Attractions and Places To See around Perry - Top 7
Best attractions and places to see around Perry, Iowa, are primarily centered on its extensive network of multi-use trails. The area serves as a significant hub for outdoor activities, offering access to popular routes like the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Visitors can explore various natural landscapes and utilize facilities designed for trail users. This region provides opportunities for cycling, hiking, and water-based recreation.
Best attractions and places to see around Perry
- The most popular attractions is Perry Trail Head,…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Perry Trail Head
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Raccoon River Valley Water Trail Boat Ramp
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Dallas County Freedom Rock
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Sportsman Park Campground
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Paul Black Memorial Plaza – Bouton Trailhead
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Tips from the Community
The Freedom Rocks are a fun, patriotic tourist attraction throughout the state of Iowa that began in 1999. In all 99 counties, you’ll find a large rock painted with portraits of soldiers and local history. The Artist, Bubba Sorensen, describes the project as “a unique 99-piece mural”. This particular rock is for Dallas County. You can learn more (and access the tour guide) here: thefreedomrock.com/iowa-fr-tour
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Part of the Raccoon River Valley, and alongside some of the RRVT multi-use paved trail, this 41-mile trail passes through several counties and provides a way to kayak or canoe through new sights. The full river (middle and south) is 160 miles, according to NRP, and non-meandered, meaning the land around the river is private land owned by citizens, not the state of Iowa. This portion of the water trail is labeled Class III but the other two sections are Class II. Fishing is allowed!
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Small campground right off RRVT. $10/night for primitive and $15 for electric. I clocked three water stations, a playground, a shelter, two cabins, a modern shower house and restrooms. There’s a yellow thing by the visitors area, that’s where you self-register. Signs everywhere, very self-explanatory. So quiet and friendly. Abundant wildlife.
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Perry’s trailhead is cute, welcoming, and functional from its one-legged candycane arch to the massive car lot (48-hour parking! Woo!). Porta potty’s, upgraded water fountains, colored lawn chairs, food trucks, and a bike maintenance stand/tools are available. The trail itself splinters off in several directions. One part toward Jefferson/Dawson/Jamaica/Redfield, another toward Woodward/Ankeny, and a third section toward Dallas center/adel/waukee. The trail winds through town in a very intentional sort of way, hitting several parks, restaurants, the hospital, and showing off some of Perry’s more interesting qualities.
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The Bouton Trailhead is part of the High Trestle Trail (HTT) that links to several multi-use pathways throughout central Iowa. This small town comes through with a large parking lot, slew of picnic tables, and some trash bins. It’s right next to the post office and bar. No water fountains, unfortunately, but they do have a bike repair stand!
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The Perry Trail Head is a great place for a break when riding the Raccoon River Valley Trail. There are restrooms in the converted depot right off the trail. In the town of Perry, there are many options for food if you need to stock up on supplies before continuing on the trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main outdoor attractions around Perry, Iowa?
Perry, Iowa, is a hub for outdoor activities, primarily centered around its extensive multi-use trails. Key attractions include the Perry Trail Head, which serves as a central point for the Raccoon River Valley Trail, and the Paul Black Memorial Plaza – Bouton Trailhead, connecting to the High Trestle Trail. You can also find the Raccoon River Valley Water Trail Boat Ramp for water-based recreation.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Perry, Iowa?
Yes, Perry offers family-friendly options. The Sportsman Park Campground is located directly off the Raccoon River Valley Trail and provides primitive and electric campsites, water stations, a playground, and modern shower facilities, making it ideal for families. The town of Dawson also features family-friendly amenities and access to trails.
Where can I access the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Perry?
The primary access point for the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Perry is the Perry Trail Head. This location offers restrooms, bike maintenance facilities, and various food options in town for trail users.
What facilities are available at the trailheads around Perry?
Trailheads around Perry are well-equipped for visitors. The Perry Trail Head provides restrooms, bike maintenance stands, and water fountains. The Paul Black Memorial Plaza – Bouton Trailhead offers a large parking lot, picnic tables, and a bike repair stand.
Can I go camping near the trails in Perry?
Absolutely! The Sportsman Park Campground is conveniently located right off the Raccoon River Valley Trail. It offers both primitive and electric campsites, along with water stations, a playground, and modern shower facilities. The town of Dawson also has what appears to be a small campground near the RRVT.
Are there opportunities for water activities in Perry, Iowa?
Yes, you can enjoy water activities on the Raccoon River. The Raccoon River Valley Water Trail Boat Ramp provides access for kayaking or canoeing. This 41-mile trail passes through several counties, offering scenic views, and fishing is also permitted.
What do visitors appreciate most about the Perry Trail Head?
Visitors frequently praise the Perry Trail Head for being cute, welcoming, and functional. It features a massive parking lot (with 48-hour parking), porta-potties, upgraded water fountains, colored lawn chairs, food trucks, and a bike maintenance stand with tools. Its strategic location allows the trail to splinter off in several directions, connecting to various towns and amenities.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails or facilities in the Perry area?
Yes, the Paul Black Memorial Plaza – Bouton Trailhead, part of the High Trestle Trail, is noted for being wheelchair accessible. This trailhead offers a large parking lot and connects to several multi-use pathways in central Iowa.
Where can I find food and refreshments when using the trails in Perry?
When you're at the Perry Trail Head, you'll find many options for food within the town of Perry itself, perfect for stocking up before or after your ride. Additionally, food trucks are sometimes available directly at the trailhead.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at Sportsman Park Campground?
Visitors to Sportsman Park Campground often report abundant wildlife, making it a great spot for nature observation while enjoying the camping facilities.
What is the Raccoon River Valley Water Trail?
The Raccoon River Valley Water Trail is a significant waterway for kayaking and canoeing, with a 41-mile section passing through several counties near Perry. The Raccoon River Valley Water Trail Boat Ramp provides convenient access to this trail. The full river is 160 miles long, and fishing is allowed.
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