What is Veterans Affairs Park like?
Set in Des Moines, Veterans Affairs Park has been on the PDGA course list since 2005. It plays 9 holes, par 27, across 1,926 ft — an average of about 214 feet a hole. That is short enough that a putter and a mid-range will cover most of the round.
The terrain is open/rolling — open fairways across rolling ground, which puts the emphasis on distance control and wind reading. With few trees to block it, wind becomes the main hazard, and the rolling ground means discs run out unpredictably after landing.
ThrowSpot rates the course moderately demanding overall, making it players who have their form mostly sorted. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on. Most groups finish in about 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Veterans Affairs Park?
For a course like this, a putter and one or two mid-ranges covers the majority of shots. Leave the high-speed drivers in the car. There is rarely room to use them, and a controlled mid-range will out-score a driver you cannot place.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. Because the fairways are open here, it is also worth checking the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
Veterans Affairs Park charges $3 to play. Pay-to-play courses are the minority in disc golf, and the fee usually reflects better maintenance, dedicated staff, or private land. Check the course signage or the local club for how payment is collected. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Veterans Affairs Park
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Getting to Veterans Affairs Park
Des Moines, IA — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Veterans Affairs Park
More disc golf in Des Moines
Des Moines has 6 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Becky Zallek Disc Golf Course | 18 | Beginner | Free |
| Ewing Park | 18 | Advanced | Free |
| Grandview Park | 18 | Intermediate | Free |
| Pete Crivaro Park | 9 | Beginner | Free |
| Southwoods Park | 9 | Intermediate | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Veterans Affairs Park?
Veterans Affairs Park has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 1,926 ft, averaging about 214 feet per hole.
Is Veterans Affairs Park free to play?
No. Veterans Affairs Park charges $3 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Veterans Affairs Park good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on.
How long does it take to play Veterans Affairs Park?
About 45 minutes for a typical group on 9 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Veterans Affairs Park located?
Veterans Affairs Park is in Des Moines, Iowa, at coordinates 41.62928, -93.64792. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Veterans Affairs Park?
For this layout, a putter and one or two mid-ranges covers most shots. Leave the high-speed drivers in the car. There is rarely room to use them, and a controlled mid-range will out-score a driver you cannot place.