West Des Moines, IA
Home MenuNature Lodge at Raccoon River Park
About
The Nature Lodge, located in Raccoon River Park, offers a unique rental space in a natural setting. The building sits along the northwest shore of Blue Heron Lake and provides a place to get away from the demands of city life to slow down and relax.
Whether you are planning a company retreat or a special wedding reception, this quaint location provides you with all the convenience of modern living with an elegant, yet rustic appearance. The full Lakeview Room can seat up to 120 people comfortably. It can also be divided into three separate rentable rooms, Lakeview A, B, & C. This kitchen is only available as a rental option for an additional $35 if the full Lakeview Room is reserved.
Business Hours
Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
The building may be staffed on evenings and weekends if an event is scheduled.
Facility Rentals
| |
|
|
||
| |
|
The rental rates for the Lakeview Room are:
| 1/3 | 2/3 | Full | |
| Evenings/Weekends | $40/hr | $80/hr | $120/hr |
| Weekdays 8am-5pm | $20/hr | $40/hr | $60/hr |
Sunday-Friday: 4-hour minimum rental
Saturday: 10-hour minimum rental (April-October); 5-hour minimum rental (November-March)
All groups are required to set up the tables and chairs provided. At the end of the event, they are responsible for either cleaning the room and leaving it as they found it or paying a cleaning fee. Groups serving alcohol must pay the cleaning fee. The fee is dependent upon the amount of space rented.
Your Rental Fee Includes (all available on a first-come, first-served basis):
-
Room Set Up for small groups
-
Wireless Internet Access
-
Multimedia Projector
-
Portable Screen
-
Kitchen Facilities
-
TV/DVD/VCR System
-
Flip Chart Holder
-
White Board
-
Patio Access overlooking Blue Heron Lake
View More Pictures of the Lakeview Room
For more information or to reserve a room, call the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge at 515-222-3424.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get to the Nature Lodge?
A: The Nature Lodge is at 2500 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines. The easiest way to get there is take the Grand Avenue exit east from I-35 South and proceed two miles. The park entrance is on your right-hand side.
Q: If I rent the Nature Lodge, can I get in early to set up?
A: Your rental time includes your set up time! If you or your caterer need to get in early, you need to rent that time.
Q: What are your regulations regarding alcohol?
A: You can only serve wine or beer. No bottles are allowed. If you do serve wine or beer you will need to have an off duty West Des Moines Police Officer present. They charge $65 per hour with a 3-hour minimum. If you serve alcohol, you must pay the cleaning fee.
Q: Are the tables and chairs included in the rental amount?
A: Yes, they are, however, you are responsible for setting up the tables and chairs for your event.
Q: Do I need to clean up the room when I am done?
A: You can either clean the room and leave it as you found it or you can pay a cleaning fee. The cost of the fee is dependent on the amount of space that you rent. If you serve alcohol, you must pay the cleaning fee.
Q: What time do I need to be out of the building?
A: Your contract will state an ending time. You need to be sure that you are cleaned up and ready to leave the building at this stated time.
Q: What kind of audio/visual equipment do you have?
A: We have a screen, a projector, and a large monitor on the wall. A cordless microphone and speaker can be added to your rental with an additional fee.
Q: What sort of decorations are allowed?
A: Free-standing only. Nothing can be taped or affixed to the walls or windows. No glitter or confetti is allowed. Contact us at 515-222-3424 with further questions.