Raccoon River Valley Trail

Tucked along one of Iowa's most beloved rail trails, the Raccoon River Valley Trail offers a quietly spectacular escape where the rhythm of the river replaces the hum of the highway. Near the small town of Redfield, a series of unofficial side trails peel away from the main paved path and wind down through cottonwoods and tall grasses to reveal sandy riverbanks along the Raccoon River — a place where you can kick off your shoes, wade into cool, clear shallows, and let the afternoon slow to a crawl. This is not a developed beach with roped-off lanes and whistles; it's the kind of swimming spot you find by following a faint trail through the brush, and that's precisely what makes it special.

The Setting and Landscape

The Raccoon River Valley Trail stretches through some of central Iowa's most picturesque terrain, and the stretch near Redfield is no exception. The river bends lazily through a corridor of lush floodplain forest, with towering oaks and willows leaning over the water's edge. Sandbars emerge from the current like natural lounges — wide, pale crescents of fine sand that warm under the summer sun and invite you to spread a towel and stay awhile. The air smells of damp earth and river grass, and on quiet mornings you're likely to share the scene with great blue herons wading upstream or songbirds calling from the canopy overhead. Wildflowers line the banks in spring, and by autumn the surrounding bluffs ignite in gold and crimson, making this one of the most scenic stretches of the entire American Discovery Trail — the coast-to-coast route of which this trail is a proud part.

What Swimming Is Like

Swimming here is informal and natural. The Raccoon River runs with a gentle current in most summer conditions, and the sandbars create shallow, calmer pockets of water ideal for wading, cooling off, and leisurely floating. The water tends to run cool even in the height of summer, offering welcome relief on hot July afternoons. Because this is an unofficial swimming area, conditions vary with rainfall and season — after heavy rains, currents can strengthen and visibility may decrease, so you'll want to use your own judgment. The spots are secluded enough to feel genuinely private, making this a favorite for those who prefer their river time without the crowds. Children and adults alike will enjoy the sandbar experience, though there are no lifeguards or safety personnel on site.

Plan Your Visit

Access to the trail and its riverside sandbars comes with a modest fee of $2.00 per person per day. Facilities — including restrooms and other amenities — are located at the historic old train depot, a charming nod to the trail's railbed origins. There is no camping available at the site itself, so plan to base yourself in one of the nearby communities. The cities of Des Moines and the town of Redfield both serve as convenient home bases, with Des Moines offering the full range of lodging, dining, and urban amenities just a short drive away. Summer is the prime season for swimming, while spring and fall reward visitors with wildflowers and foliage respectively. Bring water shoes for navigating the natural terrain between the paved trail and the riverbank, pack a picnic, and give yourself a full afternoon — the Raccoon River has a way of making time disappear.

The trail’s history as a former rail line adds a layer of cultural significance, and the old train depot stands as a testament to the region’s transportation heritage.

Visitors are encouraged to adhere to Leave No Trace principles to protect the area’s natural beauty. A $2.00 fee helps maintain the trails and facilities.