Swanson Memorial Park – Clive, Iowa

Operated by the Clive Historical Society, this park has a cool old train car, old-time train depot, and general store. Inside the depot is a historical diorama– a real, working model train designed and planned from Clive maps from the early 1900s. The caboose is open to the public at any time and you can see the diorama through the window, but a tour must be scheduled to check out the train depot and general store. There is free wi-fi and several shaded picnic tables.

Information:

Name: Swanson Memorial Park
Address: 8641 Swanson Blvd, Clive, IA 50325
Type: Places to visit
Bathrooms: No
Shade: Yes, shaded picnic tables
Playground: No
Trails: No
Water: No
Other notes: Caboose & old general store. Free wi-fi. Bench swing, picnic tables. Buckeye tree nearby.
Official Website: http://www.cityofclive.com/government/parks-and-recreation/parks-trails/swanson-memorial-park & more information on the Clive Historical Society site
DSMOF Blog posts:

• October 2016 Visit & Tour Recap

Other things nearby of note:

• Shares a parking lot with Bruegger’s Bagels, if you want lunch after
• Close to Greenbelt Park, for a traditional playground and/or trails

If you’re looking for other places to get outside, check back-in with the interactive map!

Pictures:

 The caboose was previously painted red, but has since been repainted.

[photo courtesy of Clive Parks and Recreation]

Have you been here? Leave a comment and let people know what you think!