Raccoon River Boat House operated by CanoeSport Outfitters | Top Boat Rental in West Des Moines, IA Skip to content

Raccoon River Boat House operated by CanoeSport Outfitters

2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265

About

In West Des Moines, IA, Raccoon River Park Boathouse provides non-motorized boat rentals on Blue Heron Lake and the Raccoon River. Operated by CanoeSport Outfitters, the boathouse rents kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, stand-up paddleboards and fishing kayaks, with bicycles also available for park trails. It is a boat rental near West Des Moines for paddling, shoreline exploration, fishing, picnics and small sandy beaches.

Rentals on Blue Heron Lake include paddles and life jackets and are offered for half-hour, hourly and daily use. Before taking out a boat, renters complete a rental agreement and liability waiver. Blue Heron Lake is no-wake, giving paddlers room to explore its shoreline, while anglers can fish its waters. For a relaxed day on the water with family or friends, contact the boathouse to plan a rental.

Features

  • Non-motorized boat rentals
  • Lake and river rentals
  • Flexible rental durations
  • Fishing opportunities
  • Bicycle trail rentals

Amenities

  • Rentals
  • Life Jackets & PFDs
  • Waterfront & Access
  • Fishing
  • Nature & Views
  • Fleet & Boat Types

Why book with us

  • Explore a no-wake lake with plenty of shoreline
  • Picnic at small sandy beaches
  • Fish waters with many species
  • Complete documents before your rental
  • Choose half-hour hourly or daily rental periods

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to rent a boat in Iowa?

Iowa law allows a person age 12 through 17 to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft without supervision only after completing an Iowa DNR approved boater education course and obtaining a certificate. An operator under 12 must be accompanied on board by a responsible person who is at least 18 and experienced in operating the vessel.

Under Iowa Code section 462A.12(6), operators age 12 through 17 may instead be accompanied by that adult. Anyone required to have the certificate must carry it and make it available to an officer. The rental operator sets its own minimum age, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (legis.iowa.gov)

Do you need a boating license in Iowa?

No conventional boating license is required in Iowa, but operators ages 12 through 17 must carry an Iowa DNR approved watercraft education certificate to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft alone. They may instead operate with a responsible, experienced operator age 18 or older aboard. Children under 12 may operate those vessels only with such an adult aboard; operators 18 and older are not covered by the state education mandate.

The rule also applies to rentals; Iowa law does not create a rental customer exemption. Approved online courses may issue a printable temporary certificate immediately after passing. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources administers the program.

Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (iowadnr.gov)

What are the best places to go boating in Iowa?

Iowa’s best boating variety is found in the northwest Iowa Great Lakes, central Iowa’s large impoundments and the Mississippi River corridor. West Okoboji Lake and Big Spirit Lake anchor the northwest lake region, with several neighboring waters and state parks nearby. Around the Des Moines area, Saylorville Lake offers a federal impoundment setting, while nearby Big Creek Lake provides another option for boating and paddling. Boaters seeking major river water can explore the Mississippi, one of Iowa’s two border rivers.

Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (iowadnr.gov)

What are the most popular boating destinations in Iowa?

Iowa’s most popular boating destinations include the Iowa Great Lakes around Okoboji and Arnolds Park, the state’s premier lake vacation area for sailing, jet skiing and recreational boating. Clear Lake is a favorite for classic summer boating in northwest Iowa. Big Creek Lake near Polk City combines boat access and rentals with popular fishing and the largest beach in Iowa’s state park system. Lake Macbride near Solon and Iowa City suits a quieter day of kayaking, paddling or swimming, with boat ramps, a beach and seasonal rentals.

Source: Travel Iowa (traveliowa.com)

Location

2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Disclaimer

This listing was created using artificial intelligence and publicly available data. The information presented may be inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, or incorrect. Slipstream does not verify, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of any listing content, including but not limited to contact information, pricing, services offered, hours of operation, or business status.

All content is provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Slipstream expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or reliance arising from the use of this information. Users are solely responsible for independently verifying all details directly with the business.

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