Top Spring Photo Spots in Des Moines: Capturing Cherry Blossoms, Lilacs, and Roses

Spring in Des Moines is so stunning with the variety of flowers throughout the season that makes it a perfect time for exploring. From crab apple blossoms that look like cherry blossoms to lilacs and vibrant roses, the season transforms. If you want to capture the flowers of spring in Des Moines, three locations stand out for their spectacular blooms and photogenic settings: Water Works Park, Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum, and the Rose Garden at the Des Moines Art Center. This guide will help you plan your photo outings to these spots and make the most of their seasonal highlights.

Family enjoying a sunny day in a blooming garden.

Water Works Park Crab Apple Blossoms in April

Water Works Park is one of Des Moines’ largest and most scenic parks, offering a variety of landscapes including wooded areas, open fields, and river views. In April, the park becomes a magnet for outdoor activities because of its crab apple blossom trees that look like cherry blossoms. These trees burst into bloom with delicate pink and white flowers that create a dreamy atmosphere.

Why the Crab Apple Blossoms

• The cherry trees are bunched together at the front to create a sea of flowers

• Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the soft colors of the blossoms

  
  

Family enjoying a sunny day in the garden with kids playing on the grass.

Tips

• Visit during peak bloom, usually mid-April, but check local bloom reports as weather can shift timing

  
  

Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum in May

As spring progresses into May, Ewing Park becomes a must-visit for the lilacs. The Lilac Arboretum here is home to dozens of lilac bushes in various colors, from deep purples to soft lavenders and whites. The strong fragrance and dense clusters of flowers.

What Makes Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum Special

• The arboretum features many types of lilacs, offering a range of colors and flower shapes

• There's a park nearby to take your kids to after photos and wear them out

• Lilacs bloom a bit later, so this offers a later spring session

  
  

Tips

• Visit the arboretum in early May

  
  
  
  

Family enjoying a sunny day in a lilac garden.

Rose Garden at the Des Moines Art Center in Late May

By late May, the Rose Garden at the Des Moines Art Center reaches its peak bloom. This garden is a formal, beautifully maintained space featuring rows of roses in many colors and varieties. The garden’s design and the art center’s architecture provide a sophisticated backdrop for rose photography.

Highlights of the Rose Garden

• From classic reds to soft pinks and yellows, the garden offers a rich palette

• The orderly rows and pathways are fun for a stroll outside

• The nearby art center is free and has tons of stunning work to check out

  
  

Tips

• Visit the park late May or even early fall

Planning Your Spring Session in Des Moines

Make sure to plan your session based on the type of flowers you'd like. Cherry blossoms peak in April, lilacs in early to mid-May, and roses in late May. Plan visits accordingly to catch each at its best.

Spring in Des Moines offers a unique chance to capture three distinct floral displays in one city. Water Works Park’s cherry blossoms, Ewing Park’s lilacs, and the Des Moines Art Center’s rose garden each provide different moods and colors. By visiting these spots at the right time we can create stunning photos to hang on your wall.

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