Cherry Glen Picnic

Book this listing through our partner Recreation Gov

Book Now

About Cherry Glen Picnic

Overview

Cherry Glen Picnic Area is a day-use facility located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.

Recreation

Visitors come to Saylorville Lake for its great boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers fish for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike.

The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.

Facilities

This day-use area offers six group picnic shelters, all with electric hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, a playground and hiking trails. Cherry Glen Campground is adjacent as well as Cherry Glen Boat Ramp.

Natural Features

Cherry Glen is nestled on a compact 13-acre wooded ridge. Visiting with family and friends while relaxing in the shade of one of the area's many trees is a popular pastime.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

Nearby Attractions

Cherry Glen Campground and Cherry Glen Boat Ramp.

+ More

Cherry Glen Picnic Reviews

Have you stayed here? Be the first to leave a review!

Top Spots in or near Polk City

Hike Sycamore Trail

Johnston, Iowa

4.0

6.9 mi / 88 ft gain

Hike the Lost Lake Trail

Madrid, Iowa

5.0

1.4 mi / 88 ft gain

Ledges State Park is located close to Des Moines and Ames, home of Iowa State University. Upon entrance to the park, campsites and picnic areas are easily accessible. The defining feature of the park are the sandstone features, or ledges, that overlook the beautiful Des Moines river. The Lost Lake Trail provides an easy loop hike for the whole family with great views.

Hike the Canyon Road and Table Rock Loop

Boone, Iowa

This park is part of the Des Moines river valley that cuts through most of the area. It's a hot spot for cooling off in the summer given the two rivers and also a great place for hiking. During the spring, fall and winter, the road down into the valley is closed. In the summer, it is open for vehicle traffic. Starting at the upper parking lot, begin your hike by going west. The trail is cl...

Hike Ledges State Park's Canyon Road

Boone, Iowa

5.0

6.5 mi / 700 ft gain

From the main gravel parking loop at the top, begin your hike on the main paved road. Note: This road is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to heavy water damage on the road. This road also closes to vehicle traffic during the winter. However, it is always open to foot traffic. Follow the paved road .5 miles down to the first creek crossing. Pea's Creek will flow right under the main road,...

Hike the McFarland Park Loop

Ames, Iowa

5 mi / 300 ft gain

After parking in the main lot by the Story County Conservation building, you can choose between two starting points. I recommend starting on the left side of the parking lot at the gravel road and closed yellow gate, as this is a better point for the end of your loop. Hike about 200 yards along this primary road through tall native grasses and beautiful wildflowers. Be sure to look for plentifu...

Photograph the Briggs Woods Waterfalls

Webster City, Iowa

5.0

Briggs Wood Park Waterfalls are Located 2.5 miles South of Webster City off Highway 17. It is very peaceful watching the water cascade over the rocks and into the stream below. If you follow the water down stream it will lead you to the Boone River.I arrived at the falls before sunrise because I wanted to have the soft light of the rising sun come from behind the falls. I photographed the fall...

More Adventures