What is Walnut Ridge Recreation Area like?
Located in Des Moines (Johnston), Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is part of a Iowa disc golf scene that now runs to 292 registered courses. Across 4,500 ft the course fits 18 holes at par 54, which works out to around 250 feet per hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
The terrain is prairie/open — wide open prairie fairways, which puts the emphasis on big arms and wind management. Exposed prairie layouts let you throw everything you have, but a crosswind will move a disc thirty feet off line before it lands.
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 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Walnut Ridge Recreation Area?
For a course like this, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers the majority of shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.
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
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area 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 Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.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 Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
Des Moines (Johnston), IA.
Other disc golf courses near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
More disc golf near Des Moines (Johnston)
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is the only PDGA-listed course in Des Moines (Johnston), but Iowa has 292 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in Iowa.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Walnut Ridge Recreation Area?
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 4,500 ft, averaging about 250 feet per hole.
Is Walnut Ridge Recreation Area free to play?
No. Walnut Ridge Recreation Area charges $3 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Walnut Ridge Recreation Area 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 Walnut Ridge Recreation Area?
About 110 minutes for a typical group on 18 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Walnut Ridge Recreation Area located?
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is in Des Moines (Johnston), Iowa, at coordinates 41.72788, -93.71186. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Walnut Ridge Recreation Area?
For this layout, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers most shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.