Nature Lodge at Raccoon River Park

Nature Lodge

The Nature Lodge, located in Raccoon River Park, offers a unique rental space in a natural setting along the northwest shore of Blue Heron Lake. Whether you are planning a company retreat, a graduation party, or a wedding reception, this location provides modern conveniences with an elegant, rustic appearance.

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Rental Spaces & Capacity

The full Lakeview Room seats up to 120 people comfortably. For smaller groups, the room can be divided into three separate rentable sections (Lakeview A, B, and C).

Room Section	Evenings/Weekends	Weekdays (8 am-5 pm)
1/3 Room	$40 / hour	$20 / hour
2/3 Room	$80 / hour	$40 /hour
Full Room	$120 / hour	$60 / hour

Rental Requirements

Minimums: 4-hour minimum (Sun–Fri); 5-hour minimum (Saturdays, Nov-Mar) or 10-hour minimum (Saturdays, April–Oct).
Available Hours: 8 am-10 pm (Sun-Thurs); 8 am-Midnight (Fri-Sat)
Setup: Groups are responsible for setting up provided tables and chairs.
Alcohol: Only beer, canned seltzers, and wine are allowed. Hard liquor is not allowed. An off-duty WDM Police Officer and a cleaning fee are required if serving alcohol.

Included Amenities

✔ Tables & Chairs
✔ Wireless Internet
✔ Patio access (shared with all rental groups)
✔ Large screen TV (Section A)
✔ Electric Fireplace (Section A)
✔ White board

Optional Amenities (first-come, first-served)

✔ Kitchenette (included with weekday rentals)
✔ Multimedia Projector & Screen (included with weekday rentals)
✔ Podium & Flip Chart Holder
✔ Speaker & Microphone

Contact & Location

The Nature Lodge is located at 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines.

Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 am – 5 pm (or during scheduled rentals)
Phone: 515-222-3424
Email: ParkRec@wdm.iowa.gov

Expand/Collapse Questions and Answers

Are tours available?
What sort of decorations are allowed?
Decorations
- Setup: All decorations must be tabletop or free-standing.
- Prohibited Items: Do not tape or attach anything to the walls, windows, or from the ceiling. The use of glitter, confetti, fog machines, and pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited.
- Questions: If you have specific questions about your decorations, please call us at 515-222-3424.
What kind of audio/visual equipment do you have?
Electronics & Sound
- Available Equipment: Lakeview A includes a large wall-mounted monitor. A projector and screen are available. HDMI cables are provided.
- Microphone & Speakers: You can add a cordless microphone and speaker system to your rental for an additional fee.
- Sound Permit: A sound permit may be required if you plan to have amplified sound on the patio.
What are your regulations regarding alcohol?
Alcohol Policy
- Permitted Drinks: Only beer, canned seltzers, and wine are allowed. No hard liquor is allowed. Kegs and glass bottles are not allowed on the patio or in the park.
- Security Requirements: If alcohol is served, you must hire an off-duty West Des Moines Police Officer to be present.
- Police Staffing Fees: The rate is $75 per hour with a 3-hour minimum.
- Cleaning Fee: A cleaning fee is required for all rentals where alcohol is served.
What time do I need to be out of the building?
Departure Time
- Contract Limits: Your rental contract includes a specific ending time.
- Cleaning & Departure: You must be finished with all cleaning and ready to leave the building by the time stated on your contract. All vendors must pick up items before your contracted ending time.
If I rent the Nature Lodge, can I get in early to set up?
Rental Timing & Setup
- Setup Time: Your total rental time must include the time you need for setup.
- Early or Vendor Access: If you or your vendors need to arrive early to prepare, please ensure you have reserved and paid for those additional hours.
- Building Staff: A Building Attendant will be on site during your entire rental.
How do I get to the Nature Lodge?
Directions to the Nature Lodge
- Address: 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines.
- Best Route: Take the Grand Avenue exit from I-35 and head east. Travel approximately two miles. The park entrance will be on your right-hand side.
Are the tables and chairs included in the rental amount?
Tables & Chairs
- Provided: Yes, tables and chairs are included with your rental.
- Setup: You are responsible for setting them up and arranging them for your event.
Do I need to clean up the room when I am done?
Cleaning Options
- Do It Yourself: You can clean the room yourself and leave it in the same condition you found it to avoid a fee.
- Pay a Fee: You can choose to pay a cleaning fee instead. The cost depends on how much of the room you rented. Payment must be arranged in advance.
- Alcohol Requirement: If you serve alcohol, paying the cleaning fee is mandatory.