Raccoon River Access Points

We all need a way to recharge and refocus. Access points along the Raccoon River will improve boating, paddling, hiking, birdwatching and more. Find your own way to unwind by learning more about these access points.

Raccoon River parking lot and boat launch

Amenities offered at this location:

Site 73

On the Raccoon River

This access point is within the Raccoon River East Greenway. It includes:

  • Mature trees
  • Birdwatching
  • Soft trails
  • Paved boat ramp
  • Parking area with ADA access
  • Bike racks and repair station
  • Native plantings
  • Wayfinding signage
  • Respite and viewing benches

Site 88

On the Raccoon River

This site is within Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines. It offers:

  • Paddling access to Blue Heron Lake
  • An extensive trail network
  • A fishing pier, swimming beach and nature lodge
  • Soccer and softball complexes, an archery facility and an ice rink
  • A dog park, picnic shelters and playground
  • Improved fish habitats
  • Restrooms
  • Portage access from Raccoon River to Blue Heron Lake
View over a wide section of the Raccoon River
A group of teenagers splashing each other in pedal boats
An older gentleman with a Veteran hat fishing from the pier and smiling towards his daughter.
A little girl in a pink outfit holding a fishing pole above the water after reeling the line in.
People fishing off a fishing pier that was built above the water
A group of four people standing in shallow water next to the beach and playing catch with a football.
A man getting ready to throw a football while holding his dog's leash on a beach
A man throwing a football to another person further down the beach
A young girl playing with a toddler in the sand
A little girl playing in the sand with a shovel and bucket
Two people kayaking towards a boat launch along the edge of the river.
Two people taking a break while they kayak. The man has his feet dangling out the sides of the kayak and is reaching over and petting a brown and white dog that's standing on the back of the other kayak.
A man and a woman kayaking - they're both in blue kayaks and wearing lifejackets. The man has a dog sitting in his that's also wearing a lifejacket.
Backview of two people kayaking on the river. One of the people has a dog wearing a lifejacket standing on the back on their kayak.
A beach with canoes and kayaks along it. There's a woman getting her lifejacket out of a kayak and another person on the dock walking towards a boat that's tied up
A large rental boat house on the Raccoon River

Amenities offered at this location:

A close up view of a paddle gliding through the water
A kayaker padding on the tree lined Raccoon River
Side view of a kayaker in the Raccoon River. The kayak is orange and yellow and the man in the kayak is wearing a blue life jacket and a baseball cap.
A man paddling in a kayak with green trees and shrubbery behind him on the coastline.
An above view of a kayaker going down the river. The river is tree lined and you can see a sand bank on the right side
A white dog running out of the river with an orange toy in his mouth

Amenities offered at this location:

Site 91

On the Raccoon River

This site is within Walnut Woods State Park, which offers:

  • Primitive and modern campsites
  • A motorized boat ramp
  • A bird observation and feeding station
  • A playground, picnic shelter and an indoor lodge that can be rented
  • Soft trails
  • Restrooms and parking lots

Improvements
Improvements will benefit park visitors, birdwatchers and trail users by adding:

  • Soft trail spurs and seating at several locations overlooking the river
  • Soft trail loops and educational signs in various locations throughout the park

Future Sites

This project isn’t quite done yet, but we’re hard at work preparing this water trail for public use. These improvements will ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all users while providing the necessary protection for this important environment. Be sure to check back periodically for updates on this water trail, and in the meantime, feel free to explore our other amazing amenities in and along our waterways.

Concept sketch of a path from a trail leading down to a kayak launch at site 95

Future Site

Site 95

Raccoon River

This site is within the Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area. It offers:

  • A purple martin viewing area
  • Soft trails
  • Parking area

Improvements benefit paddlers, anglers, picnickers, trail users and birdwatchers.

Improvements

  • Carry-down access
  • Cast-in-place launch
  • Angler seating
  • Picnic shelter
  • Educational signs
  • Paved parking lot
  • Restrooms
  • Additional paved trails
Concept sketch of a sandy shore at site 79

Future Site

Site 79

Raccoon River

This site is within Brown’s Woods Forest Preserve. It has a soft trail network through the woods near the Raccoon River.

Improvements benefit paddlers, trail users, birdwatchers and anglers offer.

Improvements

  • A trail spur to the river
  • Stone stair access at two locations along the trails

Find Your Activity with ICON

Whether you love to spend your weekend under the stars or paddling the Des Moines River, there’s something for everyone on ICON water trails. Learn more about the activities awaiting you.

ICON badge with a silhouette of a tent and campfire

Key To Amenities Icons

Bathrooms

Biking

Birding

Boating

Camping

Fishing

Food & Beverage

Hiking

Kayak & Canoe Lockers

Kayaking

Parking

Pet Friendly

Picnic

Playground

Rentals