BANNER LAKES AT SUMMERSET STATE PARK
Heavy machinery once tore up this land for coal. That changed. State workers reclaimed the old strip mine, turning dusty pits into two deep lakes. Anglers come for the trout. Every winter, DNR crews load the water with thousands of rainbow trout, so bring a thermos and line up along the bank. Gas engines are strictly forbidden. So, your kayak ride stays completely peaceful.
Prefer land over water Bring your bike. The paved 12-mile Summerset Trail runs right through the park, linking Carlisle to Indianola for a smooth afternoon cruise. But you can also hop off the asphalt onto gritty singletrack dirt loops built specifically for mountain bikes. It is purely day-use. You won't dodge massive RVs or noisy campsites here, which makes it a quick, hassle-free escape from city life.
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Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park is located near Altoona, Clive and Des Moines
Pack a lunch. You'll find plenty of spots to grab a bite at Banner Lakes, right off Highway 65 between Carlisle and Indianola. Grills and wooden tables sit near the water. Bring charcoal. If you want to guarantee a covered spot for a big family birthday or team pizza party, you can reserve the open-air shelter online ahead of time. It has electricity. Otherwise, just grab an open table by the water and watch folks haul in largemouth bass.
Shade helps in July. Mature trees cover several seating spots around the old coal-mine ponds, so you won't melt while eating your sandwiches. Paved paths run right past the picnic zones. Kids love that. So, you can easily unload your heavy coolers from the car, eat some chips, and then hop directly onto the bike trail without driving anywhere else.
- T Walker
Banner Lakes Loop Trail - A paved loop trail surrounding the lakes, popular for walking, running, and biking with scenic water views. Length 2.0 miles.
Summerset Trail - A multi-use paved rail-trail connecting Carlisle to Indianola that passes directly through Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park. Length 12.0 miles.
Banner Lakes Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails - A network of unpaved singletrack trails winding through forested and hilly terrain, ideal for hiking and mountain biking. Length 5.0 miles.
Bagby's Bait and Tackle Lab
805 SE 11th St
Des Moines, IA
+15157458671
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