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Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines | Map and Routes

Kid-friendly · Sports Facility · Dog friendly · Lake · Beach

5 (249 ratings)

Looking for the ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing walk or invigorating run? Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines offers 726.4 acres of natural beauty and diverse trails that ...

Looking for the ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing walk or invigorating run? Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines offers 726.4 acres of natural beauty and diverse trails that cater to walkers and runners alike. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a more challenging jog, this park has something for everyone. With its well-maintained paths and picturesque surroundings, Raccoon River Park provides the perfect setting for outdoor activity enthusiasts to embrace the beauty of nature while pursuing their fitness goals. One of the highlights of Raccoon River Park is its extensive network of trails, including a 3.2-mile route that offers a scenic and invigorating experience for walkers and runners. With a rating of 4.5 stars and glowing reviews from 19 visitors, this trail promises a rewarding adventure amidst the park's stunning landscapes. Whether you're aiming for a quick workout or a leisurely exploration, the variety of routes at Raccoon River Park ensures that there's always a new path to discover and enjoy. For walkers and runners seeking comprehensive information about the park's routes and amenities, the Pacer Pedometer app is an invaluable resource. By downloading Pacer Pedometer, users can access detailed insights into the park's trails, distances, estimated times, and user reviews, allowing them to make the most of their outdoor adventures. With Raccoon River Park's diverse offerings and the convenience of Pacer Pedometer, every visit promises to be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.

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Reviews (23)
Photos (3)

Walking and Running in Raccoon River Park

Looking for the perfect spot for walking and running in West Des Moines? Raccoon River Park offers an ideal setting for walkers and runners with its diverse range of amenities. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or an invigorating run, this park has something to suit everyone's needs. With essential ...

Looking for the perfect spot for walking and running in West Des Moines? Raccoon River Park offers an ideal setting for walkers and runners with its diverse range of amenities. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or an invigorating run, this park has something to suit everyone's needs. With essential amenities such as multiple parking lots, leisure playgrounds, and restrooms, the park ensures convenience and comfort for visitors. Additionally, the park's sports facilities, including bike paths and a soccer court, provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. For those with furry companions, the park is dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a walk or run with your four-legged friends. Moreover, the availability of shelters and bicycle parking adds to the overall convenience and accessibility of the park. Whether you're a dedicated runner or simply enjoy a casual walk, Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines is the perfect destination to indulge in outdoor activity amidst scenic surroundings.

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Other Info about Raccoon River Park

Hours7AM-10PM
Phone(515) 222-3444
Websitehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raccoon_River_Park

Essential Amenities in Raccoon River Park

Playground
Dog friendly
Restroom
Parking lot

Raccoon River Park Sport Facilities

Soccer field
Bike path

Accessibility in Raccoon River Park

Dogs allowed

Other Amenities in Raccoon River Park

Shelter

Bicycle parking

Best Walking Routes in Raccoon River Park

#1 - Raccoon River Park
21
Length: 3.2 milesEst. Time: 54m

Raccoon River Park is a 3.2 mile (7,500-step) route located near West Des Moines, Iowa, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

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Reviews of Raccoon River Park

5/5
249 ratings
awkwardturtleJun 27, 2023
5

A quarter of the trail is closed. Signs are posted at the beginning near the dog park. Still was able to walk about 4 miles!

DeanaMay 23, 2025
5

Very fun huge park with a beach area.

Zigzag JeffMay 23, 2025
5

Great day with the grandson

See All Reviews (23)
See All Reviews (23)

Raccoon River Park Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
Tobey
63
Carl
17
Ryan
16
4Taylor
16
5Danielle
15
6Riann
7
7Neamah
6
8PacerPal
5
9Cari
5
10Erin
5
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Scenic Valley Park
Beh Glen Park
Southwoods Park
Holiday Park
Wilson Park
Florer Park
Fairmeadows Park
Kiwanis Park
Ashawa Park

FAQs About Raccoon River Park

Where is the best place to walk in Raccoon River Park?

The best place to walk in Raccoon River Park is around the lake, offering beautiful views and a 3.2-mile route. The Pacer community rates this route 4.5 out of 5 with 19 reviews, making it a popular choice for walkers and runners.

How many routes are in Raccoon River Park?

Raccoon River Park offers one main route that is 3.2 miles long. The Pacer community has reviewed and rated this route, making it a reliable choice for walkers and runners.

Which is the longest route in Raccoon River Park?

The longest route in Raccoon River Park is the 3.2-mile path that loops around the park's lake. This route has been reviewed and rated by the Pacer community, providing valuable insights for walkers and runners.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/runners in Raccoon River Park?

Yes, Raccoon River Park provides essential amenities such as parking lots, a leisure playground, and restrooms. Additionally, the park offers a bike path for walking and running enthusiasts.

How accessible is Raccoon River Park?

Raccoon River Park is accessible and dog-friendly, allowing walkers and runners to enjoy the park with their furry companions.

What kind of sports can I do in Raccoon River Park?

In Raccoon River Park, you can engage in various sports activities such as walking, running, biking on the bike path, and playing soccer on the soccer court. The park also provides shelters and bicycle parking for added convenience.

What is the best season to walk in Raccoon River Park?

The best season to walk in Raccoon River Park is typically spring and fall when the weather is mild and the park is filled with blooming flowers and colorful foliage.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Raccoon River Park?

In Raccoon River Park, you should prepare for a range of weather conditions. Summers are warm and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snow. It's best to dress in layers and check the weather forecast before heading out.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Raccoon River Park?

Raccoon River Park is home to various wildlife species, including birds, deer, and smaller mammals. Visitors may also spot raccoons, as the park's name suggests. It's important to respect the wildlife and observe them from a safe distance.

Last updated: Dec 1, 2025

Parks Near Raccoon River Park

Scenic Valley Park
Beh Glen Park
Southwoods Park
Holiday Park
Wilson Park
Florer Park
Fairmeadows Park
Kiwanis Park
Ashawa Park

Latest Check-ins at Raccoon River Park

PacerPalOct 19, 2025
Oct 19, 2025Walking
CindyOct 18, 2025
Oct 18, 2025Manual
LeeAug 12, 2025
Aug 12, 2025Running
LeeJul 30, 2025
Jul 30, 2025Walking
Jordan McGuireJul 17, 2025
Jul 17, 2025Running
LeeJul 15, 2025
Jul 15, 2025Walking
LeeJul 15, 2025
Jul 15, 2025Running
rjasobiechMay 31, 2025
May 31, 2025Walking
KimberlyJun 28, 2025
Jun 28, 2025Running
CindyJun 27, 2025
Jun 27, 2025Manual
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Raccoon River Park

RankingCheck-ins
Tobey
63
Carl
17
Ryan
16
4Taylor
16
5Danielle
15
6Riann
7
7Neamah
6
8PacerPal
5
9Cari
5
10Erin
5
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Raccoon River Park
#1- Raccoon River Park
21
Length: 3.2 milesEst. Time: 54m

Raccoon River Park is a 3.2 mile (7,500-step) route located near West Des Moines, Iowa, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of Raccoon River Park

awkwardturtleJun 27, 2023
5

A quarter of the trail is closed. Signs are posted at the beginning near the dog park. Still was able to walk about 4 miles!

DeanaMay 23, 2025
5

Very fun huge park with a beach area.

Zigzag JeffMay 23, 2025
5

Great day with the grandson

CindyMay 31, 2025
5
Sir SarahSep 23, 2024
5
marlene.frantzSep 5, 2024
5
RhinaAug 18, 2022
5
PhilipJul 24, 2022
5
PacerPalJun 9, 2022
5
AndreaNov 27, 2021
5
niwallMay 1, 2021
5
SammyMar 5, 2021
5
rileeannNov 19, 2020
5
PacerPalAug 16, 2020
5
DanielleJul 9, 2020
5
NerminkaJun 18, 2020
5
PacerGuy_1942May 3, 2020
5
PacerGal_1951Apr 26, 2020
5
NtstarlingApr 23, 2020
5
NeamahApr 18, 2020
5
AllieMar 30, 2020
5
CesarMar 27, 2020
5
Jessie MNov 7, 2020
4
5/5
249 ratings

Photos of Raccoon River Park

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