Raccoon River Park Tours

Photo by Emily Ruschill


Ready for a break from your busy schedule? Kick back and relax in the lovely open spaces at Raccoon River Park.

Raccoon River Park is the perfect place to begin exploring West Des Moines. This outdoor recreational space comes recommended by fellow travelers, but it isn't the only spot to see here. Allow time for other attractions like Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines Art Center, and Science Center of Iowa to make the most of what the area has to offer.

Plan a trip to see Raccoon River Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Super 8 by Wyndham Toledo
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
AmericInn by Wyndham Grundy Center

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Raccoon River Park

Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2.5 out of 5
6221 Willow Creek Ave, Des Moines, IA
Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
West Des Moines Bungalow

West Des Moines Bungalow

West Des Moines
West Des Moines Bungalow
Historic Valley Junction Loft

Historic Valley Junction Loft

West Des Moines
Historic Valley Junction Loft
Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines

Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines

2 out of 5
1258 8th St, West Des Moines, IA
Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Sleep Inn & Suites West Des Moines near Jordan Creek

Sleep Inn & Suites West Des Moines near Jordan Creek

2.5 out of 5
885 S 51st St, West Des Moines, IA
Sleep Inn & Suites West Des Moines near Jordan Creek
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines

Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines

3 out of 5
5505 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
Walnut Place a Charming Home in Historic Valley Junction area of West Des Moines

Walnut Place a Charming Home in Historic Valley Junction area of West Des Moines

West Des Moines
Walnut Place a Charming Home in Historic Valley Junction area of West Des Moines
Luxury 4 bedroom and 2.5 bath home

Luxury 4 bedroom and 2.5 bath home

West Des Moines
Luxury 4 bedroom and 2.5 bath home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Raccoon River Park

Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines offers a variety of enjoyable activities, including scenic nature trails for hiking, beautiful recreational areas, and opportunities for boat racing. Visitors can also explore the surrounding shopping venues and catch a theater performance nearby, making it a well-rounded destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking entertainment.

Food and drinks

Indulge in exquisite wines at Summerset Winery, located 13 miles from Raccoon River Park, perfect for a romantic evening. Alternatively, visit Penoach Winery, 17 miles away, for delightful entertainment and picturesque views, along with a chance to enjoy delicious sheet cakes.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Raccoon River Park, visit Valley West Mall, just 3 miles away, or check out Jordan Creek Town Center, located 4 miles away. If you're up for a drive, Merle Hay Mall is 6 miles from the park, offering a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Principal Park, located 6 miles away, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for catching a game. Willow Creek Golf Club, just 2 miles from Raccoon River Park, invites you to enjoy outdoor golfing amidst beautiful landscapes. Clive Aquatic Center, 5 miles away, provides family-friendly aquatic fun and relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of bowling at Air Lanes Bowling Center, located 4 miles from Raccoon River Park. For hiking enthusiasts, the Greenbelt Trail offers scenic outdoor adventures, also 4 miles away. For high-speed excitement, visit Pole Position Raceway, a karting venue located 9 miles from the park.

Nightlife

Catch a show at Hoyt Sherman Place, just 5 miles from Raccoon River Park, for a mix of culture and romance. For a thrilling night, visit Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino 14 miles away, or bring the family to Pump It Up AdventureZone, 6 miles away, for some arcade fun.

Find the best attractions near Raccoon River Park

Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines offers diverse attractions, including event venues, modern colleges, and national parks, perfect for cultural enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the park's beautiful landscapes. Nearby, the city of Davenport adds to the experience with its local charm and additional points of interest. Whether you're seeking nature or community events, Raccoon River Park is a delightful destination for travelers.

  • Drake University: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern institution, just 5 miles from Raccoon River Park. Stroll through its beautiful campus, enjoy artistic performances, and soak up the city vibes that enhance the educational experience.
  • Iowa Events Center: Located 6 miles away, this bustling event venue offers a variety of conferences and exhibitions. With its professional ambiance, it's perfect for those looking to engage in business activities or attend exciting events.
  • Wells Fargo Arena: Also 6 miles from the park, this entertainment facility is ideal for families. Catch thrilling sports events, concerts, and shows that promise fun and excitement for all ages in a lively atmosphere.

Best time to go to Raccoon River Park

The best time to visit Raccoon River Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January21.7°F (-5.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
November40.5°F (4.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Raccoon River Park

Raccoon River Park is a budget-friendly destination with free entry and nearby attractions like Jordan Creek Town Center and the Des Moines Art Center. To save on travel costs, visit between October and December when prices are lower. Use Expedia to compare hotel options by filtering for eco-certified accommodations and package deals that combine flights and stays for additional savings. Consider joining Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Enjoy free activities and make the most of your budget while exploring this beautiful park!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Raccoon River Park are October to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Raccoon River Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.