're looking for the opportunity to meet other dogs and their owners, this is a hot spot. The loop around the water is well lit with safety phones interspersed along the trail. A unique pedestrian bridge offers shining lights to welcome walkers. The spectacular scenery with a downtown sky line frame will leave Lassie asking for return visits. You can read more about this great place and all the parks and trail networks for dog walking in Des Moines at http://www.ci.des-moines.ia.us/departments/pr/graysl ake.htm .

BEST PLACE OUTLYING AREA

If you don't live in the downtown area and want a closer location for canine walking opportunities, you will hit the jackpot with Raccoon River Dog Park. If your dog isn't too hyper to handle the freedom, this 10 acre park is completely fenced and Lassie can lose the leash! Find Grand Avenue which cuts through the city and suburbs to the east and the west and head to West Des Moines. Raccoon River Park is on the south side of Grand. Stay to the left as the road winds around the lake and past softball diamonds. The park is behind the last group of the south softball diamonds. Take a right at Beach Corner and your puppy will probably have the scent of new furry friends by the time you hit the entrance. A membership is required. But if you decide this made-just-for-dogs park is the best place to walk and play, then a year-long membership for only $30 for non-residents or $15 for people who live in West Des Moines, is a small price to pay. You can't beat all the fun and games for

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