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Johnston

Johnston

The Top 13 Attractions around Johnston

There are plenty of places to see and visit around Johnston. Whether you love hiking or cycling, Johnston is a region where 13

hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Check the top places to visit in the region and plan your next adventure today.

Last updated: November 13, 2025

Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge

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This iconic bridge spans the Des Moines River, linking the east and west sides of the city at the northern edge of the riverwalk loop. This single-arch pedestrian bridge features …

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Neal Smith Trail

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The Neal Smith Trail is a 26-mile trail through Des Moines along the Des Moines River. It is fully paved and traffic free, so it is a great way to move through the heavily populated city.

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Saylorville Lake Visitor Center

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The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center is located at the southeast corner of the lake and offers a variety of scheduled events, a theater, several interactive displays, and a selection of maps. A butterfly garden is also a short walk away.

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Trestle to Trestle Trail

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The Trestle to Trestle Trail goes from Des Moines to Johnston. It is a fairly short trail at 3.7 miles long but it is a very good connector trail. It …

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Big Creek State Park

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Big Creek State Park is a very popular park for cycling and hiking. Big Creek Lake, at the center of the park, is the largest lake in the Iowa State …

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Colby Park BCycle Bike Share Station

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There’s a group called BCycle Bike Share (owned by Bicycle Transit Systems). They have these stations along the trail (Clive Greenbelt) that allow you to rent traditional or electronic bikes. …

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Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens

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Nice change in the otherwise typical MidWest

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Principal Riverwalk

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The Principal Riverwalk is a smooth, scenic pathway along the Des Moines River, perfect if you're looking to explore downtown. Its well-paved paths and pedestrian bridges connect key districts, making …

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Neal Smith Trail

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The 26-mile Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River through the Ding Darling Greenway conservation area and weaves its way through a variety of landscapes, …

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Iowa State Capitol

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Walking up to the Iowa State Capitol is a fun way to add a bit of elevation to your urban hike. The grounds are open and walkable, with paths leading around the building and great views over downtown Des Moines.

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Big Creek Barrier Dam

Highlight • Monument

Great views of the lake from the Neal Smith Trail as it passes over the Big Creek Barrier Dam. The dam was constructed to protect Polk City from flooding from Saylorville Lake.

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

Urbandale Des Moines Saylorville Ankeny West Des Moines Clive Windsor Heights Pleasant Hill Grimes Polk City

The Top 13 Attractions around Johnston

Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge

Neal Smith Trail

Saylorville Lake Visitor Center

Trestle to Trestle Trail

Big Creek State Park

Colby Park BCycle Bike Share Station

Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens

Principal Riverwalk

Neal Smith Trail

Iowa State Capitol

Big Creek Barrier Dam

Most popular routes around Johnston

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

Explore more

Get ready to conquer new peaks

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