Activities

 
Biking Biking at Raccoon River Valley Trail
The Raccoon River Valley Trail is a multi use recreational trail - great for walking, running, roller blading, skate boarding, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and snowmobiling where allowed when conditions permit. The trail uses the former right‐of‐way of a railroad built in the 1870s and early ’80s to connect the city of Des Moines with the Iowa Great Lakes region in the northwest part of the state. For more than 50 years, it was a popular rail line, taking many vacationers from central Iowa right to the shores of Storm Lake, the Okobojis and Big Spirit Lake.


Biking Biking at Redfield Depot
The Redfield Depot is a trailhead for the 89 mile paved Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) that runs through 14 communities in three counties.
Biking Biking at Sportsman Park
Sportsman Park has nearby access to the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) and Dawson Depot. The RRVT is an 89 mile, paved trail that passes through 14 communities in three counties. A permit is required and can be purchased online or at trailheads.
Boating Boating at Dawson Boat Ramp
Located 1 mile north of Dawson, the Dawson Boat ramp offers easy access for boaters and anglers to the scenic North Raccoon River water trail. The area includes a gravel parking area, paved boat ramp and 20 acres of public hunting area in a forested wetland habitat.
Cabins Cabins at Glissman Conservation Area
Glissman Lodge is located at Glissman Conservation Area, 5 miles southwest of Adel. The whole family can enjoy peaceful seclusion and outdoor recreation, while having access to the modern amenities of home.
Cabins Cabins at Sportsman Park
Sportsman Park has two cabins available to rent. These cabins provide visitors who wish for a “camping out” experience but may not have the necessary equipment for typical camping. The 18’ X 14’ cabins sleep 5 people, with one set of bunk beds and a bunk bed with a futon below. The cabins contain an ADA shower and restroom, microwave, coffee maker, mini fridge, and sink with running water. Heat and air conditioning allow for all-season use. All you need to bring is your pillows, towels, linens, camping supplies and spirit of adventure!
Camping Camping at Sportsman Park

Sportsman Park offers a variety of camping experiences:
10 campsites with electrical outlets, that are first-come/first-serve or reservable
5 primitive tent sites
Camping Camping at Kuehn Conservation Area

Kuehn Upper Camping Area-near the start of Jerry Kuehn River Road (service road)

Access: Campers must walk the service road from the Education Center.
Capacity: 4 sites available, 1 tent per site allowed
Cost: $8 per tent per night
Reservations: First-come/first-serve campers pay at the yellow self-registration tube at the Education Center parking lot.
To reserve this site, call 515-465-3577 at least 14 days in advance.

*Site is ¼ mile walk from the Education Center.
*Parking, restrooms, and water pump are available at the Education Center.
*No showers available

Kuehn Lower Camping Area-lower prairie along the South Raccoon River
Access: Campers must walk the service road from the Education Center lot.
Capacity: 1 site available, 1 tent per site allowed
Cost: $8 per tent per night
Reservations: This site is first-come/first-serve only. Campers pay at the yellow self-registration tube at Education Center parking lot.

*Site is ½-3/4 mile walk from the Education Center.
*Parking, restrooms, and water pump are available at the Education Center.
*No showers available

*Please note that according to Dallas County code, it is unlawful to camp at any one park for a period longer than 14 days during any 30 consecutive day period.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock is located along the Middle and South Raccoon Rivers, part of a designated water trail system, where you can get up-close to the Hanging Rock. The river below Redfield has an abundance of boulders, upland and timber areas, providing a scenic and leisurely trip.

Just upstream at the Redfield Dam is a dedicated access to the Middle Raccoon River.

The south edge of Hanging Rock has a dedicated access to the South Raccoon River.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Redfield Boat Ramp
The Redfield Dam area offers easy access to the Middle Raccoon River with a large gravel parking lot and paved boat ramp, both located below the low head dam.

The boat ramp is located at the southern edge of the 88 acre wildlife refuge. It is a very popular place to start a  leisurely float down a river that has great scenery and the opportunity to view wildlife including bald eagles, river otters, great blue herons, belted kingfishers and many others. 

Dallas County Conservation Board
14581 K Ave. 
Perry, Iowa 50220 
515-465-3577 
FAX 515-465-3579
Office Hours: M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm 
Email: conservation@co.dallas.ia.us 
Website: www.conservation.co.dallas.ia.us
Facility Rentals Facility Rentals at Sportsman Park
 Sportsman Lodge is perfect for wedding receptions, family & class reunions, bridal & baby showers, retreats & meetings.
Facility Rentals Facility Rentals at Trindle Park
The Trindle Park Shelterhouse is available for rent for $35/day.
Facility Rentals Facility Rentals at Dayton Stagecoach Inn
•Fully-equipped kitchen
•Dining room
•Sitting room and full bath on both levels
•Sleeps up to nine people in three separate bedrooms
     *The Coachman Room on the first level has a single bed.
     *The Innkeeper Room on the second level has a queen bed.
     *The Bunk Room on the second level can sleep six on two bunkbeds, each with a lower double bed.
• The grounds of the Inn feature a mowed walking path, wooden deck, fire ring and grill, and picnic area.
Note: Showers allow ADA access, but the historic thick brick walls precluded the installation of wheelchair accessible doors. Bring your own bedding and toiletries.
FALL COLORS FALL COLORS at Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock is absolutely stunning when autumn colors frame the bluff and reflect off the river. Come see for yourself this fall! 
FALL COLORS FALL COLORS at Voas Nature Area
Fall is the perfect time to visit Voas Nature Area. Wide open skies, prairie views, and wooded paths all showcase the autumn colors beautifully. 
FALL COLORS FALL COLORS at Kuehn Conservation Area
The riverside bluffs, expansive prairie, and wooded hiking paths at Kuehn Conservation Area make it the perfect place to view fall colors.
Fishing Fishing at Redfield Boat Ramp
The Redfield Dam area  is 88 acres of wildlife refuge located both up and down river from the low head dam on the the Middle Raccoon River.

It is a very popular place for all types of fish lovers, from humans to bald eagles, river otters, great blue herons, belted kingfishers and many others!
Fishing Fishing at Glissman Conservation Area
Glissman Conservation Area has a 7.5 acre pond that is home to bluegill, red-eared sunfish, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish and others. 

A fishing license is required for all anglers ages 16 and above, except during the annual Free Fishing Days, which is the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday in June.
Fishing Fishing at Dawson Boat Ramp
Located 1 mile north of Dawson, the Dawson Boat ramp offers easy access for boaters and anglers to the scenic North Raccoon River water trail. The area includes a gravel parking area, paved boat ramp and 20 acres of public hunting area in a forested wetland habitat.
Historic Visits Historic Visits at Dayton Stagecoach Inn

Seth Dayton was the first registered settler in Beaver Township. As one of his numerous enterprises, he built an Inn along the old Des Moines to Fort Dodge stagecoach route. Portions of the route were later incorporated into the interurban railroad line, a light rail service that ran between Perry and Des Moines from 1909 until the 1950s. In its history, the building has been an inn, bar, and private home.

Guided historic visits may be arranged by contacting the Forest Park Museum Curator at 515-465-3577.
Historic Visits Historic Visits at Forest Park Museum
  • Forest Park Museum, which includes Hastie Hall, Baldwin Hall, and the Wagner Gallery, is free and open to the public.
  • Historical structures, such as the Alton Schoolhouse -- the last one-room school house of Dallas County-- the 1860 Grabenhorst log cabin, and the Bill Wagner Scale House, are located on the grounds of Forest Park.
  • Museums are self-guided. The museum curator is available during current museum hours. A program can be arranged by contacting the curator at 515-465-3577.
Hunting Hunting at Big Bend Wildlife Area
Big Bend is composed of 640 acres of huntable, diverse habitat. There are some nice stretches of river bottom timber along the Middle Raccoon River, fields of reestablished prairie and sections of upland forest further away from the river. 

Populations of wild turkey, pheasant, quail, wood duck, white-tailed deer, red and gray fox, mink, raccoon and many non-game species can be found in this area. 

The zig-zag boundary of the area makes it important to always know your location to avoid trespassing.  

In all Dallas County Conservation Board managed hunting areas, green signs mark the boundary of the public hunting.  Yellow signs mark any boundaries of adjacent wildlife refuges.  Hunting and trapping of any kind is not allowed in a wildlife refuge. All park users need to be aware of park boundaries and respect private property.

All Iowa Department of Natural Resources laws and regulations apply on Dallas County Conservation Board areas.

The use of non-toxic shot is highly encouraged.
Hunting Hunting at Dawson Boat Ramp
Located 1 mile north of Dawson, the Dawson Boat ramp offers easy access for boaters and anglers to the scenic North Raccoon River water trail. The area includes a gravel parking area, paved boat ramp and 20 acres of public hunting area in a forested wetland habitat.

Information about hunting on Dallas County public hunting areas.
Hunting Hunting at Hanging Rock

Hanging Rock is a 469 acre park along the Middle Raccoon River at the southwest corner of Redfield. The park features a 255 acre wildlife refuge and 210 acres are designated as public hunting land. The hunting area includes woodland, a wetland area, fields of prairie plus some crop land.

Green public hunting signs mark hunting land boundaries. All park users should be aware of boundaries and respect private property.
 
Some DCCB parks contain both public hunting and wildlife refuge areas. Yellow signs mark the wildlife refuge areas, where no hunting or trapping is allowed.
  
All Iowa Department of Natural Resources laws and regulations apply on Dallas County Conservation Board areas.

Because of its proximity to the wildlife refuge, non-toxic shot is required.
Hunting Hunting at Kuehn Conservation Area

The Kuehn Conservation Area is approximately 5 miles north of Earlham, and includes 190 acres of public hunting land, 130 acres designated for bow hunting only and 450 set aside as a wildlife refuge. At present, it is the largest area managed by the Dallas County Conservation Board.

Habitat at Kuehn Conservation Area includes prairie, woodland, riparian forests and crop fields along and near the South Raccoon River.

For all public hunting areas managed by the Dallas County Conservation Board, green signs mark the boundaries of the public hunting areas. Yellow wildlife refuge signs mark where hunting and trapping of any type is not allowed. All park users should be aware of park boundaries and respect private property.
Hunting Hunting at North Raccoon River Wildlife Area-Snyder Tract
The North Raccoon River Wildlife Area - Snyder Tract has 115 acres of public hunting, with and additional 30.5 acres set aside as a wildlife refuge.

The area is mostly river bottom timber along the North Raccoon River area. It includes several old sandpits that attract waterfowl. 

The use of non-toxic ammunition is encouraged. 

Fishing is also allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Voas Nature Area

Voas Youth Hunting
The purpose of Voas Youth Hunting Area is to increase the number of youth participating in hunting and to provide a safe environment for preserving the hunting heritage for future generations. The area is made up of approximately 20 acres of wetland, 65 acres of prairie upland, and 15 acres of woodland. Young hunters can expect to find deer, turkey, pheasant, waterfowl, and other small game. A special permit is required to utilize this area and can be obtained by calling the DCCB office at 515-465-3577. See our website for full regulations.

Voas Public Hunting
The Voas Public Hunting area is approximately 333 acres of timber and restored prairie and wetland. Hunters can expect to find deer, turkey, pheasant, waterfowl, and other small game. See our website for full regulations.

Habitat

Timber, prairie, wetland
Picnicking Picnicking at Trindle Park
Trindle Park is a beautifully wooded, secluded park just north of Van Meter, with a reservable shelterhouse, playground and modern restrooms.
Picnicking Picnicking at Hanging Rock

Hanging Rock shelter house is open-air and is first-come/first-serve.
The shelter house also may be reserved for $35 by calling Dallas County Conservation Board at 515-465-3577.

  • Picnic Tables
  • Fireplace
  • Electrical outlets
  • Lights
  • Attached restrooms
  • Nearby parking

Please note that the shelter house may be reserved year round, although the restrooms are available May-October.

Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Kuehn Conservation Area
The Kuehn Conservation Area is 770 acres of native and re-established prairie, riparian and upland forests, archaeological sites and hiking trails. Trails range from the easy strolls along the upland ridges to challenging scrambles up and down the Bemis moraine. Highlights include the bird blind (an easy hike), two rushing streams (one loaded with clay, fossils and small waterfall), and panoramic views of floodplain prairies.

Trails map
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Dayton Stagecoach Inn
Dayton Stagecoach Inn features a mowed walking path on the grounds. The Inn is only a few minutes' drive from the High Trestle Trail and Raccoon River Valley Trail.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Forest Park Museum

The Forest Park Museum complex includes:

  • 12 acres of re-established prairie and wildflowers, including a mowed path around the perimeter that encourages visitors to explore the grounds.
  • A .4 mile spur off the Raccoon River Valley Trail
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Voas Nature Area
Voas Nature Area, a 705 acre park, is a diverse habitat including oak/hickory forest, prairie, and wetland complex. The gently rolling hills lead hikers through over five miles of mowed trails to observe wildlife and the four seasons. A unique draw is the yearly tiger salamander migration. On a cold, damp night in early October, tiger salamanders migrate from their summering foraging grounds in the fields and ditches surrounding the area to their overwintering wetlands within Voas.

Trail map
Winter Activities Winter Activities at Raccoon River Valley Trail
The Raccoon River Valley Trail is an 89 mile paved multi use recreational trail - great for walking, running, roller blading, skate boarding, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and snowmobiling where allowed when conditions permit.