Raccoon River Dog Park in West Des Moines, Iowa

by Erin Huiatt

Raccoon River Dog Park in West Des Moines, Iowa

Dogs and dog lovers will love this 10-acre dog park nestled within Racoon River Park in West Des Moines, Iowa. This dog park is perfect for dogs of all sizes because it offers a space for small dogs and large dogs to play safely in their separate areas. You will want to add this dog park to your list so your furry friend can burn off all their excess energy. Take a look at all the details and fun things our very own Des Moines Dog {Willie} discovered on his adventure to Raccoon River Dog Park.

Interested in learning about other dog parks in the Des Moines area such as the Ankeny Dog Park, Ewing Dog Park, Riverwalk Dog Park, Reno Memorial Dog Park, or Windsor Height Dog Park? Take a look at our giant round-up of Des Moines Dog Parks.

Raccoon River Park Location

Address: 2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265.

Located within Raccoon River Park just east of the softball complex.

Basic Park Details

Type: Fenced-in dog park, outdoors

Dog Park Hours: 6:30 a.m. to Sunset

Parking: Plenty of parking lots available for parking. There is easy access from the parking lot to the entrance of the fenced-in area.

Bathrooms: Yes, flushable toilets, drinking fountains

Water: There is a public beach on Blue Heron Lake that is located near the dog park. There is also water available within the dog park area for dogs to hydrate.

Official Website: https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/government/parks-recreation/parks-facilities-trails/dog-park

Dog Permit Prices

Before you go make sure you purchase a dog park permit for your furry friend. Dog owners are required to have a day pass or an annual permit to be in the dog park. You can purchase your pass or permit directly on the website.

Day Pass: $5 per dog – Valid only on the date purchased.
Annual Permits: The annual cost is $15 per dog for West Des Moines residents and $40 per dog for Non-residents. A great investment for pet owners if they visit a lot.

Raccoon River Dog Park Fun

Pet parents and their four-legged friend will rejoice when they visit the Raccoon River Dog Park! Within the dog park, you will find walking paths that you can explore with no leash, benches for humans to sit and chat, tons of trees and nature to sniff and explore, and more. This is truly a safe, fenced-in space for humans and pups to make new friends. The nature bath is located within the larger dog area. The smaller dogs area is a smaller area. REMINDER: Do not forget to pick up after your pet. They offer a pet waste station to throw away the goods before you leave the park.

Located Nearby

Since the dog park is located within a very large and popular West Des Moines park there are tons of other things to see and explore when you visit. Not all may be dog-friendly, so keep in mind as you explore.