Des Moines, IA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Applies to
- All city parks and golf courses
- Trails exception
- Multi-use trails open 24 hours
- Overnight permit cap
- 3 days per person per park
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 74-100
Summary
Des Moines parks and municipal golf courses close to the public from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. daily. The parks and recreation board sets seasonal opening hours for pools, recreation centers and other facilities under a separate vote each year.
No person or vehicle shall enter or remain in any public park, community recreation center or recreational facility at times inconsistent with those set by this section without special permission from the parks and recreation director for such persons or group of persons and their respective vehicle(s) to remain there. Such permit shall not allow use of the park for more than two (2) hours prior to its opening time or more than two (2) hours after its closing time, unless issued in compliance with section 74-101.(b)No person or vehicle shall enter or remain in or on any city park, inclusive of municipal golf courses, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Exceptions are made for:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 74-100 bars anyone from entering or remaining in a Des Moines park, including the municipal golf courses, between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The parks and recreation board sets seasonal hours for pools, recreation centers and other facilities, and the director can adjust them for up to one season. Several venues run later under listed exceptions: golf course clubhouses until 2:00 a.m., Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater and Brenton Skating Plaza until midnight, Birdland Marina until 11:00 p.m., and Principal Riverwalk until 2:00 a.m. Multi-use recreational trails stay open around the clock. Overnight use otherwise requires a permit under § 74-101.
Violations & Fines
Being in a city park after hours without a permit is a municipal infraction enforceable by park rangers and police, who can order violators to leave and issue a citation; repeat violators risk being barred from park property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk a multi-use trail after 10 p.m. in Des Moines?
Which Des Moines park facilities stay open past 10 p.m.?
Can I camp overnight in a Des Moines park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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