There’s perhaps no way more relaxing or refreshing to experience summer in Iowa than on the Raccoon River. The river offers a wide variety of experiences. The north branch of the river is home to Iowa’s North Raccoon Water Trail, a 180-mile-long stretch of water that offers many hours of easy and tranquil paddling. Other sections of the river beckon tubers and become a floating party on hot summer days. Grab your paddle or your tube – here’s what you need to know to float the Raccoon River.

The North Raccoon River Water Trail is a route used by paddlers to explore the North Raccoon River from the Vogel Access Spot in northern Sac County, to the junction with the Des Moines River in Polk County. It’s a chance to experience a river that was mapped by Lewis and Clark in 1814.
Wikipedia
It’s a good route for canoeing and kayaking. There are nine access points and each bridge is marked with a sign so you can determine where you are on the river. The paddling is very scenic – high bluffs that flank the river expose glacial till that was deposited 14,000 years ago. In some places the banks tower 50 feet above the river.
Dallas County Iowa
While the Raccoon River offers experienced paddlers a long route to explore, there are some fun and easy ways to get on the water.
Raccoon River Tubing / Facebook

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Outfitters in Des Moines have everything you need for a Raccoon River float adventure. Raccoon River Tubing has all the gear you need and will take you to the river on a 50-passenger party bus.
Raccoon River Tubing / Facebook
Raccoon River Excursions offers float trips in the Adel & Van Meter area. Trips can last anywhere from two to seven hours – it depends on how the river is flowing and the stretch of river that’s selected.
Raccoon River Excursions
The river floats are always a great time and are very popular – it’s a good idea to book a trip in advance.
Raccoon River Excursions

Get more information on Raccoon River Tubing here and Raccoon River Excursions here. Enjoy your time on the water! Iowa has a lot of incredible rivers. Here are some more waters you should explore.

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Raccoon River, Iowa, USA