Areas Found Along The North Raccoon River

The North, Middle, and South Raccoon Rivers cross Dallas County. The Middle meets the South near Redfield and becomes just the South Raccoon River. The South joins the North near Van Meter and becomes just the Raccoon River which continues on to its junction with the Des Moines River in Des Moines. This section details some Dallas County Conservation Areas found along the North Raccoon River in Dallas County.

Forest Park Museum
Forest Park Museum is located just south of Highway 141 on 16th. St. in Perry, IA. The address is 1477 K Ave., Perry, IA 50220. The park contains a cultural museum that includes a log cabin and one room school house. The museum is surrounded by an arboretum that contains approx. 100 species of trees and shrubs. There is also a butterfly garden on the grounds. Also found on the 17 acre parcel are several fields of re-established prairie and a small woodland area. The Headquarters of the Dallas County Conservation Department is located at Forest Park Museum.

Voas Nature Area
The Voas Nature Area is a 265 acre tract located approx. two miles west of Minburn, IA. The address is 1930 Lexington Rd., Minburn, IA 50167. The area contains about 150 acres of re-established prairie/restored wetland complex plus approx. 90 acres of woodland. The area also contains an excellent rock and mineral museum, a stone amphitheater, and a prairie nursery. There are several trails that let the visitor explore the woodlands, wetlands, and prairie. Modern restrooms are present.

Sportsman Park
Sportsman Park is located just east of Dawson, IA. Its address is 1375 - 130th. St., Dawson, IA 50066. The 40 acre park sits high in mostly upland woodland overlooking the North Raccoon River. Sportsman Park contains a campground with electric hookups for about twelve camping units. There is also a small non-electric tent camping area. The area also has three enclosed shelters that can be reserved for day use only. The shelters range in size from the smallest being able to hold about 25 people to the largest being able to handle at least 100 people. Modern restrooms are present. There are also picnic tables and a handicap accessible playground on the grounds. A fourth enclosed shelter has a built in fireplace and can be reserved over night. A short woodland nature trail winds through part of the park.