Things To Do

Coon Rapids offers visitors and residents alike a wide array of things to do and see. From nature hikes to shopping, Coon Rapids is a great place to have fun. Check the business directory for locations, phone numbers and hours. Click below to view an area map or an electronic copy of our Visitors Guide or email CRDG and we will send a guide.

Lodging

The Coon Rapids Coon Rapids area offers a variety of lodging opportunities. RV campers can stay at the Riverside RV Park located just east of town. Beginning in the summer of 2008 this park will include showers and a sanitary dump station. Whiterock Conservancy, offers camping including a camp ground for horse owners, and cottage rentals. Over night accommodation with kitchen facilities are provided by “The Little House” for your home away from home.

Dining

When you are hungry, Coon Rapids offers family dining from burgers at the Coon Bowl III Bowling Alley and Restaurant to pizza and subs at Main Street Pizza. Are you in the mood for something different? Our tea room, the Soster Hus, is a perfect place for lunch or dessert. They usually feature one or more Danish items on their menu. Frohlich’s grocery has a deli available to supply your picnics. During the summer months, the Coon Rapids Golf Club is open for informal dining. For homemade baked goods Coon Rapids also boasts In the Dough Bakery. In the Dough features homemade soup for lunch. The recently opened 5th Ave Dinner serves outsanding lunches and dinners.

Events

Coon Rapids is home to the Carroll County Fair. This annual event is held each July. Each Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer a farmer’s market is held on Main Street. An annual Arts and Crafts Fair that features the works of local artists takes place in November. Figure eight racing is held four times throughout the summer. It attracts visitors from many miles. Other area and community events are scheduled throughout the year. Check the community calendar for details.

Shopping

Coon Rapids is home to a growing number of retail stores. Several feature the work of local artisans. Gifts and artwork can be purchased at Ribbons and Roses, Soster Hus, Village Hobby House, the Studio at Hidden Acres and the local pharmacy and hardware stores. For unique clothing, the New Hope Village Bargain Shoppe will have something for you. Antique lovers should check out Gary’s Antiques. While you are in the area also check out Chucks Bargain Barn located about 10 miles south west of town. It attracts shoppers from across the Midwest.

Recreational Attractions

Whether you enjoy getting close to nature, biking, hiking or hunting or golf, there are plenty of opportunities to keep you busy.

Trails

Coon Rapids is a great place to get connected to nature as Coon Rapids and Whiterock Conservancy are home to all kinds of great trails. Coon Rapids is centrally located along the American Discovery Trail, which stretches coast to coast for more than 6,800 miles and runs through 15 states and hundreds of communities, parks and wilderness areas. Today the trail in our area is routed along paved roads. Community leaders are working to reroute major portions of it to abandoned rail lines. In Coon Rapids you'll find a paved trail running along the Middle Raccoon River and bike friendly streets that connect the city's parks, playgrounds, aquatic center and business district. Scenic Riverside Park, managed by Carroll County, also offers a campground with electric and water hookups.

Whiterock Conservancy offers miles of trails for walking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and bird watching. You can also rent motorized carts to explore the area or get to secluded camping or fishing spots along the river or to one of the popular fishing ponds.

In Coon Rapids, our trails provide a connection to nature and scenic beauty. Vistas of the winding river and wooded hills and valleys abound. With several boat access ramps, the river itself provides an extraordinarily scenic winding trail for canoeists to enjoy. A canoe can be rented at Whiterock Resort.

Parks

Riverside Park is located on the east edge of town across the Cemetery Bridge. It is the location of the rapids that gave the town its name. The park includes a shelter as well as plenty of shade and parking for picnics. It provides river access for fishing, tubing and canoeing.

Just south of the park, along the river trail the 100 year old remains of the Coon Rapids Dam can be seen.

The river trail extends for several miles up and down the river from the park. The trail winds though the oak forest and pasture land bordering the river. A walk or ride along the trail provides an excellent opportunity to see and hear native birds as well as enjoy the flowers that dot the woods and open areas. The swinging bridge provides an excellent view of the rapids. The path across it leads to Cardinal Drive on the north east side of town.

Main Street Park is the oldest of the three parks in town. It housed the band stand that was a center of entertainment in the mid century. Many residents remember the joy of playing in the town band or listening to it on hot summer nights. Today it includes a picnic area and children’s play ground.

West Side Park, located at the corner of North Street and Velvet Avenue is the town’s newest park. It houses the modern Aquatic Center, tennis courts, basketball courts, several play areas, and a disc golf course. As part of our Great Place initiative a new enclosed shelter house with a fully equipped kitchen is being built. It can be rented by calling the city clerk’s office 712-999-7749.

Golfing, Bowling, Hunting, Fishing

The Coon Rapids Golf Course is located at 5th Ave and Hwy 141. This beautiful 9-hole course includes a club house were clubs and carts can be rented. The club house serves a great lunch and Sunday breakfast. It can be rented for special events. For information call the Coon Rapids Golf Association at 712-999-2880 or check out their website.

Coon Rapids has had a bowling alley for over 40 years. Currently in its third life, is known as COON BOWL III andlocated at 223 S 6th Ave. The phone number is 712-999-2281. They sponsor leagues during the fall and winter and offer many hours of open bowling.

The Coon Rapids area has some of the best deer and pheasant hunting in the United States. Good fishing spots abound in the area. Free fishing is available at the ponds at Whiterock Conservancy. These links provide information on fishing and hunting access and laws.

Birding

Our area abounds with native and migrating birds. The Wildlife Division of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has designated a large area between Coon Rapids and Guthrie Center as the state's 10th nationally-registered Bird Conservation Area (BCA).

The Raccoon River Savanna BCA is around the protected areas of Whiterock Conservancy (4,300 acres) and Springbrook State Recreation and Wildlife Area (1,300 acres), it stretches from Coon Rapids 20 miles into Guthrie County along the Middle Raccoon River.

Wetlands located south east of town as well as miles of Whiterock tails though oak savanna, wetlands and prairie provide ample opportunities to view birds and other wildlife. Check out www.whiterockconservancy.org for more information.

Other Fun Things To Do

 

Coon Rapids Area Geocaching

Annual Star Party

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