Waterfalls near Des Moines, IA

This page lists every named waterfall in our database within driving distance of Des Moines, sorted by how far they are. Distances are straight-line; drive times assume average highway-plus-local routes (typically 30% longer than the straight-line miles). For trip planning, treat them as a starting point and verify the actual route in Google Maps.

Always check current access, parking, and seasonal closures with the relevant land manager — state parks, the National Park Service, or the local ranger district — before heading out. Several of these falls are seasonal and may run dry in mid-to-late summer.