Project Updates

On February 17, the Great Outdoors Foundation announced that the City of Windsor Heights was selected as a grantee of the MidAmerican Energy Company Regional Fund, a $125,000 endowment invested in ICON Water Trails. PROJECT PURPOSE The project is part of a larger, multi-phase improvement plan for Colby Park, located along Walnut Creek, and is in [...]

Spring is just around the corner and it's time to start planning your outdoor adventures! ICON Water Trails is the perfect destination to embrace all that nature has to offer, whether you're a water enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys relaxing by the river. With over 150 miles of water trails, there’s no shortage of [...]

As we look back on 2024, ICON’s five key priorities of On-Water Safety, Economic Development, Workforce & Tourism Attraction, Environmental Conservation, and Access to Recreation guided every action we took. Here’s a look at what we achieved this year in these critical areas: On-Water Safety This year, ICON made significant strides in improving on-water safety [...]

As the temperature drops and the recreation season comes to an end, there are still plenty of ways to spend time along ICON Water Trails. Don’t let cabin fever set in – embrace the colder weather and explore a variety of outdoor activities this winter! Fishing ICON’s sites offer plenty of opportunities for fishing in [...]

ICON Water Trails and the Great Outdoors Foundation partnered again to hold the fourth annual Wild Prairie Showdown. With four esteemed individuals competing individually - and collectively - this event featured fundraising, fashion show, and interview categories. Team ICON was comprised of Rene "The Trailblazer" Martinez and Annie “The Freshwater Mermaid” Brandt. Check out the photos and [...]

As the summer comes to an end, we are excited to share the latest updates on our downtown projects. Significant progress has been made across several key sites, including advancements at Principal Point, new designs for Fleur Drive, and the ongoing construction at Harriet Street. Principal Point at the Scott Avenue Bridge Principal Point at [...]

Over the next month, these esteemed individuals will be using their outdoor prowess to raise awareness, support, and capital for the Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails. The competitors’ fundraising efforts will conclude at the 2024 Wild Prairie Showdown on Thursday, October 10 at Capital Square in Downtown Des Moines. This one-of-a-kind event will [...]

On April 9, the Great Outdoors Foundation announced that the City of Johnston was selected as a grantee of the MidAmerican Energy Company Regional Fund, a $125,000 endowment invested in ICON Water Trails. Project Purpose The project's purpose is to create a vibrant and dynamic recreational space that will attract locals and tourists alike. The [...]

Note: This content was originally published on June 30, 2021. To view that post, click here. As a certified canoe and kayak instructor for the Iowa DNR, I have seen it all. People buy their first boat and head to the river before understanding the environment they are about to enter and without the skills [...]

Note: This post was originally published on the Greater Des Moines Partnership's blog on May 13, 2024.  Since the beginning of time, art has been used to teach and spark conversations about the world around us. Visually representing sometimes complex concepts through illustration, performance or sculpture can help people better understand an environmental issue and [...]