News

Get ready to shred, bruh. The swell is pumping. And soon, dear Iowan readers, we’ll need to learn some surfing lingo. On Thursday a team of surfing engineers — or engineering surfers, it’s hard to say — got their first chance to ride the waves on the Des Moines River just east of downtown’s Scott Avenue [...]

A $2 million federal funding boost will be used to build out water recreation sites at two Des Moines parks as part of the ICON River Trails. To read the full article, visit the Des Moines Register. 

DES MOINES, IA (July 27, 2026) – ICON Water Trails has reached a major milestone at Principal Point at Scott Avenue, as it enters a new phase of in-river work. Construction has been completed on all in-river elements, including the installation of the project’s whitewater feature, the waveshaper. While the in-river construction is now complete, [...]

DES MOINES, IA (June 22, 2026) – ICON Water Trails is excited to announce the launch of its Youth Adventure Education Series, beginning in July 2026. Designed to connect youth with Central Iowa's rivers and creeks, the series will provide hands-on opportunities to explore the outdoors, learn about local waterways, build confidence around water, and [...]

DES MOINES, IA (June 15, 2026) – ICON Water Trails is pleased to announce the second annual ICONic Riverfest – presented by Polk County – removed nearly 500 pounds of trash and 21 trailer loads of invasive species surrounding the region’s waterways. The event raised over $86,000 and brought together 260 volunteers at 14 cleanup [...]

Crews working on the $55 million ICON River project in downtown Des Moines are removing a large dam on the Des Moines River this week, unveiling a new rocky water feature. The new Principal Point at Scott Avenue is the centerpiece of the Iowa Confluence Water Trails, known as the ICON project. Over the next [...]

The appeal of downtown living combined with intentional investments in quality-of-life amenities has spelled success for a multiphase, master-planned community in Des Moines. Its location along the riverfront is also slated to become a whitewater park, kayaking destination and surfing location, via the Hubbell Trailhead and ICON Water Trails. With a direct connection through Gray’s [...]

Des Moines is preparing to elevate a section of the popular but flood-prone Neal Smith Trail as early as 2027 after years of periodic closures due to elevated river levels. That's not all that's in store for the stretch of Birdland Park between the Des Moines River and Birdland Drive and extending from the Second [...]

A new look for the Des Moines skyline and riverfront. Expansion of Des Moines International Airport. Multi-million-dollar investments in long-neglected areas near downtown. More pedestrian-friendly streets. All are changes coming to Des Moines this year and each is among the 10 key developments to watch in 2026. To read the full article, visit the Des [...]

Each year, the Business Record reflects on a year in the news and recognizes the people and stories that shaped Central Iowa. ... Two Rivers Park, a newly completed 9.3-acre green space on the east side of the Des Moines River, was unveiled in October and lauded for its inclusive, community-focused design. Formerly a MidAmerican [...]