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Iowa makes it easy to work out for free. Its state parks don’t charge to get in [1], a former rail line north of Des Moines is now a mostly paved 25-mile trail [4], and city recreation centers are cheap or free for kids [5]. Here’s where to start.
At a glance
Iowa state parks are free to enter
Iowa law says the Department of Natural Resources can’t charge a fee for entering a state park or preserve [1]. For a few years there were two exceptions, pilot fees on out-of-state vehicles at Lake Manawa and Waubonsie state parks, but both programs were repealed effective December 31, 2025 [2][3]. So trails, lakeshores and picnic areas are open to walkers, runners and cyclists at no charge.
Camping, cabins, lodges and shelters are different: the law allows fees for those [1].
The High Trestle Trail
The High Trestle Trail runs 25 miles from Ankeny to Woodward, connecting five communities and four counties [4]. Besides the two ends, you can get on in Sheldahl, Slater and Madrid [4].
Its centerpiece is a half-mile trail bridge over the Des Moines River between Madrid and Woodward, rising 13 stories high, with special lighting and six overlooks where you can step aside [4]. Polk County Conservation calls it the fifth largest trail bridge in the world [4].
- South end: Hawkeye Park on West First Street in Ankeny [4].
- North end: near North Main Street and Railroad Street in Woodward [4].
- History: the corridor was a railroad line; the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation acquired it in 2005 and most of the trail was paved in 2008 [4].
Motorized vehicles aren’t allowed on Polk County Conservation trails, apart from maintenance and similar exceptions [4].
Des Moines recreation centers
Des Moines sets its community recreation center admission by ordinance. Under the schedule passed February 9, 2026 [5]:
| Pass | Under 19 | Ages 19 to 59 | Over 59 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily entry | $0 | $2 | $1 |
| Monthly pass | $0 | $24 | $12 |
| Annual pass | $0 | $150 | $100 |
At $150, an adult annual pass works out to about $12.50 a month [5]. Indoor gyms are the easy answer on Iowa’s icy or bitterly cold days.
Ames: pay by the visit
In Ames, the Community Center weight and cardio room sells visit packages instead of memberships: 10 visits for $45, 30 for $102, 50 for $142 and 100 for $224 [6]. Users must have finished 6th grade, and 7th and 8th graders need a guardian with them [6]. A weight room orientation is $25 [6].
How much to aim for
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for adults to get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week [7]. Three brisk walks on a state park trail and two strength sessions at a rec center would get you there.
Gear that helps
You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.
Best for: Strength work at home or in a park
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
Five color-coded 12-inch loop bands, from extra light to extra heavy, that add resistance to squats, bridges and arm work at home or in a park, and fold into the included carry bag. [8]
- 5 bands, 5 resistance levels (extra light to extra heavy) [8]
- 12-inch loops [8]
- Carry bag and illustrated exercise guide included [8]
- Made of latex [8]
Watch out: Latex: skip these if you have a latex allergy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Floor exercises and stretching
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
A thick foam mat that cushions knees and wrists for floor exercises, stretching and core work on a hard floor or in the grass, with a strap to carry it to the park. [9]
- 1/2 inch thick NBR foam [9]
- About 74 x 24 inches [9]
- Elastic carrying strap [9]
- Hand wash only [9]
Watch out: Thick and soft, so it is less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Early-morning and evening walks and runs
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
A light, adjustable reflective sash that makes you easier for drivers to see on early-morning and evening walks, runs and bike rides. [10]
- Cross-body design, reflective all the way around [10]
- Two pads for clip-on LED lights (lights not included) [10]
- Adjusts from XS to XL [10]
- Quick-release buckle [10]
Watch out: Reflective only: add a clip-on light if you walk or run where there are no streetlights.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Sources
- Iowa Code § 461A.35A: Entrance fee
- Iowa Code § 455A.14A: Lake Manawa state park user fee pilot program (repealed)
- Iowa Code § 455A.14B: Waubonsie state park user fee pilot program (repealed)
- Polk County Conservation: High Trestle Trail
- City of Des Moines Ordinance No. 16,537: Community recreation center admissions and rentals
- City of Ames Parks and Recreation: Community Center Weight Room and Cardio Room
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (health.gov), Top 10 Things to Know About the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Amazon listing: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- Amazon listing: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
- Amazon listing: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
Common questions
Do Iowa state parks charge an entrance fee?
No. Iowa law says the Department of Natural Resources can't charge a fee for entering a state park or preserve. Pilot programs that charged out-of-state vehicles at Lake Manawa and Waubonsie state parks were repealed effective December 31, 2025. Camping and rentals still cost money.
How long is the High Trestle Trail?
25 miles, from Ankeny to Woodward, through Sheldahl, Slater and Madrid. Its best-known stretch is a half-mile, 13-story trail bridge over the Des Moines River between Madrid and Woodward.
How much does a Des Moines recreation center cost?
Under a fee ordinance passed February 9, 2026, entry is free for anyone under 19, $2 a day for ages 19 to 59 and $1 a day over 59. Monthly passes are $24 and $12, and annual passes are $150 and $100.
How much exercise should adults get?
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week.