Wild Swim Atlas

    Blue Heron Lake

    Raccoon River Park, West Des Moines, IowaLakeSeasonal swimming beach

    Directions
    Getting there

    Blue Heron Lake has a seasonal public swimming beach inside a roped area, with no lifeguards.

    Water
    Lake
    Entry
    See official website
    Swim hours
    Swimming beach: sunrise to sunset, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
    Facilities
    500-foot swimming beach, free life-jacket loaners, boathouse, boat ramp
    Lifeguard
    No lifeguards on duty.
    Dogs
    No pets on the beach.
    Managed by
    West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department

    When you can swim

    Open to swimmersClosed to swimmers

    Getting there

    Raccoon River Park is at 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265.

    41.5485, -93.7315

    Get directions

    Rules to know before you go

    • Stay inside the roped-off swimming area.
    • No alcohol, smoking, pets, glass containers or grills on the beach.
    • No boats, kayaks or fishing in the swimming area.
    • Swimming outside the roped beach area requires a permit and is allowed for training or fitness only.

    Swimming spots nearby

    All of Iowa
    Public swimming197 mi

    Lake Alvin

    Lake
    Lake Alvin Recreation Area, Harrisburg

    Questions about Blue Heron Lake

    Can you swim at Blue Heron Lake?

    Yes, swimming is permitted at the public beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from sunrise to sunset. No lifeguards are on duty.

    Do you need to book Blue Heron Lake?

    A permit is required for open-water swimming outside the roped beach area; permits are not issued for casual recreational swimming.

    Are dogs allowed at Blue Heron Lake?

    No pets on the beach.

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    DirectionsOfficial site