Raccoon River Valley Trail
Swimming hole in Des Moines, Iowa · River
Raccoon River Valley Trail is a river swimming hole. It is at Redfield Depot trailhead (Raccoon River Valley Trail), Redfield, IA. Access is free. Best season: Warm dry weekends late June–August.
Typical season: Warm dry weekends late June–August
About Raccoon River Valley Trail
The Raccoon River Valley Trail is a paved Central Iowa rail-trail linking towns from the Des Moines suburbs toward Jefferson. and near **Redfield** it brushes sandbars and quiet river bends people use as informal swimming stops. This is not a lifeguarded beach; it is a bike/hike corridor with user paths down to the Middle Raccoon. Trail permits were **eliminated in January 2024**, so day access is **fee-free** (older $2 references are outdated). Park at the historic Redfield depot area, ride or walk west, and watch for side paths to sandbars. Currents and muddy drop-offs after Midwest storms are the real hazard. not ticket booths. Bring a towel and bike lock at the depot. most people treat this as a short trail-and-dip combo from the Des Moines metro.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- Redfield Depot trailhead (Raccoon River Valley Trail), Redfield, IA 50233
- Water type
- River
- Water body
- Raccoon River
- Fee
- Free — Raccoon River Valley Trail permits eliminated as of January 2024 (donations accepted by the trail association)
- Nearest town
- Des Moines
- State
- Iowa
- Coordinates
- 41.58309, -94.20560
- Best season
- Warm dry weekends late June–August; mornings before bike traffic peaks
- Access difficulty
- Easy paved trail; short informal paths to the river
- Parking
- See facilities notes
- Restrooms
- Limited — see facilities notes
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Camping
- Nearby county and private campgrounds — not on the sandbars
- Activities
- Biking, walking, informal river swimming
- Facilities
- Depot-area parking and town amenities; none at sandbars
- Listing last updated
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitWarm dry weekends late June, August; mornings before bike traffic peaks
- AccessEasy paved trail; short informal paths to the river
- FacilitiesDepot-area parking and town amenities; none at sandbars
- Camping nearbyNearby county and private campgrounds. not on the sandbars
Highlights & features
- Accessible trails leading to river sandbars
- Cooling waters ideal for summer swims
- Part of the historic Raccoon River Valley Trail
- Abundant wildlife and birdwatching opportunities
- Scenic views and photography spots at river bends
- Old train depot facilities reflecting historical charm
- Sandbars offering secluded swimming spots
- Part of the American Discovery Trail
How to get there
Redfield, Iowa depot trailhead on the Raccoon River Valley Trail (west of Des Moines / Adel corridor).
1. Park at the Redfield depot / designated trail parking.
2. Travel west on the paved trail roughly a couple of miles.
3. Use visible side paths down to sandbars — do not cut new social trails through private plantings.
4. Return the same way; bring bug spray in summer.
Confirm river stage after heavy rains; muddy banks collapse easily.
Plan your visit
Raccoon River Valley Trail works well as a day trip from Des Moines or Redfield. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Nearby options include Upper Iowa River and Upper Iowa River. For the full list in Iowa, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is via the Raccoon River Valley Trail. A $2.00 daily per-person fee applies for trail use. Parking and facilities (restrooms, water) are available at the old train depot in Redfield. The swimming area itself is an unofficial, natural spot with no services.
Frequently asked questions
Do you still need a $2 permit for the Raccoon River Valley Trail?
No. Trail permits were eliminated as of January 2024. Older $2 fee mentions are outdated; donations for maintenance are optional.
Can you swim along the Raccoon River Valley Trail?
Yes at informal sandbars near Redfield where side paths reach the river. No lifeguards or designated beach services.
Where do you park for Redfield swimming access?
The historic Redfield depot trailhead area is the usual starting point, then travel west on the trail toward river bends.
Is the Raccoon River Valley Trail paved?
Yes — it is a paved multi-use trail popular with cyclists and walkers.
How far is Redfield from Des Moines?
About 35–45 minutes west depending on traffic.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Leashed dogs are common on Iowa trails — pack out waste and keep pets away from anglers and bikes.
Is the river deep?
Depth varies by sandbar and season. Always scout for drop-offs and strainers before swimming.
Are there bathrooms?
Depot/trail towns often have basic facilities; riverside sandbars do not.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
The trail is a repurposed rail line, preserving Iowa’s transportation history while promoting outdoor recreation. The old train depot in Redfield serves as a reminder of the area’s past.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles. Protect the fragile sandbar ecosystems by avoiding littering and minimizing impact on plant and wildlife.
Sources & updates
Reference sources
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