Iowa might be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t mean you can find some amazing beaches if you get out and explore! Des Moines’ landmark Raccoon River winds through a pretty park on the outskirts of town and created Blue Heron Lake, where families can have fun swimming at the best little beach in Iowa.

You'll find Blue Heron Lake along the Raccoon River, surrounded by more than 630 acres of gorgeous, preserved park land.
Facebook / Michael Dunkin
The swimming beach at Blue Heron Lake, an oxbow along the Raccoon River, is a place where the whole family can enjoy a day out on the water!
Google Local / Michael Dunkin
Swim, splash, play, and wade in the waters to beat the Iowa heat - after all, that Midwestern sun can be brutal! There's plenty of room to spread out here, and many consider this to be the best beach in Iowa.
Google Local / Garrett Sheppard

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The sand and the water are always clean, so be sure to help keep them that way! Kids love digging in the sand, whether it's to create the biggest hole they can, or to make a castle that towers high above the beach.
Google Local / Alycea Reynolds
Bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic under the shady pavilion. That way, you'll be ready to take a break and then get right back to the beach!
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When it's time to dry off, kids love to play on the playground until the last hours of the day send them scurrying home with sand on their toes and amazing summertime memories.
Google Local / Tapashi Banerjee

 

You can learn more about the best little beach in Iowa by checking out the Raccoon River Park website, here.

For more great swimming spots in the Hawkeye State, read 10 Little Known Swimming Spots In Iowa That Will Make Your Summer Awesome and plan to enjoy a refreshing day swimming and wading.

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