Des Moines River Access Points
Sites along the Des Moines River offer a mix of natural and urban improvements, bringing a greater connection to recreational activities along the water.
Site 21
On the Des Moines River
You can find Site 21 at the Cottonwood Recreation Area. This site currently offers:
- Primitive and developed campsites
- A playground
- Volleyball courts
- Multi-use trails for walking and biking
- Picnic Shelters
Improvements
Used for canoe and kayak access, this site will move downstream where it will be closer to the river channel. Additional future improvements will include:
- Cast-in-place launch
- New seating areas
- Educational signs
- Habitat improvements for conservation
Site 26
On the Des Moines River
You can find site 26 along the Neal Smith Trail and Ding Darling Greenway. This site currently offers:
- Hard surface trails
- Sycamore boat access
- Trailhead signs
- Parking
Watch a guided tour of this paddling route.
Improvements
This site is a hub for both water and land-based recreation, so restrooms are planned to accommodate more visitors.
Site 48
On the Des Moines River
Site 48 is located within Des Moines’ Prospect Park. There’s lots to see and do here, including:
- Drake University’s boathouse and rowing dock
- Safe access to the Des Moines
- River for both paddlers and motorboats
- Disc golf
- Parking, restrooms and picnic shelters
Improvements
From athletics to watersports, future improvements include:
- More fishing and hiking infrastructure
- Interpretive signage for education
- Places to sit and relax near the water
Site 51
On the Des Moines River
Site 51 lies within the City of Des Moines and features the Birdland Marina, home to the Des Moines Rowing Club. This site currently offers:
- Extensive boating amenities like rowing docks and motorized boat access
- Restrooms and other park facilities
- Captain Roy’s bar and restaurant
Improvements
In the future, Birdland Marina will serve as the primary put-in location for the downtown water trails operations. New additions to the site will coordinate with the City of Des Moines’ Birdland Masterplan and will offer:
- Canoe and kayak launch with nearby equipment rental
- Improved water access with paved parking area
- Additional signage
- Landscaping and outdoor seating
Site 87
On the Des Moines River
This site makes up part of Polk County Conservation’s Yellow Banks Park. There are many existing amenities to enjoy, such as:
- Both primitive and formal campgrounds
- An extensive trail network and river access
- Restrooms, picnic shelters, playgrounds and ballfields
Watch a guided tour of this paddling route.
Improvements
Other future improvements include:
- Relocated canoe and kayak access
- Adding additional primitive campsites
- Outdoor seating near the river
Site 106
On the Des Moines River
The Des Moines River’s final site is found within the Red Rocks Wildlife Management Area. This site currently offers:
- Public hunting access
- Boat launch
- Gravel parking lot
Improvements
Improvements will benefit park visitors, paddlers, anglers and more. They include:
- New on-water safety signage
- Picnic area
Future Sites
This project isn’t quite done yet, but we’re hard at work preparing this water trail for public use. These improvements will ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all users while providing the necessary protection for this important environment. Be sure to check back periodically for updates on this water trail, and in the meantime, feel free to explore our other amazing amenities in and along our waterways.
Future Site
Site 4
Des Moines River
Site 4 is just upstream of Saylorville Lake, along Highway 17. It is currently used by paddlers to exit the Des Moines River.
Proposed improvements to this site will improve safety and access for paddlers and others accessing the waterway.
Improvements
- Safety information helping paddlers reach the shore
- Additional parking
- Soft trails
- Bank access for canoes and kayaks
Future Site
Site 10
Des Moines River
Site 10 connects the Polk City Sports Complex with Saylorville Lake. You’ll find plenty to do nearby.
Improvements
- Educational signage along trails and points of interest
- New soft trails
- Seating areas near the water
Future Site
Site 46
Des Moines River
Site 46 runs along Euclid Avenue near the River Place complex in Des Moines. This site is connected to the Sycamore and Trestle Trail systems, providing opportunity for multiple recreational activities.
Benefits all park visitors both on and off the water.
Improvements
- Carry-down access
- Cast-in-place boat launch
- New trails with interpretive signage
- Enhancements to the parking area
Future Site
Site 64
Des Moines River
Site 64 can be found at Harriet Street, offering a gravel parking lot and motorized boat access.
The Harriet Street site will serve as a primary takeout location for paddlers completing the future downtown run.Improvements to the site benefit anglers, paddlers and other park visitors.
Improvements
- Carry-down access
- Cast-in-place launch
- Improved accessibility
- Expanded network of hard and soft trails
- Updates to the parking lot
- Wetlands
- Educational signage
Key To Amenities Icons
Bathrooms
Biking
Birding
Boating
Camping
Fishing
Food & Beverage
Hiking
Kayak & Canoe Lockers
Kayaking
Parking
Pet Friendly
Picnic
Playground
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