Raccoon River Park Boathouse Opening Weekend

For a quiet option near Des Moines, head to Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines for the Raccoon River Park Boathouse Opening Weekend. This is the official start of the summer paddling season on 232 acre Blue Heron Lake, where you can rent kayaks, canoes, or stand up paddleboards and spend a few hours on calm, open water.

When you arrive, expect an organized, welcoming check-in at a modern boathouse designed by OPN Architects and Confluence. Early mornings are often the best window if you want smooth water and a quieter shoreline. A Coast Guard approved life jacket is included with every rental and required for all participants.

Plan to show up early on Saturday and Sunday since rentals are first come, first served and popular craft can reach capacity by midday. You will pay fees on site and you will need a valid ID for checkout. Bring sun protection, water, and a dry bag for electronics, although the shop carries basic supplies. The park is pet friendly with leashes required, but dogs are generally not allowed on rental watercraft. If you prefer your own setup, you can launch a personal non motorized boat at the ramp near the boathouse.

If high winds or lightning move in, operations may pause for safety, and you can wait it out at the nearby nature lodge with indoor exhibits. After paddling, you can shift to the multi use trails across the 632 acre park or spend time at the swimming beach, with restrooms and light concessions on site. For a convenient overnight base, look to West Des Moines or the Jordan Creek area, or book a regional vacation rental through Lake.com. If you are bringing kids, a parent or guardian must sign waivers for minors, and solo paddling typically requires participants to be at least 16 or 18 depending on the craft.