Raccoon River Excursions

The Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, located on a 17-acre site along the east bank of the Des Moines River, serve as a vibrant tribute to the contributions of Asian Americans in Iowa and the visionary leadership of Governor Robert D. Ray. Opened in the spring of 2009, these gardens feature a stunning Asian pavilion, cascading waterfalls, and beautifully arranged granite boulders that symbolize enduring moral values. Part of the CCCARiverfront Project, the gardens not only enhance the community's cultural diversity but also provide a picturesque destination that connects the Principal Riverwalk and the Des Moines Botanical Center. Funded by a combination of public and private sources, the gardens embody a commitment to fostering understanding and appreciation of different cultures as a pathway to world peace. Generated from the website