Raccoon River Park Boathouse 

2500 Grand Ave.
515-440-4787 / 515-222-3424

Raccoon River Park Boathouse Hours

CLOSED UNTIL 2025 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 

Boat Rental FAQ's

Do I have to rent a lifejacket? Do I have to wear a lifejacket?

• Lifejackets are provided, included, and required to be worn by ALL renters age birth to 100!

Can children be in a boat alone?

• Any person under age 18 needs a guardian to sign the paperwork but IS ALLOWED to go out on watercraft alone with a guardian's permission.

Can I call ahead and reserve a boat and rental time?

• We do not accept reservations. First come - first rent!

Can my dog be in the boat with me?

• Dogs are allowed but renter assumes all damage and must clean up all messes.

Can I have food and drink with me in the boat? What about alcohol or tobacco products? 

• You are allowed to take food and drink but NO ALCOHOL or TOBACCO!

Will I get a refund if I don't get to use my full rental time?

• There are NO REFUNDS of any kind, for bad weather, hot sun, sad children, sweat, broken equipment, lack of fish, wind, bad tempers, hard work, tipping of boat, or lack of understanding of rules. 

**Boathouse will close due to bad weather which may include rain, storm warnings and watches, and wind. Check our Facebook page for updates and announcements.

Boat & Bike Rental Fees

• Concession staff has the right to refuse service to anyone deemed to be impaired, refusing to follow rules, or exhibiting behavior seen as unsafe.
• Lifejackets are REQUIRED to be worn and fully fastened at all times, NO EXCEPTIONS!
• Possessing or drinking alcohol on any boat is prohibited.
• Driver’s license, keys, credit card, or cell phone are required to be left with the concessionaire until all equipment has been returned and inspected.
• Waivers and rental agreements must be filled out and signed by someone over 18 years of age.
• It is prohibited to allow more people in any boat than the specified maximum number.
• Circling, ramming, or climbing in and out of boats is not allowed.
• Under no circumstances are you allowed to swim from any boat or board.
• It is the responsibility of each renter to keep track of how long they have been using their equipment.
• Late charges may be assessed up to $10 per hour for every hour a boat is late in addition to hourly rates.
• Abandoning or leaving equipment unattended away from the rental facility is not allowed for any reason.
• Any equipment not returned by the end of the day will be reported to the authorities as stolen.
• There are no refunds given due to inclement weather and all boats and boards must be returned in the event of high winds or threatening skies.
• Any equipment that fails to work properly while being rented will be exchanged.  

Boat Rental Agreement/Waiver

Download/Print

Bike Rental Agreement/Waiver

Download/Print

• Cash
• Mastercard or Visa, $5 minimum on all credit card purchases
• CHECKS NOT ACCEPTED

• We do not accept reservations
• All rentals are on a first-come, first-serve basis

Concessionaire Information

CanoeSport Outfitters

203 West Salem Avenue, Indianola, Iowa 50125
515-961-6117

www.canoesportoutfitters.com

Keep up-to-date on changes, weather, and ask questions on the Boathouse Facebook Page.

Offering visitors more ways to explore Blue Heron Lake, the state-of-the-art boathouse with restrooms offers boat rentals, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, standup paddleboards and more. The boathouse also serves as a river trail and land trail hub and offers additional parking for easy access to the water. The Raccoon River Park Boathouse was funded by LOSST (Local Option Sales and Services Tax) revenue and an Iowa DNR REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection) grant.

The Raccoon River Park Boathouse is the first component of the Five Waters Project to be completed. More information about the Five Waters Project can be found here.